By Mulengera Reporters
The Parish Development Model (PDM), a cornerstone of Uganda’s strategy to drive economic growth at the grassroots level, has been hampered by significant delays and mismanagement, according to Edward Akol’s report for 2023/2024.
With UGX 1.059 trillion allocated to Parish Revolving Funds (PRF), the government had ambitious plans to support 10,594 SACCOs across 176 districts. However, by the close of the 2023/2024 financial year, implementation gaps raised concerns about the program’s effectiveness.
The report found that while 99.9% of the PRF budget was transferred to SACCOs, administrative and structural inefficiencies slowed disbursement.
For example, UGX 529.25 billion expected in the third quarter was delayed, with only UGX 529.1 billion released in the fourth quarter.
Some SACCOs received funds outside the financial year, and seven SACCOs failed to receive any funds during the year under review.
Moreover, inspections revealed troubling trends, where 342 beneficiaries implemented ineligible projects, 170 beneficiaries engaged in non-existent projects, and UGX 286 billion went unaccounted for.
Additionally, over 26,000 crop production beneficiaries received funds outside planting seasons, undermining the initiative’s impact.
The Auditor General emphasized the need for streamlined oversight, timely disbursements, and better monitoring mechanisms.
The PDM, designed as a lifeline for community-driven development, must be realigned to its goals. As the proverb goes, [A good beginning makes a good ending]. Uganda must address these foundational issues to ensure the PDM achieves its promise of empowering communities.…….(For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
