The Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Tororo Aidah Kigeni has emphasized the need for strengthened monitoring and a culture of saving among beneficiaries to address challenges in the Parish Development Model (PDM) program in Tororo.
During her recent oversight visit to Bison Maguria Ward in the Western Division In Tororo Municipality, Kigeni engaged with SACCO executive to evaluate their progress and identify existing hurdles.
She found that out of the shs250 million received by the SACCO so far, Shs 200 million had already been utilized.
An assessment of the beneficiaries further revealed that 50% have effectively employed the funds for their intended purposes.
However, concerns arose as 20% diverted the funds to unintended uses, and 30% are still struggling to deploy the funds productively.
Other challenges include operational constraints, such as financial limitations that hinder the SACCO's ability to secure office space for its operations.
Additionally, she was told that most SACCO members find it difficult to attend trainings and meetings and only want to participate when new funds are disbursed.
To address these issues, Kigeni advised the SACCO executive and Parish Development Committee (PDC) leaders to intensify monitoring efforts to ensure that funds are properly utilized.
The RDC also encouraged beneficiaries, particularly those who received funds in 2022, to start saving in their accounts to facilitate the revolving nature of the funds to allow others to equally benefit from the funds.
She urged prospective beneficiaries to actively engage with current recipients to learn best practices for fund utilization.
In a recent development, the SACCO has received an additional Shs 50 million, which is yet to be disbursed.
Kigeni emphasized the importance of proper planning and utilization of these funds to maximize the impact of the PDM program in the community.
The PDM initiative aims to uplift Ugandan from subsistence to commercial production. However, as highlighted in previous reports, challenges such as fund mismanagement and low engagement have impeded its success in the district.
For instance, in November 2024, three individuals were arrested in Tororo for allegedly embezzling PDM funds, underscoring the need for stringent oversight.
Kigeni's recommendations align with ongoing efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient implementation of the PDM across Tororo District.