Gulu City, (UG):- Despite facing significant challenges, the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) programs is showing positive outcomes, helping transform impoverished communities towards economic sustainability, according to Gulu City Mayor, Alfred Okwonga.
In an interview with the DailyExpress during an ongoing monitoring exercise of project locations, Mayor Okwonga expressed his satisfaction with the progress. “Projects such as piggery, poultry, and the buying and selling of produce are thriving despite the challenges. It’s inspiring to see a community that was once struggling economically now taking steps to improve,” he said.
However, beneficiaries have raised concerns about the growing issue of theft, particularly in the outskirts of the city, which has resulted in significant losses for project owners.
Christopher Lubangakene, Chairperson of the PDM SACCO at For God Ward, spoke to the Daily Express about the alarming thefts affecting local projects, especially poultry and piggery. “We’ve seen numerous thefts of poultry. Some beneficiaries use free-range systems, while others keep their birds in pens, but thieves have still managed to break in. One person lost 40 chickens in a single night. It’s a serious issue,” Lubangakene said.
Another beneficiary of the PDM in Gulu shows off her poultry farm
In addition to theft, beneficiaries are also grappling with diseases affecting their poultry and pigs. Agnes Angom, a poultry farmer, pointed out the lack of training and extension services as a barrier to effective project management. “Many beneficiaries are struggling because they lack the necessary skills and knowledge to manage their projects successfully,” Angom explained.
To address these challenges, Geoffrey Opiro Komakech, Chairperson of the Bardege PDM SACCO, stated that efforts are being made to provide close guidance and training for beneficiaries. “We monitor the projects closely and offer training to ensure successful management. Currently, 70% of the beneficiaries, mostly women in Bardege, are managing their projects correctly,” Opiro said.
Since the government’s initial disbursement of PDM funds in the fiscal year 2022/2023, For God Ward and Bardege Ward are among the 32 wards that have received PDM funds. To date, 415 beneficiaries in the two wards of Bardege and For God in Gulu City have received a total of UGX 415 million in the latest disbursements.
One of the program’s success stories is Mrs. Vento Odong, who started with two piglets and now has 18 pigs, thanks to the support from PDM funds. Another successful beneficiary, Mr. Maurice Komakech, began with three piglets and has expanded into cattle farming after selling over 10 piglets to purchase a cow.
Another beneficiary showed her poultry chicken to the Mayor
Mrs. Adong Rose Ocira, the LC1 Chairperson of Te Dam in Bardege Layibi City Division, expressed how the PDM program has alleviated the burden on local authorities. “Before PDM, many people came to us, asking for recommendation letters to acquire micro-finance. Since they started receiving PDM money, the number of requests has dropped, and we are happy to see people becoming self-sustainable,” Ocira said.
With steady progress in PDM programs across Gulu City, the Mayor’s team is moving across to provide guidance and encouragement to beneficiaries, allowing those with successful projects to share their experiences and inspire others.
In response to the concerns raised by beneficiaries, Mayor Okwonga assured that efforts would be made to address the issues. “We will take these reports to the relevant departments to ensure beneficiaries receive proper support in managing their projects. We will also discuss the security concerns with the relevant authorities in our upcoming meetings to develop strategies for safeguarding the community and their projects,” he stated.
