Commendable efforts were made in Ntungamo district where shs8m were recovered after it was purportedly from the Rukarango-Kibatsi Parish Development Model (PDM) Sacco. The funds, which were intended for PDM projects, are said to have been misappropriated by the district commercial officer Seth Niwagaba and the Kibatsi Community Development officer Isaac Arinaitwe.
Ntungamo district had established 129 PDM Saccos to benefit from a substantial allocation of shs745 million for the program in the previous financial year. The aim was to promote development at the grassroots level.
However, the incident of embezzlement has tarnished the reputation of public servants and raised concerns about transparency and accountability.
Joveline Kyomukama Kariisa, the PDM deputy national coordinator, made it clear that the government would take strong action against corrupt civil servants who engage in such malpractices. Addressing the issue during the restitution of the stolen funds to the rightful beneficiaries in Kibatsi, Kyomukama emphasised the need to restore trust and hope among Ugandans.
She likened the misdeeds of corrupt officials to a “Gold ring in a pig’s snout,” stating that such behavior must come to an end.
Samuel Mucunguzi Rwakigoba, the Ntungamo district LCV chairperson, expressed shock at the discovery of ghost beneficiaries within the PDM system. He vowed to take severe actions against those involved in corruption, warning the technical team that they would face consequences for their misconduct.
Deputy RDC Ntungamo, Robert Niwamanya Kamuntu, praised the members of Rukarango-Kibatsi PDM Sacco for promptly reporting the theft of funds. He acknowledged that their vigilance played a crucial role in ensuring that the culprits did not escape unpunished.
As investigations continue, District commercial officer Niwagaba and Kibatsi community development officer Arinaitwe remain in custody under the watchful eye of Ntungamo DPC Hannington Bushaija Kanimi.
The recovery of the stolen funds and the subsequent actions taken by the authorities send a strong message against corruption and emphasises the government’s commitment to safeguard public funds. It is hoped that such actions will restore faith in civil servants and ensure that the allocated funds genuinely benefit the communities they are intended for.
About The Author
