The Town Clerk of Ndejje Town Council, Ms. Winfred Nansikombi, and the Town Agent/Parish Chief of Buyego Ward, Joseph Male Nsereko, have been remanded to Butuntumula Prison on charges of theft and conspiracy to defraud. The charges stem from the alleged theft of over Shs21 million during the disbursement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in Luweero District.
The duo is believed to have conspired with the District Commercial Officer, Mr. Noah James Semayobe, who remains at large. The Magistrate Court in Luweero, presided over by Chief Magistrate Mariam Nalujja Semwanga, heard that the three manipulated the beneficiaries list to fraudulently include 19 names of their relatives and friends who are not residents of the area.
Among those fraudulently included were two daughters of the accused Town Clerk Nansikombi, who received funds meant for legitimate beneficiaries. The suspects are also accused of conspiring to defraud 13 million shillings intended for Buyego PDM SACCO beneficiaries in Ndejje Town Council.
The accused persons denied the charges sanctioned by the Resident State Attorney. The prosecution, led by Racheal Kirabo, informed the court that more time was needed to gather evidence and requested an adjournment.
Chief Magistrate Nalujja advised the accused to apply for bail but noted that Nsereko had only one surety while Nansikombi had none. The court remanded them until July 24 and instructed the police to ensure that Semayobe is arrested and produced in court on the next hearing date.
Nansikombi and Nsereko were arrested on Tuesday by detectives from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, led by Brigadier General Isoke.
