Kapchorwa: PDM SACCO Holds Inaugural SGM to Elect Vetting Committee

KAPCHORWA, July 3, 2026 – The Kaptono Parish Development Model Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation [Kaptono PDM SACCO] on Tuesday held its first-ever Special General Meeting [SGM] to elect a vetting committee that will spearhead preparations for the forthcoming election of a new Board of Directors for the organisation, based in Kaserem Subcounty, Kapchorwa district.

The SGM attracted a cross-section of stakeholders, including beneficiaries, SACCO leaders, the Subcounty Chief, Parish Chief, LCIII Chairperson, and a representative from the Office of the District Commercial Officer. The exercise marked a significant step towards strengthening governance and accountability within the SACCO as it continues to manage and disburse government funds under the Parish Development Model [PDM] programme.

The election was presided over by David Labu from the Kapchorwa District Commercial Office. Before the voting exercise commenced, he guided members through the operational guidelines governing the election of the vetting committee and explained the qualifications required of those seeking election.

Those elected to the vetting committee were Zakiya Chikasume as Chairperson, Franko Kapchemondin as Secretary, and Chebet Scarlet as a committee member.

Labu emphasised that members elected to the committee must be people of integrity, in good standing within the community, and capable of carrying out their responsibilities impartially.

“The vetting committee plays a very important role in ensuring that only suitable candidates contest leadership positions within the SACCO,” he said. “Members should elect people who are trustworthy, transparent and committed to serving the interests of beneficiaries.”

He further explained that the committee’s mandate would be to scrutinise and verify candidates intending to contest various SACCO leadership positions during the board elections, which are scheduled to take place in two weeks’ time.

According to Labu, the credibility of the entire electoral process will depend on the effectiveness and impartiality of the vetting committee.

“The purpose of vetting is to ensure that those seeking leadership positions meet the required standards and qualifications. This helps build confidence among members and promotes good governance within the SACCO,” he added.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for local leaders to address beneficiaries on matters affecting the SACCO and the implementation of the PDM programme.

Speaking during the meeting, Kaserem Sub-county Chief Khadija Chebet urged beneficiaries who had received PDM funds to prioritise loan repayment in order to sustain the revolving fund and enable more households to benefit from the programme.

She expressed concern over the growing number of overdue loans and reminded beneficiaries that the success of the programme depends on financial discipline and accountability.

“The money disbursed under the PDM is not a grant but a revolving fund intended to support many households over time,” Chebet said. “Those who have received and utilised the funds should ensure they repay according to the agreed terms so that other beneficiaries can also access support.”

She warned that failure to repay loans could undermine the objectives of the PDM and affect future access to government funding.

“We must protect this programme by ensuring that resources are used productively and repayments are made on time,” she added.

The Parish Chief also addressed the gathering and commended beneficiaries for turning up to participate in SACCO affairs. He emphasised the importance of unity, transparency and active participation in decision-making processes.

He encouraged members to remain engaged in SACCO activities and to support leaders who demonstrate commitment to accountability and effective service delivery.

“This SACCO belongs to all beneficiaries,” he said. “Its success depends on your participation and willingness to uphold the principles of transparency and responsibility.”

He further urged members to invest PDM funds in the intended income-generating activities in order to improve household incomes and transform livelihoods across Kaptono Parish.

Kaserem Subcounty LCIII Chairperson Salimo Araptai praised government for continuing to invest resources through the PDM and called upon beneficiaries to make full use of the opportunity.

He noted that the programme has the potential to transform rural communities, provided beneficiaries remain focused on productive investments and responsible financial management.

“The government has demonstrated its commitment to fighting poverty through the PDM,” Araptai said. “As beneficiaries, you have the responsibility to ensure that these funds are used wisely so that the programme achieves its intended objectives.”

He encouraged members to elect leaders who would safeguard the interests of beneficiaries and ensure proper management of SACCO resources.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Kaptono PDM SACCO, Fatinah Kassim, provided an update on the SACCO’s financial progress since its establishment.

According to Kassim, the SACCO has so far received a total of Shs 358 million from the Government under three phases of funding.

She said the SACCO received Shs 100 million during the first phase, Shs 108 million in the second phase and Shs 150 million in the third phase.

“These funds are a clear indication of the Government’s confidence in the Parish Development Model and its commitment to improving household incomes,” Kassim said.

She urged beneficiaries to safeguard the programme by ensuring the proper utilisation of funds and timely repayment of loans.

Kassim also emphasised the importance of the newly elected vetting committee, describing it as a key pillar in ensuring credible leadership elections.

“The committee elected today will be responsible for overseeing the vetting of candidates who wish to contest board positions,” she said. “This will help ensure that competent and trustworthy individuals are elected to lead the SACCO.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, members successfully elected the vetting committee, which immediately assumed responsibility for preparing the next phase of the electoral process.

The committee is expected to oversee the vetting of candidates ahead of the SACCO board elections scheduled to take place in two weeks’ time.

The election of the vetting committee is viewed as a significant milestone for Kaptono PDM SACCO as it seeks to strengthen accountability and enhance confidence among beneficiaries.

As preparations begin for the forthcoming board elections, stakeholders expressed optimism that the process would produce capable leaders who can effectively manage the SACCO’s affairs and ensure that the PDM continues to deliver meaningful socio-economic transformation to households across Kaptono Parish.

The PDM is a government initiative launched in February 2022, aimed at moving 3.5 million households in Uganda from subsistence farming to the money economy through mainly agricultural value chain such as production, processing, and trade in agricultural commodities.

Under the programme each beneficiary receives a soft loan of Shs 1 million to invest in an enterprise or project like; coffee, piggery, beekeeping, poultry, dairy, and banana growing among others. The beneficiaries get the money through the Parish Revolving Fund [PRF], run by the SACCO.

https://thecooperator.news/kapchorwa-farmers-receive-coffee-seedlings-to-enhance-household-incomes/

Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news