BY JOACKIM KULE
The Parish Development Model Committee for Bwenanule Ward in Muhokya Sub-county, Busongora County South in Kasese district has been suspended indefinitely for allegedly working contrary to the program’s guidelines.
The Committee which is chaired by Mr. Joseph Kighina is accused of collecting illegal sums of money from the intended beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model Program, disbursing money to the people who are not residents in the area and giving money to their spouses and children.
Its suspension followed testimonies and accusations from the community members during a meeting that was convened yesterday by the Kasese Deputy Resident District Commissioner in-charge of Busongora County, the District Commercial Officer and the leadership of Muhokya Town Council at Kahendero Station Cell.
The residents told the meeting that the committee members have continuously been collecting money from them since the Parish Development Model Program was started being implemented in the area.
According to them, many people were asked to pay money ranging from 16,000, 21,000, 30,000, 50,000 and 100,000. To their surprise, even after paying the money, their names did not appear on the list of some beneficiaries.
Mr. Kighina, the Parish Development Model Chairperson, who refuted some of the allegations, however, acknowledged having collected over shillings 2.4 million from the SACCO members to procure their own computer in order to ease their work.
The Bwenanule Ward Principal Town Agent, Mr. Kenneth Katya who oversees the implementation of the program in the area, told the meeting that he heard the rumours circulating but failed to get sufficient evidence from the complainants.
Mr. Jacob Masereka, the Town Clerk for Muhokya Town Council condemned the committee members for allegedly compromising a government program that was initiated purposely to get people out of poverty.
Mr. Simon Kasereka, the Kasese District Commercial Officer, subsequently dissolved the committee and set August 21 as the date on which new committee members would be elected to man the program.
The Kasese Deputy RDC in- charge of Busongora County, Mr. Zepher Mubingwa directed that all the people who have been members of the suspended committee should not appear on the yet to be elected committee as investigations into their allegations continue.
ENDS