TORORO, June 25, 2024 – Tororo Deputy Resident District Commissioner [RDC], Albert Amula, has warned officials implementing the Parish Development Model [PDM] against extortion.
Amula issued the warning while opening the training session for Gombolola Internal Security Officers [GISOs] from the districts of Tororo, Butaleja, and Busia at the Linkway Hotel in Tororo District.
He emphasised the importance of the PDM, stating that the programme is aimed at moving 39 percent of the Ugandan population into the money economy, and therefore, demands commitment and flawless execution.
Government, starting with the financial year 2022/2023 decided to spend over a trillion shillings on the programme launched by President Yoweri Museveni in February 2022 in Kibuku district.
Under the programme, each beneficiary gets Shs 1 million from the parish revolving fund [PRF] to invest in selected enterprises such as piggery, fruits, coffee, bananas, dairy farming, fishing farming, and poultry keeping among others. Government expects that when the beneficiaries engage in these enterprises, they will be able to improve their household incomes.
The RDC said authorities in Tororo had apprehended four leaders of the Parish Development Committee involved in extorting money from the PDM beneficiaries. He called for proactive measures to curb the vice.
Amula applauded the GISOs for their hard work, emphasising they are critical in the monitoring of the implementation of the PDM.
On his part, Lt. Gilbert Ninsiima, reiterated the government’s commitment to alleviating poverty through various programmes such as the PDM, Operation Wealth Creation [OWC], and Emyooga Programme.
He noted that the PDM is key because it directly impacts the targeted Ugandans at the parish level, emphasising the need for a comprehensive understanding of its various pillars beyond financial inclusion.
Other PDM pillars include: Infrastructure, and economic services; agricultural value chain development; parish development management information system; social services such as education and health; community mobilisation; mindset change; and governance and administration.
Stephen Kagenya, Regional Internal Security Officer, emphasised working towards the success of the PDM, calling for collective efforts in its implementation.
Kagenya raised concerns over the disbursement of the PDM funds, saying that beneficiaries of the programme must be scrutinised if the programme objectives are to be achieved.
He called for unified efforts and vigilance among GISOs to uphold the integrity of PDM and ensure its successful implementation. Government believes the programme is a game changer in the socio–economic transformation of Uganda.
https://thecooperator.news/kabarole-district-boss-warns-sacco-leaders-against-misusing-pdm-funds/
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