The chairperson of the Lubiri Kyankwanzi Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO, Damiano Ssali, was July 14, 2025 charged with embezzling shs50 million from the government’s flagship poverty alleviation programme.
Ssali, 35, a laboratory technician and resident of Lubiri LC1, Kyankwanzi sub-county, appeared, before Principal Grade One Magistrate Christopher Opit at the Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero, where he is seeking release pending trial.
The accused was first arraigned on July 3, 2025, where he denied the charge and was remanded to Luzira Prison.
He returns to court today for the mention of the case and a ruling on his bail application.
Ssali faces one count of embezzlement under sections 18(a) and (iii) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Cap 116. If convicted, he could face up to 14 years in prison, a fine of sh6.7 million, or both.
According to prosecutor Raymond Mugisa, a senior state attorney from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Ssali allegedly conspired with others still at large to divert shs50 million from the PDM SACCO, abusing his role as chairperson to gain access to the funds.
The PDM, launched in 2022 by President Yoweri Museveni, is a flagship government initiative aimed at eradicating poverty at the household level through community-based financing, targeting the poorest living on hand to mouth.
