Beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Watuba and Katadde parishes in Wakiso have appealed to the government for more funding to help lift their households out of poverty.
Speaking to Bbeg Media during a PDM monitoring meeting at Kiti Grounds and Katadde Mosque, the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support they have so far received, but said the funds were too little to make a lasting impact.
“It is true we received PDM money amounting to one million shillings. Most of us invested in piggery, farming, and other small-scale businesses. We thank the President for supporting poor people to become productive,” one of the beneficiaries said.
Janet Nabukalu, a resident of Watuba Parish, said she invested her funds in piggery and has been able to support her children and family through the proceeds. She thanked President Museveni for initiating a programme aimed at empowering rural Ugandans.
Harriet Namyalo, also from Watuba in Kyadondo East, said she used her share of the PDM funds to buy four pigs, which have since reproduced, improving her family’s income. She praised the programme for “catering for poor Ugandans who previously had no access to financial support.”
Another beneficiary, Buladina Mulokole, who attended the meeting despite being unwell, expressed her gratitude to the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for overseeing the PDM programme. She, however, said her project had suffered a setback after some of her pigs died from disease. She appealed for additional support to restock her farm.
Ronald Yagadi, a resident of Kiti A, said he used his Shs 1 million to buy a motorcycle to help him transport animal feeds and other supplies for his farm.
However, the meeting was not without controversy. Watuba Parish councillor, Michael Nakibinge, was accused of diverting sowing and popcorn-making machines that were meant to benefit persons with visual impairment. The machines were reportedly purchased using PDM funds.
The Deputy RDC for Kasangati, Juma Kigongo, warned local leaders against including non-vulnerable individuals on the list of PDM beneficiaries.
“We are here to verify everyone on the list because we have received reports that some non-vulnerable people were included. That contravenes the programme’s objective of targeting the most vulnerable households,” Kigongo said.
He also urged residents of Watuba and Katadde to avoid electing opposition leaders who “have failed to lobby for government support,” and instead to back National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates who can attract more development aid to their areas.
Saudah Nabbumba, an assistant private secretary to the president, commended the residents for supporting the NRM government and urged them to continue doing so.
She revealed that President Museveni had directed that an additional Shs200 million be allocated per parish to strengthen the programme.”
The PDM is one of the government’s flagship poverty alleviation initiatives aimed at supporting low-income households to engage in productive economic activities through access to affordable financing.
