ALEBTONG, November 25, 2024 — Rita Namuwenge, the Emyooga National Coordinator, and PDM Consultant in Eastern Uganda, has urged the people of Alebtong district to take advantage of government initiatives like the Parish Development Programme [PDM] and Emyooga Programme to improve their economic status and fight household poverty.
Speaking during her visit to Ajuri County to assess the progress of PDM and Emyooga, Namuwenge emphasised that these two programmes were introduced by government to empower households economically and alleviate poverty.
She encouraged residents to apply for funding under these programmes, highlighting the government’s commitment to lifting people out of poverty. “Let us utilise this money, because the government is committed to ensuring you move out of poverty,” she said. “We will persuade, and even urge you to join these programmes. Even if you refuse, we will ensure you get this support to escape poverty.”
Namuwenge also issued a warning to the Parish PDM chairpersons against exploiting beneficiaries. Her office, she said, has received reports of extortion by PDM parish executives and chiefs, with amounts ranging from Shs 30,000 to Shs 100,000 being demanded from beneficiaries.
Namuwenge vowed to investigate these claims and assured that any perpetrators would face legal action and be required to refund the money. “Parish chiefs also receive a monthly facilitation of Shs 100,000,” she added.
Alebtong district has so far disbursed Shs 13 billion under the PDM. The programme aims at uplifting 39 percent of households in subsistence farming to the money economy.
According to Bob Oluk Harris, Alebtong District Commercial Officer, in the financial year 2021/2022, the district received Shs 605mln PDM money, followed by Shs 6.9bln in both 2022/2023 and 2023/2024, totaling Shs 14bln, with a balance of Shs 270mln.
Namuwenge’s message was echoed by local leaders such as Francis Obua, a beneficiary from Okumowiee village in Angetta Subcounty. Obua admitted he had used the Shs 1 million he received for his poultry business on his son’s school fees instead but expressed his willingness to repay the money if required.
In contrast, Padi Obura, Chairperson of PDM at Agwatalango village in Adwir, shared a positive experience, stating that he used the funds to buy a cow, which has since given birth. He named the calf “Yoweri Kaguta Museveni” as a tribute to the President for his direct financial support to citizens.
Calvin Obua from Omarari Parish also spoke of his success after receiving PDM funds, using the money to buy a pig. The pig later gave birth to seven piglets, which he sold for Shs 70,000 each, earning Shs 490,000 in total.
Emphasising the importance of engaging in profitable ventures, such as piggery, poultry, dairy farming, goat rearing, and coffee production, Namuwenge encouraged residents to pursue sustainable enterprises that would yield better results and lift them out of poverty.
“This is the first time in Uganda’s history that a government has channeled funds directly to the parishes for citizens’ economic empowerment,” she noted. “Being poor is now a choice. With programs like PDM and Emyooga, there are no excuses. Get involved and benefit from the funds to improve your lives.”
https://thecooperator.news/alebtong-emyooga-saccos-struggling-to-recover-over-shs-510mln/
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