Iganga, Uganda: What began as a modest investment of Shs1 million under the Parish Development Model (PDM) has transformed into a growing livestock enterprise for Mr. Abdul Kukulakwaita, a resident of Busei village in Busoga sub-region’s Iganga District.
Abdul is among thousands of Ugandans benefiting from the government’s flagship poverty alleviation programme, which seeks to move households from subsistence production into the money economy through the provision of affordable seed capital.
He shared his story with Ms Kyanika Rehema, the Office of the National Chairman Regional Coordinator for Busoga, alongside Regional Muzzukulu Coordinator Denis Muteguya and Iganga District Coordinator Buyinza Abdurahim.
Determined to make the most of the opportunity, Abdul invested approximately Shs450,000 of his 1 Million PDM funds in local poultry farming. With careful planning, proper management and dedication, he successfully raised the birds and later sold them at a profit.
Instead of using the proceeds for consumption, he chose to reinvest the earnings into goat rearing, laying the foundation for what has become a steadily expanding livestock enterprise.
Today, Abdul’s goat project has grown significantly and continues to generate income for his household. The venture has not only improved his financial stability but also given him confidence to pursue even bigger agricultural investments.
“My life has changed because of this programme. What started with a few chickens has now grown into a profitable goat farming project. I can now plan for the future with confidence,” Abdul said.
Encouraged by the success of the enterprise, Abdul has already set his sights on the next stage of growth. He plans to sell some of his goats and use the proceeds to purchase Friesian cows, allowing him to venture into dairy farming and further increase household income.
He believes dairy farming will provide a more stable source of revenue while creating additional opportunities for wealth creation and long-term economic security for his family.
Abdul credits the Parish Development Model for giving him the capital he needed to transform his ambitions into reality.
“I am grateful to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for introducing the Parish Development Model. The programme has helped ordinary people like me access capital and start income-generating activities. My income is improving and I now have hope for a better future,” he said.
Local leaders who documented his success story say Abdul’s journey demonstrates how productive investment of PDM funds can create sustainable livelihoods and accelerate rural transformation.
His story highlights one of the key objectives of the Parish Development Model; encouraging beneficiaries to invest in enterprises that generate continuous income rather than spending the funds on short-term consumption.
Ms Kyanika Rehema, who led the team involved in monitoring the programme in Busoga, says more beneficiaries are beginning to record positive results, particularly in livestock farming, poultry, crop production, and small-scale agribusiness ventures.
Abdul’s experience serves as a reminder that with discipline, patience, and proper planning, even a small amount of seed capital can become the foundation for long-term prosperity.
As government continues to implement the Parish Development Model across the country, stories like Abdul’s are increasingly being cited as evidence of the programme’s potential to reduce poverty, improve household incomes, and stimulate economic transformation at the grassroots level.
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