Community participation and accountability have taken centre stage in the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Mityana District, following a series of mobilisation meetings held in Kikandwa Sub-county.
The meetings, conducted in Luwunga Parish, Kikandwa Parish, and Wattuba Parish, focused on the election of parish vetting committees tasked with identifying and verifying eligible beneficiaries under the government’s flagship poverty eradication programme.
The sessions were led by Assistant Resident District Commissioner Wasswa Chrizestom Buyondo, who urged residents to uphold integrity in selecting individuals responsible for overseeing the implementation of the programme at parish level.
“The Parish Development Model was introduced to uplift households economically, and this can only be achieved if communities choose leaders with integrity to oversee the programme,” Buyondo said.
He cautioned against electing individuals who may abuse their positions for personal benefit, stressing that transparency and accountability remain central to the success of the initiative.
“The success of PDM depends on transparency and accountability at the parish level. Leaders chosen by the community must serve with honesty and fairness,” he added.
Buyondo also encouraged beneficiaries of the programme to ensure that the funds received are invested in productive activities capable of improving household incomes and reducing poverty in rural areas.
The meetings attracted large numbers of residents, including women, youth, and elderly community members, many of whom welcomed the direct involvement of district leadership in the process.
Unlike routine public engagements, Buyondo remained present throughout the discussions, listening to community concerns and providing guidance on the vetting process.
Local residents said the establishment of parish vetting committees would improve trust in the selection process and help reduce favoritism in the distribution of PDM funds.
“If the process is transparent and properly supervised, the funds will reach the right people who genuinely need support,” said resident Ritah Nakyeyune.
Sub-county officials who attended the meetings also emphasized the importance of thorough household assessments by committee members, including door-to-door verification to determine eligibility.
They noted that applicants would be assessed based on criteria such as household income levels, proof of residence, and participation in income-generating activities.
Officials further stressed that all findings must be submitted through established district PDM coordination structures to ensure proper oversight and accountability.
The Parish Development Model remains one of government’s key strategies aimed at transitioning households from subsistence farming into the money economy through parish-level financial inclusion and community empowerment.
