ISINGIRO – On Wednesday, July 31, the Grade One Magistrate Court in Isingiro charged and remanded Isma Ayebare, a teacher and the chairperson of Rwakakoore PDM Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation, on 23 counts of acquiring money under false pretense.

Section 285 of the Penal Code Act Cap 128 prohibits obtaining money under false pretenses and carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison if convicted.

Ayebare was detained on July 30, 2024, by investigators from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) after receiving multiple complaints from alleged fraud victims.

According to the charge sheet, between June 2022 and July 2024, Isma Ayebare and his accomplices scammed Hope Twinomujuni of sh130,000 in Rukungiri village, Rwanjogyera sub-county, Isingiro district. They are still at large.

Ayebare allegedly erroneously claimed that Twinomujuni will be included on the list of beneficiaries for sh1 million under the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The charge sheet also states that Ayebare and his associates duped 23 inhabitants of Rwakakoore hamlet into believing they would be added to the PDM beneficiary list in exchange for money.

Ayebare appeared before Grade One Magistrate Ogwang Belmos Opio and rejected all 23 accusations, entering a not guilty plea.

“The court has registered a plea of not guilty, and you have the right to request for bail, providing that sureties have the necessary documents required by law,” said Ogwang.

Prosecutor Peter Rubarema Zehurikize informed the court that investigations are ongoing and requested an adjournment.

Ayebare, who had no sureties present, was detained to Isingiro Government Prison until August 14, 2024, when his case will be heard.

Mariam Natasha, a public relations officer for the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, told New Vision in a phone conversation that they had received multiple complaints about Ayebare’s suspected extortion actions, which were unacceptable.

“After obtaining intelligence-led information about the matter, we took action and arrested the perpetrator, who has been arraigned before court and charged accordingly,” Natasha reported.

She advised the public to be watchful and report any instances of extortion and corruption, particularly those using PDM money, which are intended to be delivered free of charge.

“The public should not feel frightened. Let such concerns come with facts; we will investigate anyone who try to disrupt government schemes aimed at improving the welfare of Uganda’s poorest citizens,” she added.