Residents of Bushuro Parish in Kitumba Sub-county, Kabale District, have accused Parish Chief, Blessing Mugabi Agaba of demanding bribes from beneficiaries seeking support under the Parish Development Model (PDM) program.

According to residents, Mugabi allegedly requested payments ranging from Shs. 100,000 to Shs. 200,000, with those who refused reportedly excluded from the program.

One beneficiary, Praise Kyomugisha, said she was initially asked for Shs. 200,000 but negotiated the amount down to Shs. 100,000. "I questioned whether Mugabi would take part in repaying the funds later," she said.

Similarly, Amos Tumukunde claimed he was placed on a waiting list until he paid Shs. 100,000 and urged government intervention. "The government should help us or assign a new parish chief," Tumukunde stated.

Bright Tukwasibwe added that Mugabi often removes beneficiaries from the list without explanation until they comply with her demands, warning that such practices could compromise the PDM program.

Kabale Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Michael Muramira Kyakashari, confirmed that investigations into the allegations are ongoing. He warned that Mugabi could face arrest and prosecution if found guilty and urged anyone who made payments to report to the RDC's office to aid accountability.

Repeated attempts to reach Mugabi for comment were unsuccessful.