Government Chief Whip Obua urges Lango to embrace PDM

The newly appointed Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua has appealed to the population to embrace Parish Development Model (PDM) as a vehicle to deliver them from the trap of poverty, food insecurity and low household incomes.

The former Minister of State for Education and Sports, who is also Ajuri County Member of Parliament, said PDM targets people in the subsistence farming to help them graduate into money making economy.

He was speaking recently at Opinion Bar in Lira City after he was accorded a heroic welcome by hundreds of residents on his first visit since his appointment to the cabinet position.

“This demonstrates the support and solidarity of the people of Lango and Ajuri in particular to their leader,” Obua said.

“I appeal to you, the support you accorded to me should also be extended to government programmes such as PDM, Emyooga among others so that we kick poverty out of our homes,” he said.

The government has earmarked at least Shs 1 trillion for the PDM plan. The money will be distributed among the 10,594 parishes across the country starting this financial year 2022/2023. Already, some money has been sent to a few select parishes.

The aim is to hand Shs 100 mln per year to every parish so organised groups can on-lend the amount to members at very low interest.

Projects to be targeted include those aimed at increasing production, food processing and marketing, among other related services.

Obua thanked President Yoweri Museveni for appointing him.

“I commit to serve the people of Ajuri, Lango, Northern Uganda and the entire nation,” he said.

Museveni appointed Obua after previous office holder Thomas Tayebwa, became Deputy Speaker in March 2022.

Tayebwa replaced Speaker Anita Among, who herself became Speaker following the death in the United States of Jacob Oulanya.