By Mike Rwothomio

Local authorities in Zombo District have vehemently condemned an act of stigma and discrimination perpetrated by a Parish Development Model (PDM) Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) in Paidha Town Council.

The SACCO ( name withheld) allegedly excluded a client living with HIV from accessing the parish revolving fund, based on the prejudicial assumption that her HIV-positive status meant she would "die soon" and thus did not merit the financial support.

Bruno Obomba Mananu, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Zombo, revealed this distressing incident during the district's World AIDS Day commemoration at Ajei Primary School Playground in Nyapea Sub-County.

The event drew hundreds of people living with HIV/AIDS and key stakeholders focused on health equity and social inclusion.

"I want to reveal to you this true testimony that happened two weeks ago. A PDM group from Paidha Town Council denied funds to a woman living with HIV/AIDS, claiming that she has been on drugs for long and might die soon," Mananu stated, eliciting concern among the PLWHA attendees.

He further explained that upon summoning the SACCO chairperson, the official admitted to the discriminatory action.

"We told him to reinstate the woman immediately, which they did," Mananu added, emphasizing that the decision was promptly reversed to ensure the beneficiary received her entitled share of the revolving fund.

Mananu described the incident as a grave infringement on the human rights of PLWHA, underscoring the need for greater sensitization and protection against stigma in community-based financial programs.

This case paints the glaring picture of the ongoing challenges in promoting inclusive social services, where vulnerable populations, including those affected by HIV/AIDS, face barriers to empowerment and economic participation.

Collins Canudwoga, chairperson of the Zombo Forum for People Living with HIV/AIDS, a network comprising over 8,000 members, appealed for the establishment of dedicated funds for HIV-positive clients. Such measures, he argued, would help mitigate discrimination and ensure equitable access to resources, fostering resilience and self-reliance among marginalized groups.

Launched in 2022, the PDM is a flagship government initiative for poverty alleviation through community-driven development. It empowers parishes—home to populations ranging from 450 to 30,000 across Uganda's more than 10,000 parishes, to address grassroots needs, targeting the 15.6 million Ugandans facing food insecurity.

In Zombo District, the program has achieved an impressive disbursement rate exceeding 80%, with over UGX 4 billion allocated to more than 4,000 beneficiaries across 61 parishes from a total allocation of UGX 6.1 billion.

Despite these advancements, persistent issues such as fund misuse, arbitrary removal of beneficiaries, mismanagement, and extortion have marred the program's implementation.

Earlier this year, reports emerged of beneficiaries diverting funds toward non-productive expenditures.

Zombo RDC Festus Ayikobua has repeatedly called on communities to report instances of corruption, fund misuse, stigma, or discrimination by SACCO officials, emphasizing vigilance to maximize the program's impact on household livelihoods.

National Concerns

The PDM aligns with broader national efforts to uplift 39% of Ugandans from subsistence economies into the formal sector, promoting financial inclusion, infrastructure development, and value chain enhancements in agriculture.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has voiced strong concerns over corruption and malpractices within the program, directing swift action against implicated leaders.

Recently, parish development committees in Paidha Sub-County, Zombo District faced scrutiny from the RDC's office amid allegations of extortion and biased beneficiary selection.

"Do not let anyone exploit you. Report any cases of extortion immediately so we can take action," urged Mananu, reinforcing accountability in social service delivery.

However, Leaders in Zombo have praised parishes that have effectively embraced the program, citing testimonials from farmers who have benefited from its focus on sustainable development.

Recently, Hon. Henry Musasizi, State Minister for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, announced government plans to double PDM funding from UGX 100 million to UGX 200 million per parish.

This escalation aims to combat rising poverty, particularly in rural areas , by boosting productivity, income generation, and profitability through initiatives like PDM and Emyooga.

Assistant RDC Bruno Mananu confirmed the incident.

As Uganda grapples with sustaining these interventions, the PDM remains a pivotal strategy to integrate 17.5 million impoverished citizens into the money economy, reducing income disparities and advancing socioeconomic transformation.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub.