PDM beneficiaries in Masindi praise initiative but call for greater support

MASINDI, July 10, 2025 –– A thematic report by the Auditor General on the management of the Parish Development Model [PDM] reveals that by December 2024, Masindi district and Masindi Municipality had received over Shs 11.8 billion, all of which was fully disbursed to a total of 57 PDM SACCOs. According to the report, Masindi district received Shs 9.5 billion for 46 SACCOs, while Masindi Municipality received Shs 2.3 billion for 11 SACCOs.

Under the PDM, each beneficiary accesses a soft loan of Shs 1 million from the Parish Revolving Fund [PRF] to invest in income-generating projects such as coffee, piggery, poultry, dairy, fish farming, banana cultivation, and fruit growing, among others, to fight household poverty, and move out of the subsistence economy.

This reporter visited several PDM beneficiaries across Masindi Municipality and the wider district to assess how the funds were utilised and to understand the challenges faced.

James Mijumbi, LCI Chairperson of Kinogozi B Cell in Masindi Municipality, confirmed that most beneficiaries in his area received Shs 970,000, with Shs 30,000 deducted for bank charges. However, he noted that many were severely affected by disease outbreaks.

“Swine fever has particularly hit those engaged in piggery, while Newcastle disease has affected poultry farmers,” he said.

Patrick Muhumuza, a resident of Kinogozi Cell, said he received Shs 970,000 and used it to purchase nine piglets, but five died from swine fever just before giving birth.

“We need more training on animal disease control. Swine fever wiped out half my stock. I had such high hopes for my project, but the lack of proper sensitisation on animal health really set me back,” he said.

James Alinaitwe, from Rusangura Village in Bwijanga Sub-county, reported an increase in livestock thefts, including goats, pigs, cattle, and chickens.

“Thieves strike just as you’re preparing to sell. When we report to the police, no action is taken. Even when arrests are made, the suspects are released immediately. We appeal to the police to take this matter seriously. We’ve suffered enough,” he said, visibly distressed.

Richard Onega of Kabalye Cell in Karujubu Division, Masindi Municipality, raised concerns over delays in disbursing the funds.

“As horticultural farmers, we need these funds in time to align with planting seasons. Some people received money too late, and with no irrigation systems, it’s as good as wasted,” he said.

Nonetheless, Onega expressed gratitude to the government, saying that those who used the funds wisely have seen positive change.

“I’m grateful to the government for supporting ordinary people like us. I invested in cabbage farming, and now I earn daily. I sell each cabbage for Shs 1,000 and expect to make Shs 1.3 million after expenses. I’m even able to educate my children,” he said.

Esther Nambi from Kigulya Division, Masindi Municipality, used her Shs 1 million loan to start a mushroom project and now earns Shs 100,000 monthly.

“I can pay school fees and manage daily expenses. Without PDM, this wouldn’t be possible. I am truly thankful,” she said.

Jane Majara from Central Division, Masindi Municipality, also praised the programme. She invested her loan in poultry farming, purchasing 100 chicks in 2022. She says she has sold poultry 15 times and uses the income to pay university fees for her child.

“I’ve managed to pay for two semesters already. I now encourage fellow women to embrace the PDM. My only request to government is to increase the funds so we can expand,” she said.

However, parish chiefs overseeing the programme lunched in February 2022, noted that some beneficiaries misused the funds, largely due to a poor mindset towards government programmes.

“Because many of these initiatives are launched during political campaign seasons, people often assume the funds are handouts meant for consumption rather than investment,” one official observed.

https://thecooperator.news/kotido-pdm-beneficiaries-struggling-after-misusing-funds/

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