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By Edward Akaki
Upto 15 district officials in Kitgum district have been arrested over the mismanagement of Parish Development Model funds meant to benefit the local communities.
Kitgum district registered 72 Saving and credit co-operative organizations-SACCO groups for Parish development model, PDM project.
745 millions shillings out of 1.2 billions allocated for kitgum district which was received in the first phase in the last financial year 2021/2022 with the guidelines from ministry of finance well stated to utilize the money as meant to help the poorest improve on their financial status .
Chief Administrative Officer-CAO kitgum district Mr. Joel Musisi was interdicted togather with other 14 technical staffs, who were arrested over allegations of misusing PDM money where 526 millions went missing out of 745 millions received.
The interdicted officials include Chief Administrative Officer CAO Mr. Joel Musisi, Stephen Omony Lakonyero Deputy CAO, Alfred Omony the district production officer, Barnabas Opiyo the Agricultural officer, Morris Atwon Senior Commercial officer, Guandesio Ogal the Community Development officer, Alex Opira the Commercial officer, Dennis Ocira District Agricultural Officer, Agnes Aryemo the district Accountant, Christopher Kilama the district Planner, Paul Kinyera the veterinary Officer, Christopher Obol Arwai LC5 Driver, Michael Ogweng the senior probation officer and Francis Otim District all still held at kitgum central police station CPS.
Following an alarm blown by a whistle blower, Mr. Charles Ocaya that had gone viral on different social media platforms, the President of Uganda had to send a technical team to follow up on the allegations on Monday, 22/Aug 2022.
Mrs Jovrine Kaliisa the PDM National deputy coordinator confirmed the arrest of the accused district officals with command from His excellency Yoweri kaguta Museveni who does not promote corruption in the country.
Kaliisa revealed that Musisi has a history of misuse of Public funds after he paid a contractor 328 millions Ugandan shillings in Kaabong district for a non-existing building to house the district chambers.
She added that Musisi also forced some Sub-county parish Chiefs to sign the money without recieving which were discovered during investigation before arrest.
Hon. Christopher Obol Arwai Chairperson Local Council 5 kitgum district expressed how he feels about the bad image painted by Mr.Joel Musisi on the district.
Arwai explained that the arrest of over 15 Top district officals has ashamed the District Executives which also disorganized the whole district.
He also confirmed the arrival of a new CAO, Emmanuel Uzim Olaro who was a deputy at Kole district on the 24th August 2022 replacing the interdicted Musisi.
However kitgum District Police Commander Mr.Mansour Suwed assured public to stop believing in falses information following the picture of interdicted CAO Musisi moving on social media saying he tried to escape from CPS which is not true because all the suspects are in CPS waiting for another steps since police has done with filling their case.
He urged public to minimize their words on accused people as the investigation is still going on to come with Clear suspects.
The joint security operators led by Internal Security Organisation and the state house Anti corruption units are currently making intensive operation among local Government to detect and prevent future corruption.
