Isingiro SACCO Boss Jailed Over PDM Fraud as Government Tightens Crackdown
Efforts to safeguard the integrity of the Parish Development Model (PDM) have yielded another breakthrough after the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Isingiro convicted Ayebare Isma, the former Chairperson of Rwakakoore “A” SACCO in Rwanjogyera Subcounty, for defrauding vulnerable peasants.
Ayebare was found guilty of extorting money from local residents by falsely claiming that payment of “fees” to him was a condition for accessing PDM funds.
The scheme, which targeted hundreds of households, undermined the very purpose of the government’s flagship anti-poverty program meant to transition rural Ugandans from subsistence to commercial farming.
In its ruling, the court ordered Ayebare to pay a fine of UGX 1 million and compensate all victims he cheated. Should he fail, he will serve a three-year prison sentence.
His arrest on July 31, 2024, followed a joint sting operation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and police, reflecting a heightened government resolve to root out abuse of public programs.
Authorities say the conviction sends a strong warning to officials misusing their positions for personal gain.
It also reassures communities that government is determined to protect the PDM, which has been rolled out nationwide as a pillar for grassroots wealth creation.
