Rashid Kasaija, previously censured from his role as chairperson of the Western Ward Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO in Masindi central division, has been reinstated after returning the funds he had taken from SACCO members. Kasaija and his leadership were initially removed following accusations of extorting money from members seeking access to PDM finances. This prompted Isaac Bongomin, the division chairperson, to petition the RDC’s office.

At a meeting held at the division headquarters in Kihande cell, Kasaija admitted to receiving more than 5000 shillings from members, a sum agreed upon by the members themselves to expedite access to PDM cash. Upon realizing the funds were collected improperly, Kasaija refunded the money to the contributors, leading to his reinstatement.

Previously, a PDM SACCO member named Gladys accused Kasaija of removing her name from the beneficiary list after taking 15,000 shillings from her. Bongomin clarified that his petition to the RDC’s office was to address inconsistencies in the PDM program implementation, not personal opposition.