A brother to Hon. Kambale Ferigo, the Member of Parliament for Kasese Municipality, has been arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of UGX 150 million meant for the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government initiative aimed at uplifting grassroots livelihoods.
According to security and local government sources, the suspect, also the Kasese District Commercial Officer, Simon Kasereka , was apprehended over the weekend by operatives attached to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit following a weeks-long investigation into irregularities surrounding PDM fund disbursement in Kasese District.
Rwenzori East Police Spokesperson Nelson Tumushiime , his file was being processed so that he is formally arraigned in court to answer to charges of misappropriation of funds.
Authorities allege that the suspect, who held a supervisory role in one of the local SACCOs under the PDM framework, connived with other officials to divert the funds intended for parish-level beneficiaries.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the accused forged documents and manipulated SACCO records to siphon UGX 150 million,” said a source within the Anti-Corruption Unit, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Further investigations are ongoing to establish the involvement of other parties.”
When contacted for comment, Hon. Kambale Ferigo distanced himself from the matter, stating that the law should take its course and that he would not interfere with the investigation.
This incident adds to the growing list of accountability challenges facing the PDM implementation, especially in rural areas where oversight remains weak.