KWANIA – The low uptake of the Parish Development Model [PDM] funds in Kwania district has left leaders worried.
PDM, launched by President Yoweri Museveni in February 2022 is expected to lift 3.5 million Ugandan households out of poverty to a money economy in five years.
Government in the financial year 2022/ 2023 disbursed Shs 348mln to support the 49 parish SACCOs in Kwania, as part of the government efforts to wire Shs 100mln to support 10,594 parishes in the country.
However, since the launch of the disbursement of the funds in June 2023, only 78 out of the 1,364 PDM SACCO members have borrowed the revolving fund, raising concerns among leaders.
Nicholas Akwang, assistant chief administrative officer of Kwania wondered why many people have not shown interest in PDM money.
“Shs 5.9mln is lying idle in the 49 PDM SACCOs account in the district. Many people have not shown interest in the money they say they are fearing the loan. This is so bad, I want to encourage the public to borrow this money because the interest is low and will help them get out of poverty,” he said.
Geoffrey Alex Ogwal Adyebo, Kwania LCV chairman says, “People should not fear to borrow PDM money because they will pay the money after two years. They should borrow the money and put it to good use. If you borrow for piggery let it be for piggery with this, we can improve household income.”
Vincent Ogwang, the Aduku Sub-county LCIII chairperson blamed the low uptake of PDM funds for lack of sensitisation.
“Even the few who received the money are already misusing it. Some of the youth received the money and bought smartphones. Our people need to be sensitised. PDM is meant to get them out of poverty and everyone should embrace it,” he said.
Catharine Akello, Kwania district principal commercial officer refuted the claim, saying all was done to create awareness about PDM.
“Sensitisation was done, beneficiaries selected enterprises and received the necessary training. Few people are accessing the fund because of delays by the bank but all is being done to ensure the challenge is addressed and I hope people will eventually absorb this fund,” she said.
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