The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Isingiro has convicted Ayebare Isma, the former Chairperson of Rwakakoore “A” Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO in Rwanjogyera Subcounty, for extorting money from unsuspecting farmers under the pretense of facilitating their access to government funds.
Ayebare was found guilty of fraudulently obtaining money from hundreds of beneficiaries by falsely claiming that payments to him were a mandatory requirement for participation in the PDM program. The court sentenced him to a fine of UGX 1 million and ordered him to compensate the victims he defrauded. If he fails to make the payment, he will face three years in prison.
The case arose from a joint operation led by State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) worked with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Isingiro, which led to Ayebare’s arrest on July 31, 2024. Investigations revealed that during his tenure as SACCO chairperson, he abused his position of trust by demanding illegal payments from community members eager to benefit from the government’s flagship poverty alleviation program.
The Parish Development Model (PDM), launched in 2022, aims to empower rural households by extending financial support and resources at the parish level, particularly targeting smallholder farmers and vulnerable groups. However, the program has been undermined in some areas by corrupt local leaders who exploit beneficiaries.
Delivering the judgment, the Chief Magistrate emphasized that the conviction should serve as a deterrent to other leaders managing government programs. “Public funds and development programs are meant to uplift the poor, not to enrich a few through corruption and deceit. This court will not hesitate to punish such abuse of office,” the magistrate ruled.
As State House Anti-Corruption Unit we welcomed the ruling, reiterating its commitment to collaborating with communities to expose and prosecute cases of extortion in the implementation of the PDM.
Local leaders in Isingiro also praised the conviction, noting that it restores hope among residents who had lost trust in the system. One beneficiary remarked that the ruling proves “no one is above the law, even if they hold leadership positions in SACCOs.”
This case has renewed calls for stronger oversight of PDM SACCO operations to ensure that funds reach their intended beneficiaries without corruption or manipulation.