Disbursement of Shs 1.4bln PDM cash launched in Masindi

MASINDI – Energy minister Ruth Nankabirwa has officially launched the disbursement of Shs 1.4 billion for Parish Development Model [PDM] SACCOs in Masindi district.

She launched the disbursement on Friday last week during the belated celebration of International Women’s Day 2023 at Masindi Booma Ground.

According to Moses Kalyegira, the district commercial officer, the money is being deposited on the bank accounts of the 46 PDM SACCOs in Masindi district.

“We have prepared them enough and now they’re ready to benefit,” said Kalyegira.

Speaking during the launch of the disbursement, Nankabirwa asked the PDM beneficiaries to use the funds to generate more income, adding that it will improve their household incomes.

“This programme came to save you from money lenders who have been exploiting you with too much interests. Use it to grow. I also caution the civil servants not to ask any money from the beneficiaries,” she said.

She further asked the implementers of the programme to sensitise the PDM beneficiaries so that they don’t misuse the funds.

“The beneficiaries should desist from diverting the funds. Use the funds for the intended purpose,” she advised.

Youngstone Kahumuza, one of the beneficiaries from Marongo PDM SACCO noted that he never believed that hwe would get money under the PDM to invest.

“I have received my Shs 1 million. I never believed this. I am going to invest in piggery,” Kahumuza said.

Christopher Misunguzi, also a beneficiary explained to this reporter that he had received Shs 1mln, adding that he was going to invest his money is buying agro-inputs.

Many women and other stakeholders turned up for the belated celebration of International Women’s Day.

While speaking during the celebrations, Sarah Gonzaga the chairperson, Masindi district women council said most women in the district live in the rural areas where they face gender-based violence.

She further noted that many women are involved in many saving groups which they can’t sustain due to poverty.

She also decried the low funding to the women council, noting that this is curtailing them from executing their work.

Cosmas Byaruhanga, the Masindi district LCV chairperson while speaking noted that a lot needs to be done for women especially at the household level.

“Education for women is very important in empowering if we are to talk about equal opportunities. Allow women to do business, own land and other properties because all money for women is put under use,” Byaruhanga said.

Kabakumba Labwoni Matsiko, the chairperson NRM Masindi asked the women in the district to get involved in different government programs like Emyooga and PDM among others.

Florence Asiimwe, the woman MP Masindi asked minister Nankabirwa to help connect Masindi residents to the national electricity grid, arguing that most of the projects being implemented by women need power.

https://thecooperator.news/masindi-pdm-saccos-to-access-money-next-year/

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