Koboko, Uganda – In a decisive ruling against corruption targeting poverty alleviation funds, the Koboko Chief Magistrates Court has sentenced Parish Chief John Taban Moro to six months imprisonment. Moro pleaded guilty to charges of stealing money designated for the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The court heard that Moro, serving in Leku Parish, Drania Subcounty, Koboko District, illicitly diverted millions of shillings intended for the PDM program. Instead of disbursing the funds to eligible beneficiaries, evidence presented by prosecutors revealed he made unauthorized payments to his close family members, including his father, brothers, and sister-in-law.
This action constituted a clear double violation: Theft of public funds and a direct breach of PDM guidelines.These regulations explicitly prohibit both civil servants involved in program administration and members of their immediate household from receiving PDM benefits.
The successful prosecution was the result of a collaborative investigation spearheaded by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit working alongside the Uganda Police Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.Their efforts gathered conclusive evidence leading to Moro's arrest and subsequent arraignment.
Following his guilty plea, Chief Magistrate Her Worship Evelyn Amony convicted Moro and imposed the six-month custodial sentence. Crucially, the court also ordered Moro to refund the stolen money,an order he complied with immediately.
Magistrate Amony issued a stern warning accompanying the sentence, directed at all civil servants entrusted with public resources. She emphasized the severe legal consequences awaiting those who steal money specifically allocated for poverty eradication programs like the PDM.
This conviction underscores the ongoing efforts by Ugandan authorities to combat the diversion of critical development funds and enforce accountability for public officials. The message is clear: abusing positions of trust to siphon money meant for the vulnerable will result in both imprisonment and financial restitution.
