BUSHENYI, July 31, 2025 –– Authorities in Bushenyi district are stepping up efforts to ensure the timely repayment of loans disbursed under the Parish Development Model [PDM], warning the first cohort of the beneficiaries to begin returning the Shs 1 million principal along with 6 percent annual interest. The district is celebrating notable success in loan recovery, positioning itself as a national leader in PDM disbursement and performance.
The call was made during a recent PDM stakeholders’ meeting held at the Bushenyi District Multipurpose Hall. Attendees included Parish Development Committees [PDCs], PDM SACCO Chairpersons, Parish Chiefs, Town Agents, Senior Assistant Secretaries, Town Clerks, and Community Development Officers.
Repayment Period Begins
Resident District Commissioner Emmy Ngabirano stressed the importance of beginning the repayment process.
“The loan period was three years. Two years have now elapsed, and we are entering the repayment phase,” he said.
Ngabirano clarified that repayments should be made via mobile phones, not at banks.
“Each PDM SACCO has a WENDI account—the same account through which the funds were disbursed. Beneficiaries are expected to repay in instalments, depending on their respective projects. This is a revolving fund that stays within the parish and does not return to the central government,” he explained.
According to Gordon Tumuhimbise, Bushenyi District Production Officer and PDM Focal Person, the first batch of revolving funds was released in March 2023, meaning the 24-month grace period officially ended in March 2025.
The PDM was launched in February 2022, with the aim of moving 3.5 million households from the subsistence to the money economy through investment in enterprises like coffee, dairy farming, fish farming, piggery, poultry keeping, fruit and banana farming among others.
Bushenyi’s PDM milestones
Dan Taritweba, the Principal Assistant Secretary, reported that since the 2022/23 financial year, Bushenyi has disbursed a total of Shs 17 billion, with each of the district’s 56 parishes receiving approximately Shs 308.92 million cumulatively.
“I’m pleased to report that for the 2024/25 financial year, we received the full PDM allocation before the financial year ended on 30 June. Every parish received Shs 50 million,” Taritweba said.
He commended all stakeholders for their commitment, which has seen Bushenyi ranked seventh nationally in timely disbursement of PDM funds.
Loan recovery strategy
District Commercial Officer Christine Hope Komujuni noted that some beneficiaries have already begun repayments and that recovered funds are now supporting new recipients. However, she raised concerns over the inadequate inclusion of elders and Persons with Disabilities [PWDs].
“If a parish receives Shs 100 million, at least 30 women, 30 youth, 10 elders, and 10 PWDs should benefit. We’ve received complaints from elders who have been excluded. Please ensure they are included, they are entitled to these funds,” she said.
To reinforce the recovery campaign, Komujuni pledged to organise annual general meetings (AGMs) in each parish.
“As commercial officers, we shall visit your parishes and hold AGMs to remind beneficiaries of their obligation to repay Shs 1 million plus 6 percent interest per annum. The repayment period has expired, they must begin repayments,” she urged.
She also guided beneficiaries on how to make repayments:
“Use your phone, dial *229#, and select option 6 to access the group transition loan repayment option, which reflects the 6 percent interest rate.”
Komujuni further advised SACCO Chairpersons to retain bank statements for transparency and ease of loan tracking.
Promising repayment figures
The repayment drive is already bearing fruit. Bumbaire Sub-county, which has four parishes, has so far repaid Shs 1.23 billion, with only Shs 1 million outstanding. Ibaare Sub-county has also repaid Shs 1.23 billion.
The PDM operates under seven key pillars: agricultural value chain development, infrastructure and economic services, financial inclusion, social services, community mobilisation and mindset change, parish-based management information systems, and governance and administration.
The model places the parish at the centre of multi-sectoral service delivery, implementation, and accountability. It is part of the government’s plan to transition 3.5 million households from subsistence to the money economy within five years, beginning in the 2022/23 financial year.
NRM aspirant vows support for SACCOs
Meanwhile, King Ceasor Augustus Mulenga, a prominent businessman from Kisoro district and aspirant for the National Chairperson position of the NRM Entrepreneurs’ League, has pledged to support all SACCOs across Uganda with Shs 100 million each to boost their capital base.
Speaking at a press conference held today at Agip Motel in Mbarara City, Mulenga said his commitment stems from personal engagement with entrepreneurs from all 18 NRM subregions.
He is contesting against businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba and incumbent Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, Member of Parliament for Mbarara City Division.
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