The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs in charge of Veteran Affairs,Huda Oleru Abason, has directed Parish Development Model (PDM) implementers in Yumbe District to strengthen accountability, transparency and coordination to improve the performance of the government’s flagship poverty eradication programme.
Speaking during a meeting with district officials, parish chiefs, community development officers and SACCO leaders in Yumbe, Oleru said the success of the programme depends on the commitment and integrity of those responsible for its implementation.
“The success of the Parish Development Model depends on your commitment, integrity and ability to work closely with the communities you serve. Every eligible household deserves an opportunity to benefit from this programme. This is kisanja no more sleep; take the programme seriously, not as business as usual, and encourage beneficiaries with overdue loans to repay so that others can also benefit,” she said.
The minister warned implementers against corruption, favouritism and negligence, saying such practices undermine government efforts to eradicate poverty. She urged regular monitoring of beneficiary projects to ensure the funds are invested in productive enterprises capable of improving household incomes.
According to district officials, about Shs70 billion has been disbursed to beneficiaries in Yumbe District since the programme was launched in February 2022. However, Shs21 billion is overdue for repayment, while only Shs75 million has so far been recovered through follow-up efforts.
Oleru called for increased community sensitisation to improve public understanding of the programme’s objectives, eligibility requirements and benefits, saying this would promote transparency and improve utilisation of the funds. She noted that the programme’s performance had fallen short of expectations.
Yumbe District Chairperson Asiku Abdumutalib commended President Yoweri Museveni for introducing the Parish Development Model and described the meeting as timely. He cited inadequate public awareness, delayed reporting and the need for continuous capacity building as some of the challenges affecting implementation and pledged to strengthen efforts to ensure the programme reaches the poorest households.
Chief Administrative Officer Thomson Obong urged beneficiaries with outstanding loans to repay them to enable more eligible households to access the revolving fund. He also commended parish chiefs, saying PDM funds were increasingly reaching the intended beneficiaries.
The meeting reviewed the progress of the programme, discussed implementation challenges and agreed on measures to improve accountability and service delivery.
It was attended by Members of Parliament Karim Musa (Aringa North) and Ezama Siraji Brahan (Aringa County), parish chiefs, local council leaders and other district officials.
