Namutumba, (UG):- The Parish Development Model (PDM), a government wealth creation program aimed at alleviating poverty and driving Ugandans towards a money economy, is proving to be a game-changer for rural communities in Uganda, offering financial empowerment and renewed hope to many.
In Namutumba District, beneficiaries of the program are seizing new opportunities to improve their livelihoods and secure better futures for their families. One such success story is that of Mr Waiswa Robert, a 62-year-old farmer from Buwaga Village.
Waiswa sat down with Ms Naigaga Lillian, the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) coordinator for Namutumba District in the Busoga Sub-region who is on a monitoring exercise to check on the implementation of PDM, Emyooga, among other government programmes.
With UGX 1,000,000 received from PDM in April 2023, he invested in livestock, purchasing four she-goats and one he-goat. Over time, his careful management saw his flock grow to 16 goats. Although he had to sell four to pay school fees for his children, Waiswa, today remains with 12 and is determined to expand further.
“Before PDM, I struggled to make ends meet,” Waiswa said. “But now, I see a future where I can become the leading goatherd in Namutumba District. This program has truly changed my life.”
Besides Waiswa is Mrs. Namukuve Suzan who has also benefited immensely from the initiative. Namukuve received UGX 1,000,000 in May 2023 and used it to purchase a cow. A year later, the cow gave birth to a calf, which she later sold for UGX 400,000.
The money, she says, helped her pay school fees, manage household expenses, and reinvest in farming by buying groundnut seeds for the next season.
“PDM has given me hope,” Namukuve shared during the interaction with Naigaga, adding; “I was able to take care of my children’s education and reinvest in my farming. I will always stand by H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for bringing such initiatives to the local people.”
The success of PDM in Namutumba is a testament to the impact of targeted financial support for grassroots development. Many beneficiaries have expressed optimism that with continued support, they will achieve even greater financial independence and stability.
As more Ugandans tap into the opportunities provided by PDM, the program is setting a foundation for sustainable economic growth in rural communities.
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