By Zainab Namusaazi Ssengendo
In a recent visit to Sembabule, the Prime Minister of Uganda Robbina Nabbanja set a strict deadline of two weeks for the Chief Administration Officer (CAO) of Sembabule Malik Mahabba to disburse a substantial sum of Shs3.8 billion earmarked for the Parish Development Model. This move highlights the government's commitment to rural development and ensuring that funds are efficiently allocated.
The Parish Development Model, a flagship program aimed at fostering grassroots development, has garnered significant attention and investment. The 3.8 billion shillings allocation is seen as a crucial step in empowering local communities and stimulating economic growth at the grassroots level.
According to the report, Sembabule has received three billion, nine hundred seventy-eight thousand shillings so far since the program kicked off in the country. The reports indicate that this amount is supposed to go to the 65 parishes that make up the Sembabule district.
CAO’s report also shows that all 65 parishes have registered Sacco account numbers in different Banks.
Sembabule has an average of 991 groups from 4208 households. CAO said that on the shs.6.9 billion, they have so far distributed Shs3.8b and each Sacco has so far received 107m. The rest of the money is still in the Bank accounts which angered Prime Minister Robbina Nabbanja prompting her to make an order for disbursement
“The 50% you are on indicates that you are working poorly in PDM because this money is not supposed to be on accounts, but is supposed to be used as capital to the people of Uganda so that they develop themselves. We are already in season, which means they need this money so, I am giving you only two weeks when all this money is distributed to the people of Sembabule.’ Robbina Nabbanja said
The two-week timeframe emphasizes the urgency of this initiative, with the government eager to see tangible results and meaningful progress within a short period. The Chief Administration Officer will play a pivotal role in ensuring that these funds are effectively distributed to the designated parishes, where they will be utilized for various development projects and community improvement efforts.
This development not only underscores the government's focus on rural development but also places significant responsibility on local authorities to manage and allocate these funds transparently and efficiently. The success of the Parish Development Model will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the socioeconomic well-being of the communities in Sembabule and serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country. The eyes of the local populace, as well as the nation, will be on the Chief Administration Officer as they work to meet the Prime Minister's stringent deadline and make a difference in the lives of the people of Sembabule.