By Robert Segawa
Police and sister security agencies have arrested 552 parish and government officials over the alleged misuse, theft and extortion of funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The security operation, which was launched on August 4, 2026, has so far covered 12 police regions, including the Karamoja and Teso sub-regions, Bugisu, Sebei, Bukedi, Busoga and parts of Buganda, particularly Luwero and Wakiso districts.
Addressing journalists at Police Headquarters in Naguru, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said those arrested include 251 heads of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs), 81 parish chiefs, 25 parish development leaders and 23 local council leaders.
The list also includes 23 teachers and five district chief administrative officers (CAOs), all of whom have reportedly been arrested and produced before courts of law.
Rusoke said the cases under investigation include abuse of office, extortion, theft, diversion of funds and failure to disburse the money to the intended beneficiaries.
He added that some leaders had abandoned their homes and offices after learning that the security operation was targeting them.
Rusoke urged those on the run to report to the nearest police station and cooperate with investigators.
“I warn and advise all those involved in hiding after mismanaging PDM funds to come out and report themselves to the police,” Rusoke said.
He also cautioned leaders accused of intimidating beneficiaries against the practice, warning that threatening or intimidating people seeking to access the funds could constitute a criminal offence.
Rusoke appealed to all leaders entrusted with PDM funds to ensure their financial records and supporting documents are in order, refund any misappropriated money and cooperate with security agencies.
He warned that mismanagement of the funds undermines the objectives of the Parish Development Model, which is intended to improve household incomes and promote socio-economic transformation at the grassroots.
According to Rusoke, the operation will be extended to other parts of the country, including Bushenyi, the Rwenzori sub-region, western Uganda and Kabarole, among other areas.
He advised leaders in the targeted regions to organise their records and ensure accountability for the funds under their management to avoid arrest and prosecution where evidence of wrongdoing is established.
