Rukiga, Uganda: A 78-year-old farmer in Rukiga District is reaping the benefits of the Parish Development Model (PDM) after investing his Shs1 million grant in an irrigation system that has transformed his coffee enterprise and increased household income.
Mr. Twine Rureebwa Deo, a resident of Kakatunda Village in Nyakabungo Ward, Muhanga Town Council, is among thousands of Ugandans benefiting from the government’s flagship poverty alleviation programme. He shared his story with Nabuto Joweria, ONC Muzukulu Coordinator, Kigezi Sub-Region.
After receiving Shs1 million under PDM in 2023, Twine supplemented the funds with his personal savings and invested in farm inputs and irrigation infrastructure, including manure, a water pump, irrigation pipes, a water tank, and the construction of a water source on his farm.
The investment has significantly improved productivity and enabled him to expand his farming activities.
Coffee Expansion Pays Off
Before benefiting from the programme, Twine had approximately 600 coffee trees. Following the installation of the irrigation system, he expanded his coffee plantation by an additional 400 trees.
The farmer also diversified his operations through intercropping, growing beans, groundnuts, pumpkins, bananas, passion fruits and vegetables alongside coffee, which remains the leading income-generating enterprise on the farm.
From the 400 coffee trees established after receiving PDM support, Twine harvested 288 kilograms of dry coffee during the 2025 season. He sold the produce at Shs6,000 per kilogram, earning about Shs1.73 million.
With harvesting already underway for the current season, he expects even higher returns due to improved crop performance and favourable growing conditions.
Twine attributes much of his success to the irrigation system, which has enabled him to sustain production during dry spells and improve yields throughout the year.
The reliable water supply has not only enhanced coffee production but also supported crop diversification, improving household food security and resilience.
“The irrigation system has enabled me to maintain production throughout dry periods, improve crop performance and diversify my farming enterprises,” he noted.
Challenges Remain
Despite the progress, Twine says limited capital remains a challenge, particularly in hiring labour to support farm operations and expansion plans. However, he remains optimistic about the future and intends to continue growing his agricultural enterprise.
Twine expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership for implementing the Parish Development Model, saying the programme has strengthened his household’s economic wellbeing.
His story adds to a growing number of success cases being cited by government as evidence of PDM’s impact in boosting household incomes, increasing agricultural productivity and supporting Uganda’s transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
The Parish Development Model remains one of government’s flagship initiatives aimed at lifting millions of Ugandans into the money economy through direct support to households at parish level.
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