KISORO, UGANDA – The Deputy National Coordinator of the Parish Development Model (PDM), Jovrine Kaliisa, has expressed strong condemnation towards the Kisoro District Commercial Officer and Parish Chiefs for allegedly engaging in corrupt practices that hinder potential beneficiaries from accessing government funds. Kaliisa voiced her concerns during an inspection visit to the district, where she held a meeting at the Kisoro District Council Hall before proceeding to Nyundo Sub County.
During the meeting, Kaliisa addressed several issues affecting the implementation of the PDM program, particularly the negligence of Parish Chiefs and their failure to properly sensitize the community on accessing PDM funds. She expressed disappointment over the poor mobilization of community members, stating that only a small fraction of the expected attendees were present due to a lack of information about the meeting.
Residents from Nyundo shared their grievances with Kaliisa, highlighting the demand for bribes by Parish Chiefs, who allegedly asked for 5,000 Ugandan shillings per person to expedite paperwork. Additionally, some residents mentioned the lack of education as a barrier, preventing them from understanding the processes involved in opening bank accounts and fulfilling other requirements.
At Kabahunde trading center, frustrated residents demanded the arrest of those responsible for the incompetence in sensitizing communities about the PDM program. Kaliisa expressed her disappointment with the officers responsible for implementing PDM in Kisoro, warning them to improve their performance or face detention or arrest.
Kaliisa acknowledged the system error that resulted in the exclusion of eligible beneficiaries’ names from the program. She offered her apologies and emphasized that individuals can access up to one million shillings, which should be utilized as startup capital for income-generating ventures.
In order to expedite the process, Kaliisa instructed all PDM supervisors in the district to register people promptly. She further stressed that the funds should be released to eligible individuals without fail by the following week. The PDM program, a government strategy aimed at creating wealth and generating employment at the parish level, seeks to enhance the demand for goods and services among Ugandans.
The Parish Development Model is an integral part of the government’s whole-of-Government approach to development, focusing on delivering services closer to the people and fostering local economic development. It aims to transform subsistence households into active participants in the money economy through organized, integrated, well-coordinated, and results-based efforts.
As the investigation into the alleged corruption continues, the National Deputy Coordinator’s visit and subsequent actions signal the government’s commitment to ensuring effective implementation of the PDM program in Kisoro. The authorities strive to eliminate corrupt practices and ensure that eligible individuals have equal access to the benefits of the program.
The people of Kisoro are hopeful that these measures will lead to a transparent and efficient distribution of PDM funds, ultimately improving the incomes and welfare of households in the district.
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