The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), has taken significant action against corruption in Manafwa District.
Two officials from the Bunangubu PDM SACCO were arraigned before the Magistrate’s Court on charges of Obtaining Money by False Pretense and Theft of PDM funds.
The accused, identified as Micheal Khamale, a Parish Chief of Bunangabu Parish, and David Wakuma, Chairperson of Bunangubu PDM SACCO, are alleged to have conspired between February and July 2024 to illegally demand and collect millions of shillings from hundreds of beneficiaries. This was purportedly a condition for these individuals to access the PDM funds intended for them.
According to a statement released by SHACU, the accused not only conspired to defraud but also misappropriated some of the funds meant for the beneficiaries. Fortunately, part of the stolen money has already been recovered from the suspects.
Both Khamale and Wakuma have been remanded to Luzira prison, where they will remain until their next court appearance on August 26, 2024. This case is part of a broader crackdown on corruption within the PDM initiative. Just weeks prior, on July 22, 2024, another PDM SACCO Chairperson from Mukono was arraigned for similar offenses.
Under the Anti-Corruption Act, if convicted, the accused individuals could face a prison sentence of up to seven years and fines not exceeding UGX 5.3 million. Additionally, those found guilty of fraudulent procurement could be sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison.