By Mike Rwothomio 

The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs in charge of Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Oleru Abason, has directed Parish Development Model (PDM) implementers in Yumbe District to strengthen transparency, accountability and coordination to improve the performance of the government's flagship poverty eradication programme.

Minister Oleru's call comes at a time when the President has turned his attention to the implementation of the PDM, warning against corruption that is slowing the program's success.

Speaking during a meeting with PDM implementers in Yumbe District, Hon. Oleru urged district officials, parish chiefs, community development officers, SACCO leaders and other stakeholders to intensify supervision and ensure the programme benefits its intended recipients.

According to Oleru, Parish Development Model remains a key government intervention aimed at moving households from subsistence farming into the money economy and stressed that its success depends on the commitment and integrity of those implementing it.

"The success of the Parish Development Model depends on your commitment, integrity and ability to work closely with the communities you serve. Every eligible household deserves an opportunity to benefit from this programme. This is kisanja no more sleep; take the programme seriously, not as business as usual, and encourage beneficiaries with overdue loans to repay so that others can also benefit," Hon. Oleru said.

Since the programme was launched in February 2022, government has sought to provide funds to eligible households through parish-based SACCOs to stimulate wealth creation.

According to district officials, approximately UGX 70 billion has so far been disbursed in Yumbe District.

However, UGX 21 billion is overdue for repayment, while only UGX 75 million has been recovered through ongoing follow-up efforts.

Hon. Oleru called for intensified community sensitisation to improve public understanding of the programme's objectives, eligibility requirements and benefits. 

She noted that increased awareness would promote transparency, strengthen public participation and ensure proper utilisation of the funds, adding that the programme's performance has not yet met expectations.She also warned implementers against corruption, favouritism and negligence, saying such practices undermine government efforts to eradicate poverty.

She urged regular monitoring of beneficiary projects to ensure funds are invested in productive enterprises capable of improving household incomes.

The meeting provided a platform for implementers to review progress, discuss challenges affecting programme delivery and propose practical measures to improve implementation across the district. 

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and accountability to ensure the programme delivers meaningful socio-economic transformation.

Yumbe District Chairperson, Hon. Asiku Abdumutalib, commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for introducing the Parish Development Model and thanked Hon. Oleru for engaging directly with implementers.

He described the meeting as timely, citing inadequate public awareness, delayed reporting and the need for continuous capacity building as some of the challenges affecting implementation.

He pledged that district leaders would intensify efforts to ensure the programme reaches the poorest households in the district.

The Chief Administrative Officer, Mr Thomson Obong, urged earlier beneficiaries to repay their loans to enable more eligible households to access the revolving fund. 

He also commended parish chiefs for their efforts, noting that PDM funds are increasingly reaching the intended beneficiaries.

The meeting was attended by Members of Parliament Hon. Karim Musa (Aringa North) and Hon. Ezama Siraji Brahan (Aringa County), together with parish chiefs, local council leaders and other district officials.

The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs in charge of Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Oleru Abason.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub for African news trends and updates.