Story by Osuta Yusuf
Maracha District
Friday, October 25, 2024
Hon. Saul Abiriga, the LC3 Chairperson for Awiziru Sub-county in Maracha District, has been accused of allegedly deceiving a 75-year-old disabled man, Andrua Simon, of Otravu Village, Oluvu Parish.
Using Simon’s National ID, it’s alleged that Hon. Abiriga withdrew 900,000 UGX from the Parish Development Model (PDM) program, purportedly keeping the entire amount without giving Simon even a portion.
Since the Parish Development Model (PDM) was launched in 2022, enabling sacco groups and individual members in Maracha and other districts in Uganda to benefit, the initiative has reportedly become a nightmare for Simon, who is childless, disabled, and now claims he was used by his leader as bait to access the funds.
According to Simon, the LC3 Chairperson registered him in the Magoba Enterprise Sacco Group, took him for passport photos, signed documents on his behalf, and eventually accompanied him to Arua City to withdraw 900,000 UGX. However, Simon alleges that Hon. Abiriga kept the entire amount for himself, leaving him with nothing.
Simon said that, despite raising complaints in his village, Hon. Abiriga promised months ago to repay him in installments, beginning with 100,000 UGX. To date, however, he claims he has received nothing. “I eat only once a day, and I don’t have a wife or children to support me,” Simon said tearfully, appealing for help from the government and well-wishers.
Opima Joel, LC2 Chairperson for Oluvu Parish, shared that he has attempted to report the issue to higher authorities, but Simon’s situation remains unresolved.
Vezio Juliano, Simon’s paternal brother, expressed disappointment in the LC3 Chairperson’s actions. He noted that Simon lives in extreme hardship, unable to work or provide for himself.
When contacted on Thursday, October 24, 2024, for his response, Hon. Saul Abiriga acknowledged accompanying Simon to withdraw the 900,000 UGX. However, he claimed the money has been kept in the bank awaiting a family discussion on possible business ventures or investments for Simon. Hon. Abiriga also expressed concern that if Simon received the money directly, he might misuse it, possibly by drinking excessively.
