A Fort Portal court, led by Chief Magistrate Moses Nabende Mushebebe, has remanded three individuals to Katojo government prison for allegedly swindling funds meant for beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Kabarole District. The suspects, Godfrey Asiimwe, Fred Amanyire, and Robert Mugabe, will remain in custody until October 14, when their case, involving obtaining money by false pretence, will be mentioned again.
The prosecution opposed granting bail, arguing that it could disrupt ongoing investigations, as the PDM is a government initiative and inquiries are still underway.
Meanwhile, Esther Kobusinge, another accused, was granted a cash bail of Shs1 million, with two sureties bonded at Shs3 million non-cash. She is accused of falsely obtaining Shs200,000 from Elizabeth Kanyunyuzi, claiming it was required to access PDM funds.
Asiimwe, a principal town agent in Kyererezi Ward, faces five charges of obtaining money by false pretence from various PDM beneficiaries. He allegedly collected amounts ranging from Shs50,000 to Shs100,000 from different individuals but pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The defence lawyer argued that the accused were entitled to bail, but the prosecution countered, stating that the suspects, being town agents and SACCO chairpersons, could potentially interfere with the investigation or intimidate the beneficiaries.
Between February and August, the accused reportedly promised beneficiaries access to PDM funds in exchange for payments. Amanyire and Mugabe are accused of jointly taking Shs300,000 from Nome Nisiima, who made the payment on behalf of others to access PDM funds. Both pleaded not guilty.
The bail hearing for Asiimwe, Amanyire, and Mugabe is scheduled for October 14.