In a pivotal meeting held at Rwakabengo Catholic Church on 23r Feb,2026, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Bron Kikanshemeza underscored the urgent need for accountability and effective management of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, as the ward grapples with increasing reports of mismanagement and corruption.
Kikanshemeza, who convened local leaders and the Rwakabengo ward PDM SACCO committee, emphasized that Rwakabengo ward stands out in Rukungiri Municipality for its elevated cases of improper handling of PDM resources. “Order must be restored in the registration of beneficiaries and the distribution of funds. We must ensure that the impacts of the PDM program are genuinely felt by our residents,” he stated.
During the meeting, the RDC voiced concerns that some members of the SACCO committee were exploiting their positions for personal gain. There were alarming reports of bribery, with committee members allegedly demanding payments from individuals seeking registration as beneficiaries. “This corrupt behavior has led to the registration of more tenants rather than permanent residents, severely undermining the intended objectives of the PDM,” Kikanshemeza remarked.
The meeting served as a platform for finding resolutions to these pressing challenges. Kikanshemeza directed the Municipality’s commercial department to collaborate with Local Council I (LCI) chairpersons to establish a more serious and transparent PDM SACCO committee in Rwakabengo. This initiative aims to restore faith in the program and ensure that funds are managed properly.
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Town Clerk Tumwesigye Isiah echoed Kikanshemeza’s sentiments, calling for educational initiatives aimed at informing community members about the PDM and how to fully leverage its benefits. “We need to fight against corruption and encourage community involvement in the development process,” Isiah asserted.
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Baguma Richard, Principal Commercial Officer for Rukungiri Municipality, highlighted the logistical challenges facing the PDM initiative in Rwakabengo. He noted that the high number of tenants compared to residents has delayed the disbursement of funds, urging that residents should be the primary beneficiaries. “When the number of resident beneficiaries increases, we can then consider including tenants,” he stated.
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The meeting concluded on a hopeful note, with all parties agreeing to work together to ensure that the PDM effectively fosters development in Rwakabengo ward. As residents await the implementation of these resolutions, the focus remains on transparency and accountability to restore trust in the PDM program.
