March 10, 2025
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has successfully arraigned and secured the conviction of Ms. Sarah Atim, Chairperson of Ipito Aweno Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO in Lira City West Division.
Ms. Atim was initially charged before the Lira Chief Magistrates Court on June 1st, 2024, with obtaining money by false pretence after it was discovered that she had been fraudulently collecting money from various PDM group chairpersons. She falsely claimed to be in charge of online registration of PDM groups, misleading members into paying her.
Further investigations revealed that she had also obtained millions of shillings from thousands of PDM beneficiaries across Lira District, falsely assuring them that the payments were necessary for them to access their PDM funds.
The Lira Chief Magistrates Court has now convicted and sentenced Ms. Atim to one year, eleven months, and three weeks in prison for her role in the mismanagement of PDM funds.
This conviction serves as a warning to all individuals entrusted with managing public resources, particularly government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), that mismanagement and fraudulent practices will not be tolerated.
The Unit reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that government programs like the PDM—designed to uplift communities and transform livelihoods—are protected from abuse. All those found guilty of misusing public funds will be prosecuted and held accountable.