Iganga, Uganda: Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries in Iganga District have applauded President Museveni for introducing the poverty alleviation programme, saying it has transformed household incomes and empowered families to start sustainable ventures.
The beneficiaries shared their testimonies during a PDM monitoring and evaluation exercise held at Nakavule Parish in Iganga Central Division, led by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC), Mr Kirigwa Hakim, who revealed that at least 308 people in the parish have so far benefited from the programme.
Among the beneficiaries, Mr. Bashir Mpaata from Nakavule A Village expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the financial support that he said had lifted his family out of poverty.
“I want to thank President Museveni for this programme which has transformed our lives. I invested the Shs1 million PDM funds in turkeys, and now I have over 30 birds which I sell between Shs50,000 and Shs60,000 each,” Mpaata said.
Mpaata appealed to the government to increase PDM allocations so that more people can benefit from the initiative and improve their livelihoods. He also pledged political support for President Museveni in the 2026 elections, dismissing past claims that the president had received no votes at one of the local polling stations.
“Last time, false reports came out that our area gave Museveni zero votes, yet we voted for him. This time, we ask that you deploy trustworthy agents because we love him and will vote overwhelmingly,” he noted.
RDC Rallies Museveni Support ahead of Iganga Visit
Addressing over 100 PDM beneficiaries, DRDC Kirigwa Hakim commended the beneficiaries for utilizing the funds responsibly and urged them to continue supporting President Museveni’s leadership, saying the NRM government remains committed to fighting poverty through practical, community-based programs.
“The President has emphasized the Parish Development Model with an interest rate of just 6% per annum. He is also considering increasing parish funding from Shs100 million to Shs200 million per year so that more Ugandans can benefit,” Kirigwa revealed.
He noted that PDM has become a powerful tool in helping families transition from subsistence farming to income-generating enterprises, contributing to the government’s goal of moving 67% of Ugandans into the money economy.
“We have already achieved significant progress. Now, the President wants to uplift the remaining 33% of Ugandans still trapped in poverty. This will be possible if everyone embraces and utilizes these government programmes well,” he said.
The monitoring exercise forms part of preparations for President Museveni’s upcoming visit to Iganga District, scheduled for November 17, 2025, as part of his Busoga Sub-region campaign trail ahead of the 2026 general elections.
During the visit, the President is expected to rally support for NRM programs, interact with local leaders, and review progress on various government initiatives, including the PDM, Emyooga, and other wealth creation projects.
Kirigwa urged residents to turn up in large numbers to welcome the President and demonstrate their appreciation for the ongoing government interventions that have improved livelihoods across the district. “We want to show the President that the people of Iganga are grateful for his leadership and for the programmes that have changed lives. Let’s come out in big numbers on November 17,” he said.
The Parish Development Model, launched by President Museveni in 2022, seeks to move Ugandans from subsistence farming to commercial production by channeling funds directly to the parish level. Each parish currently receives Shs100 million annually to support eligible households through parish-based SACCOs.
In Iganga, district officials report a steady increase in small-scale agribusinesses, livestock rearing, and trade enterprises as residents invest the funds in projects such as poultry, piggery, crop farming, and retail trade.
Local authorities say the success stories emerging from Nakavule Parish and other areas have inspired more residents to register for future funding cycles.
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