Patricia Achan, the Deputy Inspector General of Government, has urged parish chiefs to provide training for beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) to help them improve their financial situation. The aim is to help these beneficiaries escape poverty.
During the release of a report on the distribution of PDM funds in Iganga district, Achan emphasized that investigations in four sub-counties showed that many beneficiaries had used the funds for unprofitable income-generating activities, which hindered their economic progress.
Achan stated that their nationwide assessment of PDM implementation focuses on ensuring that PDM funds are used appropriately. Investigations were carried out in the sub-counties of Bulamagi, Nawaningyi, Nakalama, and Nakigo, with a particular focus on the use of funds by 12 PDM Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (Saccos).
The findings showed that all Saccos received the funds, but many made unwise investment decisions, resulting in significant losses. Some even diverted the money for personal purposes, like getting married again, buying luxury items, or spending it on alcohol, which went against the main goal of the PDM program, which is to eliminate poverty in disadvantaged communities. The report noted that some people referred to the PDM funds as “drinking money.”
Achan provided an example of beneficiaries who initially invested in commercial poultry but ran out of funds to buy feed, which led to the death of the poultry and the collapse of their poverty alleviation dreams. Achan emphasized that instead of hiring people to create business plans for quick access to PDM funds, parish chiefs should work closely with beneficiaries to assess the feasibility of their business plans, allowing them to profit from their investments.
She also noted that some beneficiaries started with one project but, upon seeing the progress of their fellow Sacco members, copied their ventures without the necessary skills, leading to the failure of these enterprises.
Achan’s findings also revealed that PDM beneficiaries faced difficulties accessing markets for agricultural inputs and other equipment needed for profitable agriculture. As a solution, she recommended providing fuel allowances to district technocrats to facilitate effective supervision of PDM Saccos in beneficiary communities.
Ezra Gabula, the Iganga district chairperson, mentioned that politicians and technocrats were working together to ensure the smooth implementation of the PDM program, including the distribution of funds to beneficiary accounts. However, he noted that there was a lack of adequate training for communities in selecting viable enterprises. Gabula added that many beneficiaries saw the PDM funds as grants from President Museveni, leading to frivolous spending on luxuries instead of investing in income-generating activities.
