Kazo district local government has completed the selection, election and induction of new Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO leaders across its 51 parishes in a move expected to pave the way for the implementation of the next phase of the government’s poverty-eradication programme.

The Parish development model is a government programme aimed at transforming subsistence households into the money economy by supporting communities through organised parish-level SACCOs and revolving funds.

According to the district authorities, the PDM technical team recently completed the process of selecting and vetting new SACCO committees in line with guidelines issued by the national PDM coordination office.

Since the programme began, the government has disbursed about Shs20.8 billion to PDM SACCOs in 51 parishes across eight sub-counties and two town councils in Kazo district. A further Shs2.55 billion is awaiting disbursement, subject to completion of the administrative requirements following the change of SACCO leadership.

The leadership changes followed a national circular directing districts to renew or replace PDM SACCO committees whose four-year term had elapsed, in accordance with the cooperative societies act.

Kazo district commercial officer Aaron Muzahura said the district technical team visited all the parishes and facilitated the selection of vetting committees.

Each SACCO formed a vetting committee, which was mandated to advertise the available leadership positions, scrutinise candidates according to the required leadership qualifications.

A further period was provided for the vetting process before the district proceeded to the next stage of special general elections for SACCO boards and supervisory committees.

Muzahura said the elections have now been completed and the newly elected leaders have undergone induction and training on their roles and responsibilities.

The district is now preparing to submit the new SACCO leadership lists and resolutions to the Registrar of Cooperatives at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives for registration.

The district will also submit resolutions indicating the authorised SACCO signatories and the relevant bank account details to facilitate access to PDM funds.

Muzahura urged PDM beneficiaries who have reached the repayment period to honour their obligations, noting that the money is a revolving fund intended to benefit other community members.

The Principal Agricultural Officer, who is also the district PDM focal person, John Baptist Asimwe, confirmed that elections of PDM SACCO committees had been finalised across the district and that induction of the newly elected committees had also been successfully completed.

He said the next phase will involve the selection and facilitation of beneficiaries, followed by mindset-change activities at the respective PDM training centres.

Kazo district Chief Administrative Officer Hajji Badru Mayanja Majwala commended President Yoweri Museveni for what he described as a visionary programme aimed at helping Ugandans move out of poverty and improve their livelihoods.

Mayanja, who is the district accounting officer, pledged that the district would do everything within its mandate to ensure that the PDM programme is properly implemented.

He urged residents not to undermine the programme, saying the President is keen on its success because of its potential to improve household incomes.

Mayanja also reminded district technical staff that all departments have a role to play in implementing the different pillars of PDM.

Meanwhile, Kazo district LC5 Chairman Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda thanked residents who have used PDM funds responsibly and urged beneficiaries to continue using the program for its intended purpose.

Katugunda warned against corruption in the implementation of PDM, particularly among SACCO leaders and other officials involved in managing the program.

He also called on beneficiaries whose repayment periods are due to repay the funds, stressing that PDM money is a revolving fund intended to support other eligible households.

He urged the people of Kazo to embrace the programme while remaining vigilant against misuse of funds and corruption.

The writer is Tinyefuza Naboth, Communications Officer, Kazo district local government.