Apac, Uganda: After months of silence, suspicion and growing anger at grassroots level, the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds for Apac District and Apac Municipality have finally been cleared for release, with security agencies approving disbursement under strict supervision and firm January dates now confirmed.
The breakthrough was announced on Friday, January 02, during a tense Apac Municipal Council sitting at Scout’s Hall, where Deputy Resident District Commissioner Richard Tabaro told councillors that security organs had authorised the release of the funds immediately after the festive season to curb misuse.
According to Tabaro, beneficiaries in Apac Municipality will start receiving PDM funds on January 3, 2026, while those in Apac District will follow on January 5, 2026, ending months of uncertainty that had paralysed parish SACCOs and frustrated intended beneficiaries.
Why Security Stepped In
Addressing councillors, Tabaro said the delayed release was deliberate, citing past experiences where funds released during Christmas and New Year festivities were diverted. “This decision was deliberate and strategic. Funds released during festive periods are easily misused. That is why security insisted on January,” Tabaro said.
He revealed that security agencies will now directly supervise the PDM disbursement process in Apac, a shift from earlier phases of the programme that have been marred nationwide by allegations of delays, elite capture and outright theft.
“This is not free money. It is government capital meant for production, household income and fighting poverty. Anyone who misuses it is sabotaging government efforts,” he warned.
Apac Municipal Council Speaker Ronald Otema, popularly known as Abawinyo, welcomed the confirmation of release dates but cautioned that any form of favouritism, secrecy or manipulation would not be tolerated.
“Transparency and fairness must guide this process. These funds belong to the people and must be handled strictly within PDM guidelines,” Otema said.
He reminded leaders and beneficiaries that PDM funds are a revolving facility managed through parish SACCOs, warning that misuse or failure to repay would cripple the programme.
Councillors also raised concern over rampant misinformation at grassroots level, where brokers and self-styled “fixers” have been misleading communities, calling for urgent sensitisation to protect beneficiaries.
Mayor, Sector Leaders Back Security Move
Apac Municipal Mayor Patrick Ongom Eyul said the prolonged delay had tested public confidence in government programmes, urging beneficiaries to invest wisely. “This money must change livelihoods, not lifestyles,” the mayor cautioned.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson for Production and Marketing at Apac Municipal Council, Peter Ocen, stressed that PDM is about production, value addition and market-oriented enterprises, not survival spending.
At ward level, PDM leaders endorsed the security-controlled release, warning beneficiaries against treating the funds as personal handouts.
Temogo Ward PDM Chairperson Tonny Alunga said security involvement would help close loopholes that enabled abuse. “This money belongs to the SACCO. It must be repaid so others can benefit. Anyone who thinks this is personal money is mistaken,” Alunga said.
A similar warning was echoed by the PDM Chairperson for Central Ward, Akere Division, who said failure to repay would collapse SACCOs and sabotage the entire programme.
Local leaders have now been instructed to verify beneficiary groups, scrutinise documentation and guide communities toward viable income-generating projects aligned with PDM objectives, including agriculture, livestock, trade and agro-processing.
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