Kazo District has continued to register progress in the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM), successfully completing the second phase of fund disbursement for the 2024/2025 financial year. The district, which comprises 51 parishes, received a total of UGX 5,196,900,000 under the PDM program.

Each parish was allocated UGX 100 million as a Parish Revolving Fund (PRF), amounting to UGX 5.1 billion in total. Additional funds included UGX 51 million for Parish Development Committee (PDC) allowances (UGX 1 million per parish), UGX 25.5 million for SACCO executive administrative costs and logistical support (UGX 500,000 per parish), and UGX 20.4 million for bank charges (UGX 400,000 per parish), all adding up to the overall total of UGX 5,196,900,000.

According to Kazo District officials, the first phase of disbursement achieved 100% distribution, while the second phase is currently at 75% completion, with ongoing efforts to ensure full rollout. District Commercial Officer Aaron Muzahura reported that approximately 70% of beneficiaries are utilizing the funds effectively, with minor challenges being addressed. He also emphasized the importance of repayment, especially for those who benefited in the 2022/2023 financial year.

John Baptist Asimwe, the Principal Agricultural Officer and PDM Focal Person, lauded the government for its continued support and noted that the Parish Revolving Fund has significantly empowered households to engage in income-generating activities, thereby improving their livelihoods.

Chief Administrative Officer Hajji Badru Mayanja Majwala commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for initiating the PDM, calling it one of the most effective strategies for eradicating poverty at the household level. He urged beneficiaries to seek technical guidance to use the funds appropriately and reminded the public that the PDM is built on seven pillars, not just financial support.

The Resident District Commissioner, Captain Yahaya Kakoza, described PDM as a “silver bullet” in the fight against poverty. He observed that the program has helped low-income earners escape the grip of exploitative moneylenders (kafuna), significantly reducing poverty levels in the district. He appealed to the public to fully embrace the initiative, calling it a well-designed, sustainable solution to long-standing economic challenges.

Tinyefuza Naboth-Kazo District Communications Officer