Police have arrested 552 suspects in a nationwide crackdown on the theft and misuse of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, with hundreds already appearing in court.
The operation, which began on August 4, 2026, targets individuals accused of stealing, diverting or fraudulently obtaining funds intended to support households under the government’s PDM programme.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said 492 of the 552 suspects, representing approximately 89 per cent, had already appeared in court.
“A total of 552 suspects have been arrested, of whom 492 (approximately 89%) have appeared in court,” Rusoke said.
Those arrested include 251 Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) leaders, 81 parish chiefs, 25 Parish Development Committee leaders, 23 local council leaders, 23 teachers and five District Commercial Officers, according to Police.
The suspects face charges including theft, forgery, embezzlement, obtaining money by false pretences, conspiracy to defraud, extortion and cheating.
The operation is being conducted jointly by several law enforcement and government agencies. These include the Police Directorates of Crime Intelligence, Criminal Investigations, ICT and Operations, and the Professional Standards Unit. Other participating institutions include the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Resident City and District Commissioners, Chief Administrative Officers, the Judiciary and civil society organisations.
Police said the operation has so far covered 12 regional jurisdictions across Karamoja, Teso, Bugisu, Sebei, Bukedi and Busoga, as well as parts of Buganda, including Luweero and Wakiso.
Rusoke warned individuals involved in the theft or diversion of PDM funds to return the money, particularly those who allegedly obtained funds using forged documents, provided fake telephone contacts or made unauthorised deductions from beneficiaries.
“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,” Rusoke said.
He urged members of the public and PDM beneficiaries affected by suspected theft or misuse of the funds to report the cases discreetly to the nearest police station, ISO officer or other security officer.
“Timely information will help our teams identify suspects, trace diverted funds and take appropriate action,” Rusoke said.
Police said the operation would continue in other areas as authorities seek to safeguard PDM funds and ensure the money reaches its intended beneficiaries.
