PDM, ONC programs facilitate diversification of production sources and employment

By Ben Ssebuguzi

I always reflect on the Parish Development Model (PDM) and how it was designed. I marvel at its implementation strategy, and I get optimistic because at the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), we help the President facilitate the improvement of household incomes.

PDM was designed in such a way that the local leaders at respective parishes determine which enterprise is better suited for their area. For example, the PDM beneficiaries in Lira District are investing in cotton growing, while those in Isingiro are either engaged in Matooke growing or animal husbandry. This gives people flexibility and choice.

This means that the central government doesn’t dictate the choice of investment, but local governments and beneficiaries at the decentralized level decide what and how to use PDM funds for their socio-economic transformation. This is a great approach because participation is a fundamental human right. All people, including the youth, have a right to express their views on decisions directly affecting their lives. This elevates PDM to international standards.

The beauty of PDM, unlike past economic development tools, is that public engagement and participation are at its core. It helps the communities embrace the project because trust levels are high due to public engagement in decision-making. The community members are charting a path to shared prosperity, making PDM one of the best poverty alleviation programs in Africa.

Away from PDM, the ONC Self-Help Empowerment Tools are another wealth creation program that has been crucial in complementing PDM’s objectives. Under the able leadership of Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, the manager of the Office of the National Chairman, we have managed to cover the gaps left by PDM. We have provided sewing machines, grinding machines, welding machines, agro-inputs for agricultural enterprises, and more to various underprivileged women and youth groups across the country.

The link between PDM and the ONC empowerment program is that both initiatives allow the beneficiaries to determine what they want in order to alleviate poverty and bring the 39 percent of subsistence households into the money economy.

In conclusion, by running PDM and ONC empowerment concurrently, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is striving to manage a structural transformation that facilitates the diversification of sources of production and employment. Unfortunately, ONC empowerment is facing obstacles from misinformed individuals who don’t want to see the President’s Bazzukulu make economic strides. These obstacles often interfere with the funding process, creating setbacks.

Long live General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni! Long live Hajjat Uzeiye Namyalo, SPA and Manager of ONC!

The writer is the Head of Research, Office of the National Chairman.