A local council chairperson in Bukedea District has been arrested for allegedly extorting money from a woman enrolled in the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM) initiative, highlighting ongoing abuse within the program.
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The suspect, John Odeke, who chairs Kolir Village, was apprehended on Monday following a directive from the Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office. He is accused of soliciting Shs1.1 million from Anna Beatrice Amujal, a registered PDM SACCO beneficiary.
Amujal claims Odeke demanded a Shs100,000 bribe along with her National ID and SIM card in January 2025, allegedly to help process her access to PDM funds. Though he returned her SIM card weeks later, claiming delays, she later discovered she had been registered as a beneficiary without receiving any support.
Assistant RDC Arafat Oyo confirmed Odeke’s arrest, noting that this is not the first time he has been linked to similar misconduct. Despite claiming to be away at a hospital, Odeke was reportedly still in the village and later admitted to taking the money when summoned.
Authorities say this case reflects a broader pattern of corruption and interference with government development programs. The RDC’s office has pledged to intensify efforts to expose and prosecute individuals undermining initiatives meant to empower rural communities.
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