The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) in Mukono District has convened a one-day Parish Development Model (PDM) review meeting to evaluate progress in the program’s implementation. The session brought together Sub-County Chiefs (SACAOs), Community Development Officers, Parish Chiefs, Agricultural Extension Staff, and Commercial Officers for a candid discussion on achievements, challenges, and strategies to improve service delivery.
The meeting, held at the CAO’s Boardroom, paid special attention to Pillar 3 of the PDM – Financial Inclusion, a critical component aimed at empowering households to access affordable credit, grow businesses, and achieve sustainable livelihoods.
The review came months after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s visit to Namayuba Parish in Nakisunga Sub-County on 19th June 2025, where he encouraged beneficiaries to maximize government opportunities to escape poverty instead of engaging in wasteful lifestyles he described as “kukora kidda kyonkai.”
The President has consistently emphasized the need for practical engagement through kibalo (community-based practical training sessions) to help beneficiaries understand their businesses and increase productivity.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chief Administrative Officer of Mukono, Ms. Elizabeth Namanda, urged government workers to rededicate themselves to their responsibilities and address areas that remain weak. She stressed the importance of tracking beneficiaries, ensuring compliance with the 24-month loan repayment directive, and mobilizing communities to embrace saving and wise investment practices.
“PDM will only succeed if each of us puts more energy into the areas where we are lagging,” she noted, calling for stronger teamwork from sub-county to parish level to deliver tangible results.
The Principal Commercial Officer, Mr. Kenneth Ntege, presented updates from the August 7th circular issued by the National Coordinator, Hon. Davis Galabuzi Sozi, highlighting the need for proper beneficiary selection, accurate assessment of parish economies, and timely reporting. He further stressed the recovery of funds from beneficiaries who have reached their 24-month repayment period so that other households can benefit, reminding participants that “PDM must remain a revolving fund, not a one-time benefit.”
Closing the meeting, the Deputy CAO urged participants to commit not only to PDM but also to complementary government initiatives such as Emyooga and the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), all designed to empower households, boost production, and improve livelihoods across Mukono District.
The review underscored that while the Parish Development Model has already made strides in empowering communities, its long-term impact will depend on accountability, teamwork, and strict adherence to repayment guidelines. With renewed calls for commitment, Mukono District leaders reaffirmed their determination to transform households from subsistence to commercial production and ensure that government poverty alleviation programs deliver meaningful and lasting change.
