Soroti City interdicts CDO over alleged PDM fraud

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Authorities in Soroti City have interdicted a Community Development Officer over alleged fraud targeting beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM), in a move aimed at allowing investigations and prosecution to proceed without interference.

Hellen Alajo, the Community Development Officer for Kengere Ward in Soroti City East Division, was suspended from duty with immediate effect by City Town Clerk Mwesigwa Joseph.

Grounds for Interdiction

According to the interdiction letter, the decision follows allegations that Alajo obtained money by false pretence, contrary to Section 285 of the Penal Code Act. The action also stems from her recent arraignment before court on April 23, 2026, where she faces charges linked to the same offence.

The Town Clerk noted that the interdiction is in line with Regulation 38 of the Public Service Commission Regulations (2009) and Paragraph 14(b) of the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders (2021).

Terms of the Suspension

Under the interdiction:

• Alajo is barred from accessing office premises except to carry out an official handover.
• The handover process is required to take place immediately in accordance with standing orders.
• She will receive half of her monthly salary during the interdiction period.
• Any withheld salary arrears will only be paid if she is cleared and reinstated.
• She is not permitted to leave the country without express authorization from the responsible officer.

Copies of the interdiction letter were sent to key city officials, including the Office of the Mayor, the Town Clerk of Soroti City East Division, the Acting Chief Finance Officer, and the Acting Principal Human Resource Officer.

Related Court Case

Alajo was earlier arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Soroti, where she pleaded not guilty to charges of obtaining money by false pretence from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model.

She was remanded and is expected to return to court on May 27, 2026.

The interdiction highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to address alleged abuse of public programmes, particularly the Parish Development Model, which is designed to support household income generation at the grassroots.

Officials say administrative action, alongside criminal proceedings, is critical to maintaining accountability and restoring public trust in government service delivery.