Teso opposition, NRM MPs speak same language on Parish Development Model

In some of the rear occasions, opposition and ruling NRM party MPs in Teso sub-region have spoken the same language of rallying their electorates to embrace the newly introduced Parish Development Model program.

Speaking during the launch of the data collection exercise by Uganda Bureau of Statistics(UBOS) as well as the sensitization drive at the Katakwi district headquarters for the Parish Development Model, Minister Musa Ecweru and Hellen Adoa as well as FDC’s Soroti Woman MP Anna Adeke read from the same page.

Minister Ecweru who represented the Vice President said unlike earlier programs, the Parish Development Model has been well- thought out by government to help improve household incomes.

"I commit myself and on behalf of my colleagues from this sub region to make Teso, a model region in the success of the Parish Development Model so that leaders from other parts of the country that may find problem in the implementation of this program, may find it prudent to come to Teso and find out how we made it because we are more prepared than other parts of the country,” Ecweru said.

“Issues like corruption undermined the earlier government poverty eradication programs where Community Development Officers a portion of the money set to members of the public. This time round, this is has changed. We are starting at the level of clear sensitization of the people. The people who stole money from earlier government programs should not be allowed to be in charge of this program.  They can be members of the saccos but not leaders.”

Ecweru noted that to ensure success of the new program, government has ensured all leaders and government ministries are involved in the Parish Development Model.

The State Minister for Agriculture in charge of Fisheries, Hellen Adoa applauded UBOS for the component of data collection before implementation of the Parish Development Model.

"Data Collection is a key aspect before implementation of any government programs to know which loopholes to close but also where to focus development. In a family, if the head doesn't know the number of children, then he doesn't know how many kilograms of meat to buy for them. In simple terms you can’t plan well for the family."

The minister however noted that religious leaders too should be involved in the data collection process so as they can sensitize their followers.

The Soroti Woman MP also, FDC ‘s Anna Adeke expressed optimism about the success of the Parish Development Model, unlike earlier government poverty eradication programs.

“I hope this program will make a difference. Everything has been tested and tried to improve household incomes. Many programs have targeted people but the Parish Development Model has been crafted differently with pillars I do hope will help it succeed. The efforts in involving all stakeholders and mobilizing people makes it look to be a success. I do believe there will be success with this program,”Adeke said.

She however asked government to further invest in mindset change about the Parish Development Model so that more people can take part in it.

“There is need to make more people understand this program and what it entails. The mindset change pillar needs more efforts to change people.”

Speaking at the same function, Charles Oloeny Ojok, the Deputy Executive Director for the National Planning Authority but also a UBOS board member urged the data collectors to do the work diligently to ensure correct data is got.

He noted that getting the correct data will be key in implementation and success of the Parish Development Model program.

Ojok also urged parish chiefs to take a leading role in the data collecting exercise as one of the ways of ensuring the program is a success.