System errors derailing access to PDM funds in Soroti City
To qualify for the programme, beneficiaries' details must be accurately uploaded onto the Parish Development Management Information System [PDMIS]
SOROTI CITY, September 16, 2025 – The Soroti City Commercial Officer, George William Tukei, has revealed that several residents have been unable to access funds under the government’s Parish Development Model [PDM] due to system errors and poor profiling of beneficiaries.
To qualify for the programme, beneficiaries’ details must be accurately uploaded onto the Parish Development Management Information System [PDMIS]. However, Tukei noted that inconsistencies in the data, particularly regarding phone numbers and national identification details, have hindered the disbursement process.
During the last financial year, Soroti City disbursed Shs 2 billion of the Shs 2.5bln received, with the remaining amount delayed due to these technical challenges.
“The disbursement of PDM funds currently stands at around 90 per cent. We are still working to ensure that the remaining beneficiaries receive their funds. Most of the delays are caused by issues beyond our control, but we expect to reach 100 per cent disbursement within this week,” Tukei said.
He explained that some individuals had submitted incorrect mobile numbers or national identification numbers, information required to deposit the funds into their mobile money accounts.
While some of the issues are being resolved at the city level, others require intervention from the Ministry of ICT, which is currently addressing them.
Tukei also warned PDM SACCO leaders against the practice of taking beneficiaries’ phones to process their payments on their behalf, stating that any culprits found engaging in such misconduct would face consequences.
Florence Amulen, a PDM SACCO Chairperson from Pioneer Ward in Soroti City, acknowledged the high demand for the funds and stressed that SACCO leaders are committed to following official guidelines. However, she appealed to the government to consider compensating PDM SACCO leaders for their efforts.
“Everyone wants access to the money, but as leaders, we are expected to follow all procedures. The work is demanding and often overwhelming. If only the government would consider paying us for the work we do, it would really boost our morale,” Amulen said.
Joseline Adiochi, a resident of Majengo Ward in Soroti City West, expressed frustration over the delays, noting that system glitches and profiling errors had blocked her application.
“I applied for the PDM funds in the hope of improving my family’s livelihood. I was later told there were profiling issues. I’m left wondering what went wrong and when I’ll finally get a chance to access the funds. It’s tough watching others benefit while I’m left behind,”Adiochi shared.
Launched in February 2022, the PDM is a flagship Ugandan government initiative aimed at eradicating poverty and fostering economic transformation by decentralising planning and service delivery to the parish level.
Receiving over Shs 1 trillion annually, the PDM seeks to transition Ugandan households from subsistence farming into the money economy. The programme focuses on agricultural production, infrastructure, financial inclusion, and social services. Beneficiaries receive soft loans of Shs 1 million each to invest in selected enterprises such as piggery, poultry, beekeeping, coffee, and dairy farming among others.
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