Hoima disburses PDM funds to more beneficiaries

HOIMA, July 15, 2025 –– Hoima District Local Government has commenced the process of disbursement of Shs 2.75 billion to a new group of beneficiaries under the Parish Development Model [PDM].

Launched in February 2022, the PDM is a government initiative aimed at transitioning 3.5 million households from subsistence farming to the money economy. Through the programme, each beneficiary receives Shs 1 million in the form of a soft loan to invest in selected enterprises such as piggery, poultry, coffee, banana and fruit growing, as well as dairy farming among others.

The disbursement exercise began recently in Kisukuma and Bombo sub-counties. The money will benefit 55 parishes across the district.

According to Dr Charles Kajura, the Hoima District Production Officer and PDM Focal Person, each parish is entitled to Shs 50 million. He noted that the funds were received in June, marking the final tranche of disbursements for the last financial year.

“All this funding is being released to support our people to engage in productive economic activities and transition into the money economy,” Dr Kajura said.

The disbursement commenced in Kisukuma on Monday, and in Bombo Sub-county, where Practical Training Centres [PTCs] were also commissioned. These centres aim to equip PDM beneficiaries with practical, hands-on skills relevant to their selected enterprises.

Dr Kajura emphasised that the training programme was introduced after it was discovered that many beneficiaries in the initial phase of the project lacked financial management skills.

“The training will empower farmers with the knowledge to properly utilise the funds, select viable enterprises, and produce at scale,” he added.

The disbursement exercise is expected to continue until mid-August 2025, by which time all 55 parishes will have been covered.

While commissioning the exercise, Hoima Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Micheal Kyakashari Muramira, cautioned beneficiaries against misusing the funds for non-productive purposes. He reaffirmed the ruling National Resistance Movement [NRM] party’s commitment to eradicating household poverty through initiatives such as the PDM.

Meanwhile, Hoima District LCV Chairperson, Uthaman Mugisha Mubarak, advised beneficiaries to invest the funds in enterprises with quick and high returns, such as poultry and animal rearing. He also warned against extortion by unscrupulous individuals, saying such acts tarnish the image of the government.

“This money is intended to help our people engage in production and move into a money economy. Therefore, it is crucial that we train beneficiaries to ensure they invest in profitable ventures,” he said.

Some of the PDM beneficiaries expressed excitement during the training sessions and pledged to put the funds to proper use.

“The good thing is that we have been trained. I will now set up a project that generates income. I’m thinking of going into piggery,” said one of the beneficiaries.

https://thecooperator.news/pdm-beneficiaries-in-hoima-city-decry-soaring-feed-prices/

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