BUSOGA REGION COORDINATORS EMBARK ON PDM MONITORING IN BUGWERI DISTRICT
By; our reporter
Bugweri: On the delegation of ONC Manager SPA/PA Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, the Busoga Regional ONC Coordinator Ms. Kyanika Rehema and Muzzukulu Coordinator Mr. Kisoma Samuel today visited Bugweri District to assess the progress of the Parish Development Model (PDM), a key government wealth creation program.
Their engagement with District Commercial Officer Mr. Kyampa Lubanga provided key insights into the implementation of the program which among others indicated that Bugweri currently has *36 PDM SACCOS*, and over the past three financial years, a total of *UGX 7.5 billion* has been received by the SACCOs for PDM beneficiaries.
Notably, in 2021/2022, the district got UGX 306 million, distributed among 18 SACCOS, which each receiving UGX 17 million. *UGX 3.6 billion* followed in 2022/23 and another *UGX 3.6 billion* in 2023/24, ensuring all 36 SACCOS received funding. As a result, *7,777 households* have benefited from the program so far.
During the visit, the coordinators discovered that many beneficiaries are making good use of the PRF funds, with increasing trust in the strategy and more people joining the program. However, key challenges remain, including parishes like *Kasozi in Makuutu Subcounty*, which has *11 wide villages* but receives the same funding as smaller parishes.
Additionally, some signatories face difficulties registering their applications in the system due to limited IT knowledge, while many beneficiaries, eager to receive funds, do not fully understand that disbursements happen in phases. The introduction of the *Wendi program* has also created some delays, as officials undergo a learning process before full implementation.
To enhance the effectiveness of PDM, the coordinators recommended that larger parishes be subdivided to ensure fairer fund distribution. Furthermore, they advocated for regular IT training for signatories and extension of financial literacy sessions for beneficiaries to equip them with the necessary skills for efficient fund management.
All in all, the PDM as the potential to transform lives, but sustained training, mindset change, and leadership support are crucial in ensuring its long-term success in Bugweri District and beyond.
