PDM SACCO in Kapchorwa district operating without physical office
The SACCO's leaders have been managing its operations in a temporary setup
KAPCHORWA, April 1, 2025 — The Sirimityo Parish Development Model [PDM)] SACCO in Kaserem Subcounty, Kapchorwa district, has been operating without a physical office, leaving its members without a centralised location to access essential services.
The SACCO’s leaders have been managing its operations in a temporary setup. Members have had to convene under a tree or in makeshift shelters due to the absence of an office space.
In an attempt to address this challenge, SACCO members have come together to pool funds for securing a physical office. This collective effort highlights the members’ commitment to establishing a functional and efficient SACCO.
The lack of a proper office has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the SACCO. Members have expressed difficulties in accessing important documents, tracking records, managing transactions, and obtaining timely information about SACCO activities meant to fight household poverty.
As the Government of Uganda continues to roll out the PDM programme nationwide, there are growing calls for intervention to tackle the infrastructural challenges faced by PDM SACCOs, such as the Sirimityo Parish PDM SACCO.
The operational challenges faced by the Sirimityo PDM SACCO underscore the need for sustained government support and investment in infrastructure to ensure the success of the PDM programme, a local leader told this reporter.
The SACCO Chairman, Augustine Changeywo, explained in an interview that, despite the challenges, they have successfully disbursed the PDM funds to members.
In 2023, he said, “The SACCO disbursed Shs 108 million to its members in the first phase. In 2024, a further Shs 100 million was disbursed in the second phase to support business growth.” He added that the SACCO expects to receive Shs 50 million for disbursement in the third phase of the funding.
When asked about the SACCO’s future plans, Changeywo expressed optimism about the organisation’s prospects. He stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and member participation in driving the SACCO’s success.
As the SACCO prepares to disburse the Shs 50 million, members are eagerly anticipating the opportunities this funding will bring.
Members’ reactions to the Chairperson’s appeal for contributions
SACCO members who spoke to this reporter welcomed the idea of securing office space and said they would contribute the requested money. “It is a pity that our SACCO operates without an office, but we have decided to contribute funds so that our leaders can hire office space,” one member, who preferred to remain anonymous, told this reporter.
The Parish Chief, Razia Yamusobo, commended the members for recognising the importance of acquiring office space. She emphasised the need for members to prioritise this goal, citing examples of other PDM SACCOs with office spaces that are steadily growing.
During the reverification exercise of PDM beneficiaries, the Parish Chief raised concerns about the misuse of funds. She noted that some beneficiaries had not attended the general meeting, raising suspicions that they viewed the funds as a presidential token rather than a loan for economic empowerment.
In light of this, the reverification exercise aims to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries receive the funds. Yamusobo underscored the need for transparency and accountability in the management of PDM funds.
Under the PDM, government sends Shs 100 to each of the 10,594 parishes for onward disbursement to the beneficiaries of the programme. Each beneficiary receives Shs 1 million soft loan for investment in enterprises like fish farming, piggery, poultry keeping, coffee and beekeeping among others.
https://thecooperator.news/kapchorwa-pdm-leaders-warned-against-extorting-programme-beneficiaries/
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