Karamoja’s poverty puzzle: Why the PDM hasn’t delivered the promised change

MOROTO, July 9, 2025 –– Launched in February 2022, the Parish Development Model [ PDM ] was unveiled by the Government of Uganda as a transformative initiative to lift the “active poor” out of subsistence farming and integrate them into the money economy through investment in agricultural value chains.

In Kotido district, located at the heart of Karamoja, the promise of economic transformation came with a budget of Shs 12.03 billion, earmarked for PDM beneficiaries. Yet, as 2025 progresses, the cracks in the programme’s implementation are becoming increasingly visible.

Only Shs 10.38 billion has been disbursed, leaving Shs 1.6 billion undelivered to 1,641 beneficiaries. Malnutrition remains alarmingly high, affecting over 34.5 percent of households, while poverty rates continue to hover around 30.8 percent, despite significant government investment.

The funds were allocated across 58 parishes in 13 sub-counties and 2 town councils, yet many communities still face difficulties accessing their share due to poor network connectivity, low literacy among PDM SACCO leaders, and chronic staffing shortages.

Is Kotido being set up to fail? Or can the ambitions of the PDM still be realised? This investigative feature explores both the success stories and the overlooked challenges that continue to obstruct progress.

When the PDM works, lives improve

Despite widespread challenges, some parishes in Kotido district have used PDM funds effectively to boost entrepreneurship, improve agriculture, and reduce malnutrition.

Agricultural investments

In Kodoke Parish, pooled funds were used to purchase oxen for ploughing, resulting in higher crop yields. Today, the community kraal is full of oxen and sorghum, increasing food security for many households.

Improving livelihoods

Reports show that malnutrition rates have declined in some areas, thanks to increased food production and improved access to basic services. Notably, second-cycle PDM beneficiaries are using the funds more effectively than earlier recipients, suggesting growing awareness and better guidance.

Beneficiaries share their Experiences

To better assess the programme’s real impact, interviews were conducted with five beneficiaries across different parishes:

James Lokwang, a farmer in Nakapelimoru parish says: “I received Shs 1 million from the PDM in September 2024 and used it to buy oxen. The funds came late, but they have significantly boosted our production.”

Mary Adipo [shop owner, Kangole Parish]: “I received only Shs 500,000, half of what was promised. Growing my business has been difficult without full funding. We need more transparency in the disbursement process.”

Musa Kimoi, a trader dealing in produce in Kotido Sub-county sys PDM can deliver results only if the infrastructure is worked on. She says: “Even when production increases, poor road networks and rising transport costs prevent our goods from reaching wider markets. The PDM must also invest in infrastructure.”

Samuel Ikai, a livestock farmer from Rengen parish sys some members his enterprise spent the received money on drinking alcohol: “Our group used the money to buy oxen for farming, but unfortunately, some members spent their share on alcohol instead.”

Challenges undermining progress

Dependency Syndrome: expectation of free money

Decades of reliance on relief aid in Kotido have created a dependency culture. Many beneficiaries view PDM funds as handouts rather than investment capital. Without accompanying mindset-change programmes, this attitude continues to hinder sustainable progress.

Alcoholism

The resurgence of alcoholism in Kotido district is undermining the PDM. Some residents now refer to PDM money as personal money meant for drinking alcohol. Funds intended for investment are being diverted to alcohol and even marriage celebrations.

Gender Inequality: Control over funds

Although women are among the beneficiaries, in many households, men assume control over the money and make unilateral financial decisions. This results in: Misuse of funds for personal or non-productive expenses; limiting women’s economic empowerment; and domestic violence.

Voices from local leaders

Parish chiefs and local leaders attribute the delays and inefficiencies in PDM to systemic and operational challenges:

John Ocen, Parish Chief, Kotido says: “Managing the beneficiary lists is a challenge due to outdated equipment and poor internet connectivity. This creates delays and fuels public mistrust.”

Sarah Nabaasa, Parish Chief, Kangole avers: “We are understaffed, and delays in communication worsen the situation. People begin to suspect mismanagement when, in truth, the system is simply inefficient.”

Elijah Lobur, LC3 Chairperson, Rengen Subcounty says: “The PDM has great potential, but we’re seeing beneficiaries misuse funds. We need stronger monitoring and enforcement to ensure money is used for its intended purpose.”

These statements confirm that technical, administrative, and governance-related failures are contributing to the programme’s mixed results.

New government directive: Full disbursement by February 16

The government recently allocated an additional Shs 2.9 billion to Kotido under the PDM. However, only 86 percent of the total funding has been disbursed so far, with Shs 1.6 billion still undelivered.

Kotido Resident District Commissioner, Charles Ichogor, has now directed that all remaining funds be disbursed by 16 February, to fast-track the programme’s full implementation.

Meanwhile, Kotido Municipal Council reports that it has already disbursed 100 percent of its funds and is currently identifying new beneficiaries for the next phase of the initiative.

Will Kotido break free or sink deeper?

Kotido stands at a crossroads. While the PDM has clearly brought opportunities—enabling some parishes to improve agriculture, start businesses, and enhance food security—it also faces deeply embedded challenges, from alcoholism and gender inequality  to financial illiteracy and administrative inefficiencies.

The big question remains:

Will leaders enforce accountability, promote financial literacy, and empower women, or will Kotido become a cautionary tale of squandered opportunity? The answer may well define the region’s development trajectory for generations to come.

https://thecooperator.news/kotido-pdm-beneficiaries-struggling-after-misusing-funds/

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