By Temiteo Okwakol
Pakwach —Four individuals were apprehended for extorting UGX 1,624,000 from 58 Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries in Pakia Parish, Panyango Sub County. The suspects include Sacco Chairman Mr. Okwong Obonyo, Secretary Jarao Resto, Loan Officer Ofoyi Pirwoth, and Mukundi Patrick.
The arrests were made following an investigation led by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Pakwach, Mr. Paul Eseru, who confirmed that sufficient evidence had been gathered to warrant the apprehensions.
Mr. Eseru, described as the soft-spoken but tough small-weight RDC, expressed his firm stance against such malfeasance. “I will not tolerate these reprehensible acts within my jurisdiction. Let it be known that those who seek to undermine the integrity of the PDM will face the full wrath of the law. We shall not condone any form of corruption or extortion. The people of Pakwach deserve better, and I will ensure they receive it,” declared Eseru
Residents have expressed their confidence in Mr. Eseru’s leadership. A local resident, Ayirwoth Faith, while speaking to the press said, “We have put our hope in Eseru because he is good at fighting for us. His dedication to justice and transparency gives us the assurance that our interests will be protected.”
Mr. Paul Eseru and his team recently refunded UGX 1.6 million to 50 PDM beneficiaries of Faluonga Parish. This marks the fourth instance where misappropriated PDM funds have been recovered from Sacco leaders and returned to the rightful beneficiaries.