Masindi, UG- Authorities have arrested two individuals for allegedly extorting money from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government initiative aimed at stimulating job creation and combating unemployment.

The suspects, John Ayesiga, Chairperson of the Tukole Hamu PDM Group in Muramura Village, and Edward Irumba, the LC1 Chairperson for Muramura Village in Kitamba Parish, Bwijanga Sub-county, were apprehended on Tuesday.

They stand accused of charging 200,000 Ugandan Shillings (approximately $54) from each PDM beneficiary in the area.

Prisca Bahangure, a member of the Tukole Hamu PDM Group, told Uganda Radio Network (URN) that they were instructed to form a group and each pay the specified amount to qualify for benefits under the PDM. Despite making the payments, Bahangure claims she has yet to see any benefits from the program.

Another group member, Sayuni Birungi, reported that since March, Ayesiga and Irumba have been collecting money from residents hoping to benefit from the PDM. This situation led the aggrieved members to report the matter to the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) in Masindi.

James Mudede, the LCIII Chairperson for Bwijanga Sub-county, acknowledged issues with the implementation of the PDM in Kitamba Parish, specifically mentioning incidents of extortion.

Emmy Ngabirano, the Deputy RDC for Masindi, confirmed receiving multiple complaints against the two officials.

The Parish Development Model, launched by President Yoweri Museveni in February 2022 in Kibuku District, aims to stimulate economic activity and reduce unemployment through various pillars.

These include financial inclusion, infrastructure development, agricultural value chain enhancement, and community mobilization. The program is designed as a parish-based revolving fund providing low-cost loans for income-generating investments.