KAPCHORWA, July 14, 2026 — Sirimityo Parish Development Model Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation [Sirimityo PDM SACCO] in Kaserem Sub-county, Kapchorwa district, has elected a new Board of Directors despite a dispute that briefly disrupted the exercise over the eligibility of one of the candidates.
The election, presided over by David Labu from the District Commercial Office [DCO] days ago, brought together PDM beneficiaries from Sirimityo Parish, local leaders and other stakeholders to elect SACCO leaders who will oversee the implementation of the government’s Parish Development Model [PDM] programme at parish level.
The exercise was temporarily halted after one of the aspirants, Osbert Sayekwo, raised concerns over the eligibility of his rival, Augustine Changeywo, claiming the latter was serving as the LCII Vice Chairman and should not have been cleared to contest for the SACCO’s leadership.
Sayekwo cited the PDM guidelines, which bar serving members of the LCII Executive Committee from contesting for positions on PDM SACCO boards.
“The concern I have raised was based on the PDM guidelines, which provide clear conditions on who is eligible to serve on SACCO boards. My intention was to ensure that the election process follows the required procedures,” Sayekwo said.
The complaint sparked a heated debate among some members, with some supporting Sayekwo’s concerns while others urged election officials to allow the process to continue. After consultations, Labu guided members through the election procedures, urging all participants to remain calm and respect the outcome of the democratic process.
Voting later proceeded peacefully.
In the race for Chairperson, Changeywo defeated Musau Majid Cherubet after securing 106 votes against Cherubet’s 20 votes to become the new PDM SACCO Chairperson.
For the position of General Secretary, Arafat Malewa emerged victorious with 110 votes, while his challenger Mercy Mukimba received 32 votes.
The remaining board positions were filled unopposed after no other candidates expressed interest. The elections were conducted in line with guidance from the PDM Secretariat in Kampala, the central coordinating body for strategy domiciled within the Ministry of Local Government.
Speaking after the declaration of results, Labu congratulated the newly elected leaders and urged them to uphold transparency, accountability and proper management of PDM funds.
“I congratulate the newly elected leaders and urge them to uphold transparency, accountability and proper management of PDM funds. Their primary responsibility is to ensure prudent management of the Parish Revolving Fund and improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries through effective implementation of the programme,” he said. “I encourage all members to respect the outcome of the democratic process and work together to ensure that the SACCO achieves its objectives under the Parish Development Model.”
He reminded the new board members that their primary responsibility is to ensure prudent management of the Parish Revolving Fund [PRF] and improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries through effective implementation of the government programme initiated to boost financial inclusion in Uganda.
New Chairperson Changeywo thanked members for entrusting him with leadership of the SACCO and pledged to work with all stakeholders to strengthen the institution, promote unity and ensure responsible management of members’ funds.
“I thank members for entrusting me with the leadership of this SACCO. I will work with all stakeholders to strengthen the institution, promote unity and ensure responsible management of members’ funds,” he said. “Our focus will be on building trust among members and ensuring that the PDM funds are used effectively to improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries.”
General Secretary-elect Malewa also appreciated members for their confidence in him and committed to maintaining accurate records, promoting accountability and ensuring effective communication between the board and beneficiaries.
“I appreciate members for the confidence they have shown in me. I commit to maintaining accurate records, promoting accountability and ensuring effective communication between the board and beneficiaries.”
Despite the disagreement that marked the beginning of the exercise, the election ended peacefully, with leaders calling on members to put aside their differences and support the new board as it begins its mandate of steering Sirimityo PDM SACCO towards achieving the objectives of the PDM.
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 chains 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 enterprises such as coffee, dairy, piggery and poultry keeping, among others. The beneficiaries access the funds through the PRF, which is managed by parish SACCOs. Each parish SACCO receives Shs 100 million every financial year from the central government to support the revolving fund.
PDM SACCO Board members serve a four-year term. After their term expires, they are generally eligible for re-election depending on community support.
Following sweeping governance reforms ordered by the PDM Secretariat, newly elected or ratified Board members must undergo a “fit and proper” test by an independent vetting committee. Additionally, upon taking office, boards are required to regularise their outstanding statutory audits in compliance with the Cooperative Societies Act, which governs cooperatives in Uganda.
The PDM aims to transform households from subsistence livelihoods into active participants in the money economy through increased production, enterprise development and access to financial services.
https://thecooperator.news/coffee-farming-improves-livelihoods-of-pdm-beneficiaries-in-masaka-city/
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