PDM transforming lives of locals in Kapelebyong district

KAPELEBYONG, November 20, 2024 – The lives of residents in Kapelebyong district are being transformed through the Parish Development Model [PDM], a government initiative launched in February 2022. The programme is aimed at helping the active poor in Uganda combat poverty and improve their household incomes.

One of the beneficiaries, Betty Akia, a resident of Odukul Ward in Kapelebyong Town Council, shared how the programme has positively impacted her life. Akia received Shs 1 million under the PDM, which she used to purchase five piglets, each costing Shs 200,000. Over time, she sold one grown pig for Shs 500,000, which enabled her to construct a pigsty.

A mother of five, Akia expressed her gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for initiating the PDM in the country. “I thank the President for introducing the PDM. It has truly transformed my life and that of my family,” she said. However, she noted challenges such as the cost of feeding the pigs and the limited space for her farming activities.

In addition to piggery, Akia is also engages in poultry keeping. She uses the proceeds from her poultry project to buy feeds and pay for veterinary care for her pigs, and birds.

Akia plans to expand her farm and follow President Museveni’s “Four-Acre Model,” which encourages farmers to diversify their production on at least four acres of land. She aspires to own at least four acres with multiple farming projects.

Another beneficiary, Angelina Acom, received Shs 1 million under the PDM and used the money to purchase a dairy cow. Acom praised the government for creating programmes that help improve livelihoods but requested that the amount given to beneficiaries be increased to support greater investments.

However, not all beneficiaries have had a smooth experience with the programme. Elizabeth Atim, 42, from Nyakali village in Kapelebyong Parish, shared her unfortunate experience. Atim bought a dairy cow with the Shs 1 million, but the cow died before giving birth, although she spent extra money trying to treat the cow before it died.

Now, Atim is concerned about how she will repay the loan she took from the Parish Revolving Fund (PRF), which is offered at an annual interest rate of 6 percent. The loan is expected to be repaid within two years after a grace period.

On the other hand, Moses Ongaria, the LC1 Chairman of Ocorokoboi Cell in Odukul Ward, Kapelebyong Town Council, called on the government to disburse funds to the remaining residents who have not yet received support from the programme. He emphasized the need for more widespread access to PDM funds so that more people can benefit and improve their livelihoods.

PDM beneficiaries in Kapelebyong have invested the funds in various enterprises such as dairy farming, piggery, poultry keeping, fish farming, general trade, and crop farming, among others.

In a related development, President Museveni, during his ongoing Economic Tour of Kapelebyong district, donated Shs 10 million Akia to help expand her project. Museveni, who is currently assessing the performance of the PDM and wealth creation initiatives, has already visited Serere, Kapelebyong, Katakwi, and Kumi districts.

https://thecooperator.news/kapelebyong-cooperative-acquires-shea-nut-oil-processing-machine/

Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news

Views: 0