Security agencies have launched a series of operations targeting individuals accused of extorting money from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) across Kasese, Kiryandongo and Entebbe following complaints raised during campaign engagements by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The operations, coordinated by SSP Byaruhanga Mworozi, the Special Presidential Assistant on Police Affairs in conjunction with Territorial Police have so far resulted in arrests, prosecutions and convictions as authorities move to clamp down on abuse of the government’s flagship poverty alleviation programme.
In Kasese District, investigations were triggered on December 4, 2025, when residents, including Ms Masika Joy, a councillor from Kamayiba Ward, reported alleged extortion to the President during a campaign rally.
Police inquiries later established that nine enterprise groups had been defrauded by individuals posing as facilitators of the programme.
Two suspects, Biira Teopista and Biira Christine, were subsequently arrested and charged with obtaining money by false pretence. They appeared before the Grade One Magistrate’s Court in January and were remanded before being released on bail.
In a related case, Wameyo Paul and Mugisha John were also arraigned in court, while investigations into other connected files remain ongoing.
In Kiryandongo District, similar complaints emerged on December 10, 2025, prompting a joint engagement between police and affected residents in Panyadoli Sub-county. Authorities established that at least 14 cases were already under investigation.
Two of the cases have since been concluded, resulting in the conviction of six individuals, namely Akello Esther, Abalo Margaret, Bugumirwa Patrick, Aluku Joel, Amusolo Eunice and Mukwana Jacob. The remaining cases are still before court.
Meanwhile, in Entebbe, police acted on a complaint lodged on January 5, 2026, by Ms Nakasoma Tereza, also known as Nabakyala of Namulanda, who alleged that members of her enterprise group had been charged illegal fees during registration.
Police arrested Kalega Joseph and Kibowa Henry two days later. The suspects were charged with 15 counts of obtaining money by false pretence and later appeared before the Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Kajjansi.
They were remanded and are expected back in court on April 20, 2026.
Authorities said the ongoing enforcement operations are intended to expose individuals exploiting wananchi, encourage whistleblowers to come forward and deter further abuse of the programme.
The government has reiterated that access to PDM support is free of charge and warned that no official is authorised to solicit money from citizens at any stage.
Members of the public have been urged to report any cases of extortion to relevant authorities as investigations continue.
