PDM beneficiaries in Sebei districts call for more sensitisation amid notable progress

KAPCHORWA, July 14, 2025 — The Parish Development Model [PDM], a Ugandan government initiative aimed at transitioning households from subsistence to the money economy, continues to draw mixed fortunes across the Sebei Sub-region, particularly in Kapchorwa and Kween districts.

While some beneficiaries are starting to witness tangible results, others are calling for enhanced community sensitisation and logistical support to fully realise the benefits of the government programme launched in February 2022 to fight household poverty.

Yasin Chemonges, resident of Ngesi parish, Kaserem Sub-county, Kapchorwa district, reflects on his journey with the PDM. A member of the first cohort of local farmers to receive support under the coffee enterprise initiative, Chemonges received Shs 980,000 after deductions. His experience paints a picture of cautious optimism, acknowledging both the benefits and persistent gaps within the system.

Progress and promise

Chemonges says he used the funds to expand his coffee business, buying more seedlings and improving his drying facilities. “For the first time, I can see a future in farming,” he said with cautious hope. While the amount may be modest, he believes its impact is meaningful for committed farmers. “With the right guidance, this initiative can truly transform livelihoods.”

He also commended the government’s broader development efforts, such as road infrastructure and agricultural extension services. However, he warned that politicisation of the programme was deterring genuine participation. “Some people still see it as a political gimmick. That mindset must change if we are to fully benefit.”

Challenges encountered

“The idea behind the PDM is excellent, but its initial rollout left many confused,” Chemonges said. One of the primary challenges, he noted, was a lack of proper sensitisation. “Many people didn’t fully understand what the PDM was or how to benefit from it. Some assumed the money was given to them for supporting the current government, and ignored the trainings about the programme.”

He also pointed to the logistical burden of accessing the funds. “We had to travel long distances to the bank. Transport here is expensive, and sometimes the costs outweigh the benefits,” he said.

Bank charges further reduced the effective support. “After queuing for hours, you get deductions no one told you about. You end up with less than expected,” he added.

Allegations of irregularities in Kween district

In Kween District, Leonard Chebet, a farmer from Kaptoyoy, alleged that he was coerced into making unofficial payments before accessing his PDM funds. Although approved for a Shs 1 million loan under the dairy enterprise in 2024, he claims he had to pay Shs 5,000 for loan forms, Shs 20,000 to open a bank account, and Shs 30,000 for “data and stationery.” Most concerning was an alleged Shs 50,000 bribe.

In total, Chebet lost over Shs 105,000, receiving only Shs 900,000 for his dairy project. “This money was meant to help us improve our lives, but we’re already starting at a loss,” he lamented. “If you don’t pay, you risk being left out. That’s the village truth.”

Misunderstood purpose: A case in Kapchorwa

Denis Chemusto from Weere parish, also in Kaserem Sub-county, received Shs 1 million in 2023. However, he did not invest in a business, using the funds instead to build a small house.

“I didn’t have a house of my own. I thought the money was a presidential token, a thank you gift,” Chemusto explained. “Nobody told us it was a loan or a revolving fund.”

His comments highlight a recurring issue reported by PDM technical teams and local leaders: some beneficiaries continue to view the funds as handouts rather than as strategic, repayable investments.

A story of transformation

Amid the challenges, success stories like that of Doreen Yapsiwa offer a glimpse into the PDM’s true potential. A resident of Kabukole Village in Kobil Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, Yapsiwa received Shs 1 million under the dairy enterprise in August 2023. She topped up the amount with Shs 400,000 of her savings and invested in a dairy cow.

“It wasn’t just about receiving money, it was about building something sustainable for my family’s future,” she shared.

Her investment bore fruit. The cow became a steady source of income through milk sales, and her farm was among the stops during a presidential visit, turning her into a local icon.

Doreen now has access to government support structures and is often invited to speak at community meetings. “People look up to me. I didn’t think buying a cow would bring me to this level, it’s more than dairy farming; it’s restored dignity,” she said.

She hopes to expand her dairy farm and become a supplier of improved breed calves to fellow farmers. “PDM gave me a platform. Now I want others to benefit just as I did.”

Gaps in oversight and implementation

Efforts to speak with Madam Justin Yeko Jims, the Kapchorwa District Commercial Officer and focal person for the PDM, were unsuccessful. She missed a scheduled interview and did not respond to calls.

Without her insights, questions linger around district-level monitoring and support for PDM beneficiaries in places like Kawowo.

Yasin’s concerns echo those of many others: while the vision of the programme is clear, gaps in execution, particularly in sensitisation and logistical support, remain a challenge.

Broader reflections from Kween and Kapchorwa

In Kween District, farmers expressed concerns over delayed disbursements, lack of information, and difficulty accessing agricultural extension services. During a recent public engagement, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Kenneth Twoyem, reassured citizens of the government’s commitment to addressing implementation gaps.

“This is not a political programme, it’s a social transformation agenda. Every Ugandan, especially the poor, must be empowered to engage in meaningful production,” Twoyem stated.

Leadership insights

Chepsikor Munibu, Prich Chief of Cherubei Parish, Kaserem Sub-county sys Shs 208 million has been disbursed across 15 enterprises, from crop farming to small-scale livestock.

“About 70 percent of beneficiaries are doing well. Unfortunately, 30 percent either failed to implement their plans or have no visible enterprises,” Munibu said.

He emphasised that the challenges are not just financial but also rooted in mindset and perception. “Some people think the funds are a presidential handshake. That’s a serious misunderstanding.”

Key challenges Identified include; mindset resistance where beneficiaries are still accustomed to handouts and do not grasp the accountability element of the programme; volunteer fatigue where SACCO leaders, who play a crucial role in mobilisation and oversight, are unpaid and increasingly demoralised; and Communication gaps in the form of poor dissemination of the programme’s long-term goals has led to unrealistic expectations among communities.

Recommendations

Munibu called on the government to continue mindset change campaigns, especially in rural areas where uptake takes time; Sustained fund disbursements, nd follow-ups; nd provision of facilitation for SACCO leaders to keep them engaged and effective in the programme implementation.

A call for patience, clarity, and commitment

As the PDM continues to roll out across districts, it holds promise for grassroots economic transformation. But as stories from Yasin, Leonard, Denis, and Doreen show, success depends not just on disbursed funds but on informed participation, transparency, and strong community structures.

From funding cycles to frontline leadership, the future of PDM hinges on sustained engagement and practical implementation. For many in Kapchorwa and Kween, the journey has begun, but it now needs nourishment, not just promises.

“The vision is right,” said Munibu, “but the ground realities must be addressed. Don’t stop now, fix the gaps and push forward.”

https://thecooperator.news/pdm-sacco-in-kapchorwa-district-operating-without-physical-office/

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