Disease outbreaks and animal thefts hampering PDM progress in Masindi Municipality
Patrick Muhumuza, a resident of Kinogozi Cell, explained that he used his Shs 1 million soft loan he received from government to buy nine piglets, but five of them died just as they were about to give birth, reportedly due to swine fever
MASINDI, January 24, 2025 – Beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model [PDM] in Karujubu Division, Masindi Municipality, have highlighted a surge in disease outbreaks, and animal thefts as major challenges undermining the success of the government’s poverty eradication programme.
Animal diseases and losses
“Our people indeed received the Shs 1 million each under PDM, but many beneficiaries have been severely impacted by natural calamities such as disease outbreaks. Swine fever has particularly affected those who ventured into piggery, while Newcastle disease has taken a toll on those keeping poultry,” said James Mijumbi, the LCI Chairperson of Kinogozi B Cell, on Wednesday.
Mijumbi was speaking during an address to the State Minister for Youth and Children’s Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, who was recently in Masindi Municipality to assess the implementation of the PDM and other government programmes.
Patrick Muhumuza, a resident of Kinogozi Cell, explained that he used his Shs 1 million soft loan he received from government to buy nine piglets, but five of them died just as they were about to give birth, reportedly due to swine fever. “We need more education on animal disease control. Swine fever killed my pigs, and I had high hopes for my project. There needs to be much more sensitisation, particularly on disease control,” he said.
Animal thefts
Mijumbi also reported a rise in the theft of animals, including goats, pigs, cattle, and chickens, which is further exacerbating the challenges faced by PDM beneficiaries. “Thieves strike just when you’re about to sell your animals, and they walk away with them. When we report these thefts to the police, nothing is done. Even when thieves are arrested, they are released immediately. Our appeal to the police is to deal with these criminals properly so that people can live in peace. We have suffered enough,” Mijumbi said, visibly upset.
Residents also expressed frustration over the inadequate police presence in Karujubu Division, which has about 20 cells but only two police officers, making it difficult for law enforcement to act swiftly when thefts are reported.
Meanwhile, the youth in the area raised concerns with Minister Barugahara, stating that, despite being entitled to 30 percent of the PDM funds, they are not benefiting from the programme.
Gov’t response to youth concerns and theft
In response to the youth’s concerns, Minister Barugahara warned the programme implementers to ensure that funds are distributed according to the set guidelines. “The youth have been left out because they haven’t been properly sensitised to participate and benefit from the programme. Every village should be included in this programme, and people should receive funding regardless of their political, religious, or tribal affiliations. The percentage allocation for each category must be adhered to,” he said.
Regarding the theft issue, the Masindi District Police Commander, Pensive Tumusiima, assured residents that there would be no more police bonds for individuals involved in animal thefts, in line with recent directives from President Yoweri Museveni. “Those involved in animal theft will be directly presented in court without compromise. I also want to assure you that we will deploy sufficient police personnel, with at least 18 officers stationed at the sub-county level,” she stated.
On his part, Darius Nandinda, the Resident District Commissioner for Masindi, acknowledged reports of extortion within the implementation of PDM and pledged that those responsible would face consequences. “As security, we have formed a committee to investigate all cases of extortion. Anyone found guilty will be arrested and prosecuted. I have opened a desk in my office and at the DISO’s office to receive all complaints of extortion. If anyone has been extorted, please come forward discreetly and report it,” Nandinda advised.
So far, Shs 2.2 billion has been disbursed to 2,000 beneficiaries across 11 PDM SACCOs in Masindi Municipality, with beneficiaries engaged in a range of income-generating activities.
Launched in February 2022, the PDM aims to transition 3.5 million households in Uganda from subsistence farming to a cash economy within five years. As part of this initiative, each beneficiary receives Shs 1 million from the Shs 100 million Parish Revolving Fund (PRF), to invest in selected agricultural enterprises, such as coffee farming, dairy, fish farming, piggery, and poultry keeping, among others.
https://thecooperator.news/pdm-beneficiary-in-gulu-loses-chicken-to-thieves-poisoning/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
Views: 7
