Three leaders of the Opungure-Kakure PDM SACCO in Kalaki District have been charged before the Kaberamaido Magistrates Court over allegations of extorting money from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme. The suspects were arraigned this afternoon by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The court remanded them until 16th June 2026 as investigations continue into the matter.
The accused persons include Olingo Joseph, the Parish Chief of Okungure Parish in Kakure Sub-County, Edwonu James, the Chairperson of the Opungure-Kakure PDM SACCO, and Ocepa Josphat, the SACCO Secretary. Prosecutors told court that the trio, together with other suspects who are still on the run, allegedly obtained money from hundreds of desperate residents during 2024 by deceiving them with false promises of being added to the list of beneficiaries eligible for PDM financial support.
According to investigators, many residents in Opungure Parish reportedly believed the suspects had the authority to influence or secure access to government funds under the PDM initiative. This allegedly led several people to hand over money in the hope of benefiting from the programme meant to uplift household incomes and fight poverty in communities. However, authorities say the promises made to the victims were false and misleading.
The case has sparked concern among local residents, especially those who had pinned their hopes on the Parish Development Model to improve their livelihoods. Community members are now calling for tougher action against individuals accused of taking advantage of vulnerable citizens seeking government assistance. Authorities have also warned the public against paying money to anyone claiming they can guarantee access to government programmes.
The Anti-Corruption Unit reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public resources and ensuring that government poverty alleviation programmes benefit the intended people. Investigations into the matter are still ongoing, and security agencies are reportedly hunting for other suspects connected to the alleged scheme.
