Wilson John Bangyirana, the parish chief of Nyarwimuka in Ruhinda Sub-county, Rukungiri District, has been arrested following allegations of extorting money from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
A civil servant with Rukungiri District Local Government, Bangyirana was taken into custody on Thursday, April 10, 2025, after Security Minister Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi issued a directive during a community dialogue (Baraza) held at Burembo Trading Centre.
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During the meeting, several residents accused the parish chief and members of the local PDM SACCO committee of soliciting bribes in exchange for access to government funds.
One resident, Zephurino Guhoha, claimed he was asked to pay Shs100,000 to the parish chief and another Shs100,000 to the SACCO committee before receiving funds intended for his coffee business. “I needed the capital, so I paid. But is this the proper way for such a program to operate?” he questioned.
Another local, Muhereza Arinitwe, reported being forced to pay Shs50,000 before accessing his Shs1 million allocation under the PDM. “Many others were also charged before receiving their money. We need the minister to intervene,” he added.
In response, Minister Muhwezi ordered immediate action, instructing the District Police Commander (DPC) and the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) to apprehend the parish chief and all SACCO committee members involved. “Anyone who has taken money from beneficiaries must return it or face arrest,” he warned.
District Police Commander SSP Apollo Kyangungu confirmed Bangyirana’s arrest and said a search was underway for the implicated SACCO officials.
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