The Uganda Police Force, with other law enforcement agencies, is is conducting operations to identify, arrest and prosecute suspects accused of stealing Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
PDM is a flagship government initiative designed to facilitate the transition of subsistence households into the monetary economy. Funding is distributed via SACCOs at the parish level.
Theft and other forms of abuse of these funds undermine this objective and deny intended beneficiaries the opportunity to improve their livelihoods.
The operation began on 4 August 2026. It brings together the Police Directorates of Crime Intelligence, Criminal Investigations, ICT and Operations; the Professional Standards Unit; the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; Resident City and District Commissioners; the Judiciary; the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and members of civil society.
So far, the operation has covered 12 police regional jurisdictions across the sub-regions of Karamoja, Teso, Bugisu, Sebei, Bukedi, Busoga and parts of Buganda thus Luweero and Wakiso.
Arrests and court appearances
A total of 552 suspects have been arrested, of whom 492 (approximately 89%) have appeared in court.
The charges include theft, forgery, embezzlement, obtaining money by false pretences, conspiracy to defraud, extortion and cheating.
Among those arrested are:
251 SACCO Leaders
81 Parish chiefs
25 Parish Development Committee Leaders
23 local council leaders.
23 teachers and
05 District Commercial Officers
Others
Warning and appeal to the public
We warn all persons involved in the theft or diversion of PDM funds, including those in areas not yet covered by the operation, to return the money especially;
If you used forged documents to obtain money
You aided in fronting fake telephone contacts.
You made deductions from a beneficiary
We appeal to affected beneficiaries and members of the public with information about suspected theft or misuse of PDM funds to report discreetly to the nearest police station, Internal Security Organisation officer or other security officer
Timely information will help our teams identify suspects, trace diverted funds and take appropriate action. The operation will continue in other areas to protect PDM funds and ensure that they reach the intended beneficiaries
