Apac, Uganda: The government has suspended the disbursement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to all untrained beneficiaries, a move that has triggered fresh debate across Apac and other districts.
According to Apac Municipal Production and Marketing Officer, Ms Akite Anna Grace, no individual will access PDM funds without undergoing mandatory training and obtaining a certificate. She made the announcement on Tuesday during a briefing at Scouts Hall in Apac Municipality.
“Under the new guideline, every beneficiary must be trained. A certificate of completion will now be a mandatory requirement before any money is released,” Ms Akite emphasized, noting that the directive is aimed at enforcing discipline, strengthening enterprise management, and curbing misuse of funds.
As part of the rollout, every PDM SACCO will be required to establish a Practical Training Centre managed by Community-Based Facilitators (CBFs), who will be recruited in every parish or ward.
The directive has elicited mixed reactions among local leaders. Ms Molly Atim, Chairperson of Teniang Cell, Temogo Ward in Arocha Division, welcomed the decision, saying it would instill accountability and sharpen business skills among beneficiaries. “The previous disbursements found people unprepared. Many had no clear plans. If the training is done right, it will empower them to manage their enterprises better,” she said.
However, others raised concerns about possible delays. Mr Tom Ogwal Inomo, Chairperson of Ongoda Cell, Bung Ward in Atik Division, warned that the additional requirements could frustrate struggling families who urgently need support. “Let’s be honest. Many beneficiaries mismanaged the money they got. But at the same time, adding more conditions could make it even harder for genuine beneficiaries to access help,” he argued.
Launched in 2022, the PDM programme is intended to transition 3.5 million households from subsistence to market-oriented production, with each parish expected to receive up to Shs100 million through SACCOs. Yet, persistent reports of irregularities, weak oversight, and misuse—ranging from beneficiaries buying boda bodas, paying school fees, or diverting funds to non-productive ventures—have forced the government to tighten controls.
The Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Finance say the training requirement is part of a broader effort to professionalize the programme, improve monitoring, and ensure PDM funds transform household livelihoods as intended.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
