HOIMA – Fred Byamukama, the State Minister for Works and Transport has warned the beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model [PDM] in Bunyoro Sub-region against mismanagement of the funds extended to them, saying is meant for income-generating activities.
He made the remarks on Wednesday at Boma Ground in Hoima City during the launch of the disbursement of Shs 798 million to 794 beneficiaries from PDM 16 SACCOs registered in Hoima City.
Byamukama warned the beneficiaries against spending the money on alcohol and women, paying school fees, and buying meat but that they should invest the money to be able to move to the money economy.
He noted that this money is aimed at fighting household poverty but also that the money has saved the beneficiaries from expensive bank loans.
He urged beneficiaries who have not received the money to remain calm, saying government will be sending Shs 100mln every year to each of 10,594 parishes beginning with the current financial year.
The minister warned banks against changing the beneficiaries when withdrawing the money, saying it is supposed to be withdrawn free of charge.
“If they [banks] charge you when you are withdrawing your money just report to the RCC [resident city commissioner] and other government officials. You will see what will be done,” he told the beneficiaries.
“This money has come at the right time when farmers are preparing for the second season and I have hope that it is going to help our people to boost their income-generating activities,” he said.
He added that funds are meant to help 39 percent of Ugandans still in the subsistence economy to move the money economy, urging the beneficiaries to invest in profitable enterprises if it is to multiply so that they pay back the loans to the parish revolving fund managed by the PDM SACCOs.
“PDM is a business, so go and do the business and get money, the president has allowed you to get this money and then you will start paying it back after two years,” he said.
Hoima City mayor, Brian Kaboyo commended the government for initiating this programme, saying, “It is going to l help the poor to move out of poverty and join the money economy.”
He noted the disbursement of the money had been halted to correct the discrepancies between the information provided in the PDM Information System and the beneficiaries’ national identity cards.
The Hoima city resident commissioner, Baduru Mugabi lauded the locals in the city for embracing the PDM, saying those who have not yet got the money will get it soon after a few mistakes are corrected by the concerned officials.
He promised to continue sensitising the beneficiaries to ensure that they benefit from the programme launched in February 2022.
https://thecooperator.news/pdm-parishes-receive-shs-50mln-each/
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