MASINDI– Ten Groups from Masindi Municipality and Bigando Primary School days ago received Shs 329 million from the Office of the Prime Minister [OPM]under the micro-projects and Parish development associations programme.
Jeneffer Kacha Namuyangu, the State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs handed over a cheque worth Shs 25mln to eight groups under the micro-projects and Shs 60mln to two associations under the parish committee associations programme.
Bigando primary school in Kigulya division was also given a cheque of Shs 240mln to construct two classroom blocks, an office, and a store.
Namuyangu also handed over 12,250 iron sheets to the members of parliament, the district chairperson, and the municipality mayor to hand them over to different churches, schools, and a mosque.
All the four MPs were given100 iron sheets each, the district chairperson got 200, and the Mayor 100 while the remaining balance was given directly to different churches and the institutions.
Addressing the leaders and the beneficiaries at Masindi Municipality headquarters, Namuyangu asked the beneficiaries to use the money to complement other programs like Emyooga, the Parish Development Model, and the youth capital venture fund among others.
“President Museveni’s aim is to fight the household poverty. You embrace these groups and the associations to benefit because the government is not supporting individuals. Those with little land invest in projects which require small pieces of land like coffee growing, fruits and rearing,” explained Namuyangu.
She also encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace the Parish Development Model [PDM] since it targets the local farmers at the household level.
“Starting next financial year each parish is going to get Shs 100 million to boost your household income. This is targeting 90 percent of the people who are not well off. Make sure you prepare yourselves and benefit,” she advised.
Ronald Businge Kyomuhendo, the Mayor Masindi Municipality hailed the minister for making the ministry more relevant to the people.
“As Masindi Municipality, we have benefited a lot since you assumed this office. Though we have an MP from the opposition side. We are happy that he is implementing the NRM manifesto without disturbance,” said Kyomuhendo.
Cosmas Byaruhanga, the LCV chairperson Masindi district asked the beneficiaries not to misuse the money given to them explaining that this is a seed capital that must be multiplied for them to benefit as members.
Patrick Asiimwe, the deputy town clerk Masindi Municipality noted that all the groups which have been receiving the money are doing well noting that verification was done and all the groups were found progressing well.
Ronald Akugizibwe, the MP Buruli County asked OPM to increase on the money given to the people explaining that the money given to the beneficiaries is too little to get them out of poverty.
“Each group is getting Shs 3mln and you find a group with 30 members. Can this money get them out of poverty?” He asked.
Charles Barongo, the one who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries promised to ensure that the money is put under proper use, adding that they have been given adequate training to help them benefit.
“We call upon the government to give us more support because we are determined to work and develop ourselves,” Barongo said.
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our countrywide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
Views: 1
