Four government and local leaders in Manafwa District have been brought before court after being accused of stealing and conspiring to misuse funds meant for community development under the Parish Development Model (PDM). The case has attracted public attention because the money involved was meant to support SACCO members and improve livelihoods at the village level.
The accused include Wanzala Samuel, the Commercial Officer and PDM focal person for Manafwa District, Kashake Michael, a Community Development Officer from Bukoma Sub-county, Nelima Harriet, who serves as Treasurer of Buwanzala PDM SACCO, and Kisaka Fred, the Parish Chief of Busangayi I Village. According to investigators, the four worked together with others who are still at large.
The case was handled by the Anti-Corruption Unit of the State House, working closely with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). Anti-Corruption Unit State House Uganda collaborated with Criminal Investigations Directorate Uganda and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Uganda to bring the suspects to court.
Investigations show that in December 2025, the suspects allegedly conspired in Buwanzala Parish to steal about UGX 8 million. The money was said to belong to Buwanzala PDM SACCO and its members, who depend on these funds for small business support and household development. Instead of reaching the intended beneficiaries, the money was reportedly diverted through illegal arrangements.
Authorities further allege that the group planned and executed the fraud together, taking advantage of their positions of trust in the PDM structure. Their roles gave them access to SACCO operations and public funds, which they are now accused of abusing for personal gain.
After their arrest and questioning, the four officials were charged with theft and conspiracy to commit a felony. They were then remanded until 10 June 2026 as investigations continue and authorities pursue other suspects still on the run.
The case has raised concern among residents and leaders in Manafwa, with many calling for stricter monitoring of PDM funds to ensure they reach the intended community members. It also highlights the ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies in Uganda to crack down on misuse of government programs meant to fight poverty.
As the case proceeds in the Chief Magistrates Court in Manafwa, attention now turns to the justice process and whether more individuals connected to the alleged fraud will be arrested and prosecuted.
