Ntungamo District authorities have embarked on a district-wide exercise to conduct special general meetings across all 129 Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCOs to elect new leadership and strengthen loan repayment compliance, with officials reporting that about half of the parishes have so far been reached.
The exercise, which is expected to conclude by June 30, comes after the expiry of the four-year term of SACCO leaders elected in 2022 and is being implemented in line with the Cooperative Societies Act and revised PDM operational guidelines.
Parish Development Model officials in Ntungamo say the process is aimed at improving accountability, reinforcing governance structures, and ensuring sustainability of parish-level savings and credit schemes.
Ntungamo District PDM Focal Person and Community Development Officer Ambrose Tusiime said the meetings are also being used to sensitise beneficiaries on loan repayment obligations and recent reforms in SACCO membership and structure.
“SACCOs must change leaders because their term of office has expired. We have been guided by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Trade to go to parishes to explain the leadership changes and amendments in the structure,” Tusiime said.
He added that under the revised guidelines, SACCO participation has been broadened beyond enterprise groups to include all parish residents, aimed at increasing inclusivity in decision-making and programme ownership.
“We have continued sensitising people on the new amendments and reminding them that the PDM fund is a loan. People are now appreciating that the money must be paid back,” he added.
Speaking during one of the meetings in Ruhaama East, Ntungamo District Commercial Officer Ezra Aryanyijuka said all SACCO leadership structures serve a four-year term, noting that current committees are due for replacement following the expiry of their mandate.
He further explained that reforms have expanded SACCO membership and introduced specialised committees on production, marketing, training, and information to improve operational efficiency.
Aryanyijuka also emphasised that beneficiaries of the 2023 disbursement must repay funds through the WENDI platform within three years, with installment options available.
“For those who took the money in the first round in 2023, we are sensitising them and preparing them to pay back because many treated it as a government handout, but it is a loan and must be repaid through WENDI,” he said.
The ongoing meetings are also being used as a platform to reinforce the message that PDM funds are recoverable loans intended to rotate and benefit more households over time.