Rukungiri: Residents undergo training ahead of receiving PDM funds
The session was organised by the Migyera PDM SACCO Committee as part of a broader government requirement aimed at preparing beneficiaries before funds are disbursed
RUKUNGIRI, September 29, 2025 — As the government intensifies efforts to transition communities from subsistence farming to a cash-based economy, residents of Bugyera Parish in Buyanja Sub-county, Rukungiri District, have commenced training in preparation for receiving Parish Development Model [ PDM ] funds for the 2025/26 financial year.
At least 100 selected residents attended their first training session on Friday in Kitojo Central Cell. The session was organised by the Migyera PDM SACCO Committee as part of a broader government requirement aimed at preparing beneficiaries before funds are disbursed.
Under the PDM, each parish is allocated Shs 100 million annually to support selected households in investing in income-generating enterprises such as poultry, animal husbandry, and crop farming. Bugyera Parish is among many across the country scheduled to receive these funds this year, provided beneficiaries demonstrate readiness through mandatory training sessions.
Authorities in Buyanja Sub-county emphasised that residents would undergo at least three rounds of training before the release of funds, to ensure the programme delivers sustainable impact.
Nelson Mugabe Tumwesigye, Secretary of Bugyera PDM SACCO, told participants the session was not only about financial readiness, but also aimed at equipping farmers with essential agricultural knowledge.
“The main goal is to help our people adopt improved agronomic practices and modern farming methods. Crops like bananas and coffee are the backbone of our livelihoods here, and if well managed, they can transform households,” Tumwesigye said. He urged residents to avoid misuse of the upcoming funds, noting that responsible investment would determine the long-term success of the programme.
Jennifer Acen, the Buyanja Sub-county Assistant Agricultural Officer, trained participants on enterprise management and farm record-keeping. She emphasised that proper records are critical for tracking both income and expenditure, while visitors’ books would help document advice given by agricultural extension officers.
“Farmers must take charge of their own gardens,” Acen advised. “Do not leave everything to hired labourers. Personally monitoring your crops and animals is the only way to ensure progress and identify challenges early.”
For many residents, the training was not only informative but also an opportunity to express their hopes and concerns about the programme.
Miriam Kanyesigye, a mother of five, shared her plans to expand her banana plantation using the funds.
“We’ve heard of people in other districts misusing the money, but with this training, I believe we shall do better. I want to grow bananas commercially so I can pay school fees for my children,” she said.
Similarly, Robert Byaruhanga, a youth participant, said he looked forward to starting a poultry project.
“The guidance from the officers has opened my eyes. I now know that record-keeping and close supervision are key. I believe this is an opportunity for us young people to move away from casual jobs and build our own enterprises.”
Despite the optimism, some residents voiced concerns over potential delays in the release of funds and possible mismanagement at the SACCO level. However, local leaders reassured them that stringent accountability measures are being implemented to ensure transparency.
Launched in 2022, the PDM is one of the government’s flagship initiatives aimed at reducing poverty at the grassroots level. It targets the 39 percent of Ugandan households still engaged in subsistence farming, with the goal of integrating them into the cash economy. The model channels funds directly to parishes, Uganda’s lowest administrative units—to support households in priority sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and small-scale enterprise.
As Bugyera Parish residents embark on this new journey, expectations remain high. If well implemented, the programme is projected to uplift families, enhance food security, and contribute to rural development across Rukungiri District.
For now, the training sessions represent a vital first step. Once the Shs 100mln reaches Bugyera PDM SACCO, selected beneficiaries are expected to receive Shs 1mln each, to invest in enterprises such as coffee growing, dairy farming, piggery, poultry, beekeeping, and banana farming, among others.
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