Iganga, (UG):- The Parish Development Model (PDM), a government initiative in Uganda aimed at lifting people out of poverty by transforming subsistence households into the money economy continues to transform lives in Iganga District, with beneficiaries making significant strides in improving their livelihoods.
Mr Buyinza Abdul Rahim, the ONC Coordinator for Iganga District, yesterday conducted a monitoring visit to villages in Nabitende Parish, Nabitende Subcounty, Kigulu North Constituency, to assess the implementation of the second phase of PDM funding and one story that stood out for him was Kagoya Margret’s poultry success from the PDM funds she received last year.
Ms Kagoya, a second-phase PDM beneficiary, effectively utilized the funds to boost her poultry business. Having received UGX 1 million in December 2024, Kagoya invested in 80 one-month-old chicks and allocated part of the funds to poultry feed.
Her venture has already started yielding returns. She has successfully sold 12 chickens at UGX 18,000 each to reinvest in feed, and she plans to sell the remaining 68 birds at UGX 25,000 each in early March.
“I started small, but with careful planning, I have managed to keep my chicks healthy and growing. So far, I have sold 12 chickens at UGX 18,000 each to reinvest in feed, and I plan to sell the remaining 68 in early March at UGX 25,000 per bird,” Kagoya shared.
“This initiative has given me financial independence and a way to support my family. I hope to expand my poultry farm and even venture into other agribusiness activities,” she added.
During his visit, Buyinza further discovered that Shs200 million has already been disbursed in Nabitende Parish for the first phase of PDM, with an additional Shs50 million earmarked for second-phase beneficiaries.
The first group of beneficiaries, who had received their funds earlier, are prepared to start repaying the funds as early as July 2025, thanks to the strict guidance from the district authorities.
Mindset Change and Community Mobilization
Mr Buyinza later engaged with local leaders, including LC2 Chairperson Kulaba Deo, Subcounty GISO Kawunda Robert, Nabitende Parish Chief Mr Kubirima Nulu, the PDM SACCO Chairperson Ms Mukose Sarah, and Nabitende Sub County LC3 Chairperson Hon. Musekwa Moses, to evaluate how funds were being utilized by the beneficiaries.
He urged leaders to emphasize Mindset Change and Community Mobilization, a key pillar of the Parish Development Model and re-echoed the importance of ensuring that funds are properly utilized to enhance sustainable development at the grassroots level.
“The PDM initiative is about empowering people to break free from poverty. Kagoya’s story is a testament that, when properly managed, these funds can create long-term economic opportunities,” Buyinza emphasized, amid optimism form local leaders about the progress being made.
The Parish Development Model (PDM), launched by the government to drive economic growth at the lowest administrative level, has proven to be a game-changer in several communities. In Iganga, for example, it is offering real opportunities for self-reliance and proving to be a powerful tool for socioeconomic transformation.
With continued monitoring and proper sensitization, more households are expected to benefit and uplift their communities.
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