Namisindwa couple loses PDM money in house fire
NAMISINDWA, February 20, 2024 – A couple in Sililwa village, Bukokho parish, Bukokho Sub-county in Namisindwa district are counting losses after a fire gutted their house, destroying properties including Shs 2 million meant to fund income generating activities.
According to the couple, the alleged burnt money had been received under the Parish Development Model [PDM], a government programme launched in February 2022, with the aim of moving the country’s poor households from the subsistence economy to the money.
Each beneficiary of the programme receives Shs 1mln as a loan to invest in the agricultural value chain to fight poverty and improve their livelihoods. The beneficiaries are allowed to invest the money in growing coffee, fruits, grains, and vegetables, as well as engaging in dairy farming, piggery, poultry keeping, and fish farming among others.
According to eyewitnesses, the destructive fire incident allegedly started at lunchtime on Monday when the couple was not at home. Some parts of the house and properties inside got burnt into ashes, leaving the affected couple crying out for financial assistance.
Patrick Kimuku, the head of the family attributed the fire outbreak to a short circuit since it was connected to electricity. “Me and my wife we had just received Shs 1 million each from the PDM. We lost all the household property,” he said.
Kimuko appealed to government, and well wishers to support his family to build another house, saying he has no savings to do it on his own.
John Wafula, the LCIII Chairperson of Bukokho Sub-county who confirmed the fire outbreak, asked the district leadership to pardon the couple when collection of PDM loans begins.
On his part, Imran Muluga, the Namisindwa Resident District Commissioner, urged the couples to report the matter to police with evidence.
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