NEBBI, November 15, 2024 – Persons Living with Disabilities [ PWDs ] in Nebbi district are calling on the government to allow them to form their own separate Parish Development Model Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [PDM SACCOs] to ensure they benefit fully from the poverty eradication programme.
They argue that they are currently excluded from leadership roles within the general PDM SACCOs, and their 10 percent share of the programme’s funds is not being allocated to them.
Clere Nimungu Doreen, Chairperson of Nebbi Women Living with Disability [NWLWD], explained that their 10 percent share of the PDM funds is often redirected to others who are already covered under the program. According to the program’s structure, women and youth are allocated 30 percent of the funds each, while men receive 20 percent.
Nimungu added that since PWDs are not represented in the PDM SACCO structures, their concerns and participation are often disregarded. This exclusion, she said, has prompted their call for the establishment of dedicated SACCOs for PWDs to avoid further marginalisation.
“We urge the government to consider our request to form our own PDM SACCOs as a national issue, because we are being sidelined in the process of accessing PDM funds, which makes us voiceless in our communities,” Nimungu said.
Nebbi District Community Development Officer, Peter Okiria, confirmed that his office has received multiple complaints about the discrimination faced by PWDs in accessing PDM funds.
“I don’t have exact data on how many PWDs have benefited from the PDM funds, but I have been engaging with both sub-county and parish chiefs to ensure they follow the guidelines when distributing the funds, especially to PWDs. Some PWDs have reported being denied access to the funds,” Okiria said.
He emphasised that PWDs should be represented in the PDM executive structures to ensure their interests are addressed.
Nickson Okumu, a PWD from Thatha Division in Nebbi Municipality, shared his frustration, stating that he has never benefitted from PDM or other government programs. “I’ve followed the procedures to access the PDM, but no one helps me. I’m just stuck,” Okumu said.
However, Nebbi’s Resident District Commissioner, Robert Abak, responded by stating that while some PWDs may not have benefited from the PDM or may feel discriminated against, the current policy does not allow for the creation of separate PDM SACCOs for PWDs.
Under the PDM each beneficiary gets a soft loan of Shs 1 million to invest in selected enterprises such as piggery, coffee, fish farming, poultry keeping, fruit growing, and trade among others.
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