A meeting intended to assess the impact of the Parish Development Model (PDM) program in Kabowa turned chaotic as residents clashed with local leaders over allegations of favoritism and mismanagement of funds.
The meeting, organized by LC2 Chairperson Cissy Makanga and other local leaders, was meant to bring together beneficiaries of the PDM funds.
However, tensions quickly escalated when residents expressed dissatisfaction with the way the meeting was conducted.
Ahmed Sserwambala, the Defense Secretary of Ssembule Zone, attempted to steer the discussion towards the program's agenda but accused Makanga of deviating.
His concerns were echoed by residents who protested that the meeting had been hijacked by political interests, particularly National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters.
As tempers flared, residents demanded that NRM-related issues be addressed before discussing the PDM, further stoking tensions. Many attendees had come to see who had received the funds, only to be met with a heated exchange between the Chairperson's supporters and disgruntled residents.
Accusations of favoritism in fund distribution were leveled against Makanga, with some residents claiming she manipulated the program to benefit her close associates.
The confrontation escalated, forcing Makanga to leave the meeting abruptly. Frustrated residents called on President Museveni and other government officials to intervene, citing concerns over transparency in the program's implementation in Kabowa.
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Amid the chaos, Makanga defended herself, arguing that she was fulfilling her duties as Chairperson.
She also urged residents to focus on educating their children, warning that without education, securing employment would be difficult.
She cited her own children, whom she claimed had benefited from education and were now employed.
Abdallah Kitatta, the NRM Chairperson for Rubaga, later intervened to restore order, cautioning residents against derailing the meeting with political disputes.
He urged unity and warned against internal divisions, referencing the loss of NRM in Kawempe North due to party infighting.
The chaotic meeting highlighted growing frustrations among Kabowa residents regarding the implementation of the PDM, with calls for greater transparency and government intervention to address grievances.
