AMURU, June 27, 2025 – Keith Akera Aggrey, the Secretary for Finance and Planning in Amuru District, has urged leaders of the Parish Development Model Saving and Credit Cooperative Organisations [ PDM SACCOs ] to prioritise vulnerable groups such as widows, widowers, orphans, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities [PWDs] when allocating programme funds.
“The original spirit of the PDM was to uplift the most vulnerable members of our communities,” Akera said. “We must ensure that widows, orphans, the elderly, and PWDs, among other vulnerable groups, are not sidelined in the implementation of this programme.”
A specific allocation of the programme funds indicates 30 percent for women, 30 percent for youth, 10 percent for PWDs, 10 percent for the elderly, and 20 percent for men.
The PDM is a government initiative launched in February 2022 with the goal of transitioning 39 percent of the population from subsistence farming to participation in the money economy.
Under the programme, each beneficiary receives a soft loan of Shs1 million to invest in selected enterprises such as coffee, piggery, poultry, dairy, banana cultivation, and fish farming, among several others.
As of February 2025, Amuru district has disbursed Shs 2.9 billion to PDM beneficiaries across its 58 PDM SACCOs. Beneficiaries are typically selected by SACCO leaders and approved by the Parish Development Committees [PDCs].
Akera made the call in response to concerns raised by residents of Olet Village, Olinga Parish in Pogo Sub-county, who cited neglect and favouritism in the selection process.
“We have received complaints that some leaders are favouring individuals who can afford to bribe them,” Akera stated. “This is completely unacceptable. The programme was never intended to benefit the privileged few.”
He further encouraged community members to take advantage of their local resources. “Let us use the land we have to do commercial farming. The support is available; what we need now is commitment and fairness in its distribution.”
However, some residents allege that the programme is falling short of its promise.
“We are tired of being left out,” said Sharon Akello, a resident of Olet village. “Some of us widows and orphans meet all the requirements, but because we don’t have money to bribe the SACCO leaders, we are rejected.”
Another resident, Mary Oyela, echoed the frustrations: “We had hope in this programme. But now, it seems like only those who are connected or who have money are benefiting. It is discouraging.”
In response to these claims, Alfred Ladaa, the Amuru District Commercial Officer, said investigations would be carried out.
“We take these allegations seriously,” Ladaa said. “Before anyone is approved, they must meet a set of minimum requirements, including being part of an enterprise group, possessing a valid National ID, and having an active phone number. If any PDM SACCO leaders are found to be compromising this process, they will be held accountable.”
https://thecooperator.news/100-pdm-beneficiaries-in-soroti-city-receive-funds-for-investment/
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