Oyam, (UG):- Leaders of Parish Development Model (PDM) Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) in Oyam District have been equipped with tablets to enhance their work and improve the overall performance of the PDM initiative.
A total of 166 tablets have been distributed across various leadership roles in the district. This allocation includes 77 tablets for SACCO chairpersons, 74 for parish chiefs, 16 for Community Development Officers (CDOs), and one each for the District IT Officer and District Statisticians.
The handover ceremony took place at the Oyam District Headquarters. District Commercial Officer Alex Enon explained that the purpose of distributing these tablets is to simplify the process of profiling beneficiaries and ensure that funds are disbursed to the intended recipients in a timely and efficient manner.
Enon emphasized that the distribution was aimed at adequately supporting each role with the necessary tools to perform their tasks effectively.
Oyam District LC5 Chairperson, Benson Dila, expressed optimism about the potential impact of the tablets on the PDM’s performance. “Profiling beneficiaries has been an ongoing challenge, and disbursing money to beneficiaries’ accounts has also posed significant issues,” he said.
“With these tablets, we expect significant improvements in performance. Complaints about misappropriation of funds or delays in disbursement should be minimized. It is crucial that the funds reach beneficiaries as quickly as possible. This is a priority,” Dila emphasized.
The Chief Administrative Officer of Oyam District, Herbert Fredrick Kitutu, announced that the PDM Secretariat would soon release funds. He encouraged SACCO leaders to utilize the tablets to expedite the disbursement process.
“We are expecting PDM funds to be released shortly. Once the funds are available, they must be disbursed promptly. This money is not meant for long-term holding or profit generation; it is intended for specific beneficiaries who have been identified. I will be pleased if, once the funds are released and all requirements are met, disbursement is completed within a week,” Kitutu said.
“Lastly, I urge SACCO leaders to remain vigilant and avoid mistakes made in the past.”
Christine Nyana, the Community Development Officer of Loro Sub-County, highlighted the advantages the tablets would bring to her department. She explained that the devices would greatly assist in making timely reports on the program’s performance.
“These tablets will be instrumental in monitoring PDM activities and related programs. Previously, we relied on less efficient methods, which resulted in inaccurate profiling. With dedication, tasks that previously took a week can now be completed in just five minutes using these tablets,” Nyana said.
In May 2024, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, announced that UBOS gadgets would be handed over to parish chiefs after the census exercise to aid in Parish Development Model (PDM) work.
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