Kabarole PDM SACCO members protest delayed release of funds

KABAROLE, October 3, 2024 – Members of the Nyantaboma Parish Development Model Savings and Credit Cooperative [Nyantaboma PDM SACCO] in Harugongo Subcounty, Kabarole District, have staged a protest over the delayed release of funds intended to benefit them.

The PDM is a government multi-sectoral strategy launched in February 2022,  to reduce poverty by transitioning 39 percent of households [approximately 3.5 million households] from subsistence to a monetary economy.

Led by Chairperson Wilson Musinguzi, frustrated members gathered at the Harugongo Sub-county headquarters on Tuesday, demanding an explanation from Chairperson LCIII Godfrey Musumba. They expressed their dissatisfaction, citing six months of wasted time and resources in pursuit of the PDM funds without success.

Musinguzi stated that they had completed all necessary steps but were met with repeated setbacks at Housing Finance Bank, where they opened an account. Each visit to the bank left them without answers, as they were advised to consult district leaders, who also lacked solutions.

“We did everything required, and we were told that the money is in our account, but we have never been able to access it. The trips from Harugongo to Fort Portal to visit the bank have cost us a lot of time and money,” Musinguzi explained.

Rose Kunihira, another SACCO member, voiced concerns about the impending planting season, noting that they had anticipated using the PDM funds to procure seedlings. “We are supposed to utilize this money during the planting season, but where is it? We are just going in circles, wasting time and the little money we have,” Kunihira lamented.

SACCO members aim to invest in various projects, including growing onions, Irish potatoes, vegetables, and engaging in goat and dairy farming.

In response, Harugongo Sub-county Chairperson Musumba promised to advocate for the members. “I support these members’ demands and will follow up on this matter. It is their right to benefit from this programme as Ugandans,” he stated.

Kenneth Muzoora, the Kabarole District PDM Focal Person, clarified that the funds are available in the SACCO account but noted that a mistake was made during the account opening. “They failed to include the word ‘PDM’ in their account name, which is why the bank has not released the funds. We have communicated with the Ministry of Finance and the PDM Secretariat to expedite the release of this money, as farmers are missing out,” Muzoora explained.

Since the government began releasing PDM funds, Nyantaboma and Kaswa parishes are the only ones in Kabarole District facing challenges in accessing the funds.

https://thecooperator.news/pdm-operation-rdc-warns-officials-against-corruption/