Kyotera: PDM Program Fails to Take Off Two Months After Launch
By Racheal Nuwahereza
The Parish Development Model (PMD) program has failed to take off in Kyotera district due to delays in the release of funds and lack of sensitization of the beneficiaries.
Local authorities say that over UGX 300 million meant for the program is still on the district account despite being released in time by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
The authorities have also expressed concern that there has been delayed sensitization of the beneficiaries which may lead to misallocation of funds and frustrate the program objectives
Francis Kizza, the Kyebe LC III chairperson, says that the people in Kyebe including the parish groups that are supposed to benefit from the funds are not well versed with the new program due to the lack of sensitization, which might lead to mismanagement of funds.
He noted that preparing the SACCOs at the parish level for the program is important and enhances the proper allocation of the funds to the right projects. He says that several districts have already taken off and their people are on the move to benefit from the program.
Antonio Kalyango, the Lwankoni Sub-county Councilor, says that the district is left with only two months for the first phase of the program to expire.
Kalyango notes that the funds may be returned to the coffers of the Ministry of Finance if they are not utilized. He appealed to the government to intervene and rectify the challenge before it is too late.
Apollo Mugume, the Kyotera Resident District Commissioner (RDC), says that returning the money to the government treasury may greatly affect the district. He says that he consulted about the matter and is waiting for a team from Kampala to do the sensitisation of the leaders and guide them on what to do.
Gabriel Bwayo, the Kyotera Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), said he was instructed by Ramanthan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance not to withdraw the funds from the district account until further guidance. He says that he was also waiting for a team from Kampala to sensitise district leaders.
However, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja says that the delayed release of funds is delaying people’s opportunity to benefit from the program. She pledged to ensure that the Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary works with the Kyotera CAO to address the matter.
The government disbursed PDM funds for 10,594 parishes across the country, which each parish getting UGX 17 million this Financial Year in the first phase of the program. The parishes are expected to receive UGX 100 million in the next financial year 2022/2023.
Credit: Tinyefuza Naboth
