Mugula Dan
12, 10, 2026
KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Police Force has arrested 552 suspects over the alleged theft and misuse of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, warning that the ongoing operation will be extended to other parts of the country.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said 429 suspects had appeared in court since the operation began on August 4, as security agencies intensify efforts to protect public funds and ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries.
Speaking to journalists at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kituuma said the suspects face charges including theft, forgery, embezzlement, extortion, obtaining money by false pretence, conspiracy to defraud and cheating.
Those arrested include 251 SACCO leaders, 81 parish chiefs, 25 parish development committee leaders, 23 local council leaders and their representatives, 23 teachers and five district commercial officers. Others fall into different categories.
The operation has covered 12 police regional jurisdictions, including Karamoja, Teso, Bugisu, Sebei, Bukedi, Busoga, and parts of Buganda, particularly Luwero and Wakiso districts.
Kituuma warned individuals involved in fraudulent transactions, illegal deductions and extortion to refund the money, adding that the crackdown would reach other areas, including Bushenyi and the Rwenzori region.
He also cautioned suspects against intimidating beneficiaries who report cases of PDM funds abuse, urging the public to provide information to help investigators identify suspects and trace diverted funds.
The operation brings together police units, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Internal Security Organisation, local government officials and other stakeholders.
The Parish Development Model is a flagship government programme designed to help subsistence households transition into the money economy through funding channelled via parish-level SACCOs.
Kituuma said stealing or abusing the funds undermines the programme’s objectives and denies beneficiaries opportunities to improve their livelihoods. Police say the operations will continue across the country to ensure accountability and protect the programme.
