The government has rolled out a new set of reforms to the Parish Development Model (PDM), introducing structural changes aimed at widening participation, improving governance, and strengthening accountability in the multi-trillion-shilling flagship poverty alleviation programme.
The reforms come amid growing public concern over limited access to PDM funds, allegations of mismanagement in some Saccos, and governance challenges that have affected implementation at parish level.
At the core of the changes is the introduction of an individual membership category within PDM Saccos, a shift officials say is intended to make the programme more inclusive and ensure broader community participation.
“The individual membership category is meant to ensure that no eligible Ugandan is left out of the PDM structures at parish level,” said Hon. Dennis Galabuzi Ssozi, National Coordinator at the PDM Secretariat.
Under the revised framework, all parish residents will be allowed to participate in Sacco meetings, training sessions, and decision-making processes even if they are not part of organised groups.
However, government has maintained that access to the Parish Revolving Fund will remain strictly group-based, arguing that collective borrowing ensures accountability and reduces default risks.
“Whereas individuals can now fully participate in meetings, training, and decision-making, access to the revolving fund will still be through organized groups to safeguard proper utilization of resources,” Galabuzi said.
The reforms also introduce mandatory special general meetings at parish level, which will be used to restructure Sacco leadership, resolve internal disputes, and improve compliance with PDM guidelines.
“These meetings will help clean up leadership structures, resolve internal conflicts, and ensure Saccos are managed in line with PDM guidelines,” he added.
Government has further announced a stricter stance on accountability, warning that corruption, extortion, and manipulation of beneficiary lists will not be tolerated.
“We are intensifying scrutiny and anyone found culpable will face the full force of the law. PDM funds are meant for the intended beneficiaries, and we shall not allow them to be diverted,” Galabuzi warned.
Officials are also calling for stronger involvement of local leaders, residents, and media actors in monitoring implementation to ensure transparency and proper utilisation of funds at parish level.
The Parish Development Model, which has already disbursed over Shs3.4 trillion, remains government’s central strategy for transitioning households from subsistence to the money economy.
Authorities say the latest reforms are intended to close implementation gaps and improve the programme’s effectiveness in delivering tangible socio-economic transformation at the grassroots.