Wendi program slowing down access to PDM funds in Bugweri

Bugweri, (UG):- Residents of Bugweri District have raised concerns over delays in accessing funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM), attributing the setbacks to the recently introduced Wendi Program.

Wendi is an electronic payments platform powered by PostBank that strategically pivots on group savings and PDM funds management, digital money savings, transfers, deposits, and withdrawals, to drive financial inclusion within unbanked Ugandan communities.

During a monitoring exercise by the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) on Monday, Bugweri community members and local officials expressed frustration over what they perceive as bureaucratic obstacles slowing down fund disbursement.

The ONC delegation, led by Busoga Regional Coordinator Ms Kyanika Rehema and Muzzukulu Coordinator Mr. Kisoma Samuel, held discussions with Bugweri District Commercial Officer Mr. Kyampa Lubanga, who provided an update on the fate of the PDM initiative in the eastern District.

Mr Kyampa revealed since its inception in 2022, the district has received UGX 7.5 billion, which has been distributed to 36 PDM SACCOS over the past three financial years.

“In 2021/2022, the district received UGX 306 million, which was allocated to 18 SACCOS, each receiving UGX 17 million and in 2022/2023, the district received a significant boost of UGX 3.6 billion, benefiting all 36 SACCOS,” Mr Kyampa disclosed.

“The same amount was allocated again in 2023/2024, maintaining support for local enterprises. A total of 7,777 households have so far benefited from the initiative, marking a notable impact in the fight against poverty,” he added.

During their visit, the ONC coordinators discovered that the PDM has led to positive outcomes in Bugweri with many beneficiaries successfully investing in small businesses, increasing their incomes and improving household stability.

Additionally, Ms Kyanika says there has been a growing level of trust in the program, leading to increased participation among community members. “We have seen a rise in the number of people benefiting from PDM. The funds have helped many start businesses, and this has led to financial empowerment at the household level,” she said.

Despite these successes, Ms Kyanika says several challenges remain. One of the most pressing concerns is the implementation of the Wendi Program, which locals claim has slowed down access to PDM funds.

Wendi requires beneficiaries to undergo an extensive learning process, delaying approvals and fund disbursement. Many applicants now find themselves caught in a cycle of repeated training and system adjustments, causing frustration.

“We were initially told that after registering, funds would be disbursed quickly. But now, with Wendi, we have to go through additional steps that were not there before,” a beneficiary in Bugweri lamented.

Other challenges realized included; disparities in fund allocation, with large parishes such as Kasozi in Makuutu Subcounty which has 11 wide villages receiving the same allocation as much smaller parishes. This imbalance has led to complaints about the inequitable distribution of resources.

Additionally, IT-related difficulties have hampered the program’s efficiency as many signatories find it difficult to navigate the system due to a lack of digital skills which also leads to delays in application processing.

“The process requires digital applications, yet most of our people are not computer literate. This causes unnecessary delays and frustration,” Mr Kyampa noted.

Recommendations for Improvement

To overcome these setbacks and improve PDM accessibility, local leaders proposed several recommendations among which is the subdivision of large parishes such as Kasozi to ensure fairer distribution of funds. This, according to Mr Kyampa would enable better targeting of beneficiaries and a more equitable allocation of financial resources.

Additionally, there is an urgent need for continuous digital literacy training for signatories and beneficiaries. Since the application process is technology-driven, equipping users with IT skills will help streamline operations and reduce delays in fund access.

Financial literacy training must also be prioritized. Ms Kyanika says by educating beneficiaries on financial management and investment strategies, the government can ensure that PDM funds are used effectively to promote sustainable economic growth.

The leaders also called for a thorough review of the Wendi Program’s integration into PDM suggesting that while training is essential, it should not unnecessarily delay fund disbursement. A balance between education and timely fund allocation should be maintained to ensure that applicants are not left waiting indefinitely.

in conclusion, the Parish Development Model (PDM) remains a powerful tool for economic transformation in Bugweri, but implementation challenges continue to hinder its full potential, but the ONC team is hopeful that the few hindrances will be dealt with in due course.

“PDM is a game-changer for our communities, but unnecessary delays must be addressed so that people can access their funds on time,” Mr Kisoma emphasized.