Minister of Security and Member of Parliament for Rujumbura County, Maj Gen. Jim Muhwezi, has sharply criticized local leaders, particularly subcounty chiefs, over allegations of bribery tied to the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Rukungiri district.
The minister’s comments came during an engagement on the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project in the district.
The GROW Project, launched by President Museveni on March 8, 2023, during Women’s Day celebrations in Sanga, Kiruhura district, aims to increase access to entrepreneurial services for women. Approved by the World Bank on June 17, 2022, and declared effective on January 20, 2023, the project has a budget of USD 217 million and is expected to conclude on December 31, 2027. The Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development leads the project with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda as an implementing entity.
During a question-and-answer session at the event, participant Kyalimpa Peace voiced concerns about a SHs100,000 bribe being required to access PDM funds. Her statement, which resonated with many attendees, highlighted a significant issue affecting local beneficiaries.
“We as poor people need help because things have failed us. We are tired of being asked for a SHs100,000 bribe to get PDM money. If we don’t have SHs100,000 for a bribe, we never get PDM money. If the GROW project also asks for bribes, how shall we benefit?” Kyalimpa said.
Medius Kaharata Natukunda, Woman MP for Rukungiri district, mentioned that efforts to combat corruption have begun among MPs, with some supporting the ongoing censure motion in Parliament. She emphasized the need to extend these anti-corruption measures to the grassroots level and urged women to report any bribery attempts related to the GROW project.
“We have been given WhatsApp numbers to report anyone asking for bribes. We are fighting corruption in Parliament; some of us have signed the censure motion, and you’ve heard of MPs being arrested. We do not support corruption and have started efforts at the parliamentary level to end it,” Kaharata stated.
Minister Jim Muhwezi, addressing the women, sternly warned local leaders that there would be serious repercussions for those involved in bribery. He emphasized the need for a mindset change to ensure the success of government programs.
“There cannot be any development when there is corruption among leaders responsible for implementing projects. We heard allegations of SHs100,000 bribes for accessing PDM funds. I have already instructed the CAO and identified some names involved. Heads are going to roll to make sure we fight corruption,” Muhwezi asserted.
The Minister called for a broader acceptance of government programs, stressing the importance of eradicating corruption to facilitate development.
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