LIRA, June 17, 2024 - Lira district has so far received Shs 9.3 billion under the Parish Development Model [PDM], a government programme aimed at moving 39 percent of the Ugandan population stuck in the subsistence economy to the money economy.
According to Deputy Inspector of Government, Dr Patricia Achan Okiria the money so far disbursed under the PDM to Lira district is transforming the livelihoods of the active poor although there are still challenges in the implementation of the programme.
“All the beneficiaries were appreciative of the money given to them and all testified that their lives have changed for the better,” Dr Okira said last Friday while releasing the findings of the recent monitoring exercise to the technical staff of Lira district.
She noted that challenges like inadequate training on enterprise selection, expensive inputs such as veterinary drugs, diversion of funds, death of animals, drought, and diseases continue to impede the progress of the PDM in the district.
The Inspectorate of Government officials were in Lira and Lira City to monitor the progress of PDM and Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development project, looking at matters of transparency and accountability.
Another challenge noted was the lack of operational funds and misuse of the funds by both the beneficiaries and parish SACCO leaders.
“Out of 170 people [PDM beneficiaries] whose projects were inspected, two beneficiaries had misused their money and had nothing to show for it. They were from Obot PDM SACCO and Wiakot PDM SACCO,” she added.
She added that 15 beneficiaries reported that their animals/ birds died but they didn’t notify the sub-county extension workers, and other relevant authorities.
On her part, Lira Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Proscovia Ayo, said despite the challenges the PDM is impacting more people than the previous government projects. Government in the past initiated projects like Entandikwa, Prosperity for All, but these were mismanaged by the beneficiaries and implementers.
She cautioned PDM leaders against extortion, saying whoever falls culpable will face the wrath of the law.
The district LC5 chairperson, Richard Okello Orik said some SACCO leaders in the district are corrupt and have been identified.
He added that some of the parish chiefs and gombolola [sub-county] internal security officers are also extorting money from the PDM beneficiaries.
Each of the PDM beneficiaries receives Shs 1 million from the parish revolving fund [PRF], to invest in selected enterprises such as coffee, dairy farming, piggery, poultry keeping, banana growing, and fish farming among others. The money is paid back to the PRF after two years, with an interest of 5 percent per annum.
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
