By Stephen Ainganiza –Communication Officer
The Parish Development Model (PDM) is making a significant difference in the lives of Ugandans who have embraced it, particularly in Kabarole District. This initiative has empowered individuals previously engaged in subsistence farming to transition into a middle-income economy, with many now earning upwards of one million shillings per month.
The PDM serves as the Government of Uganda’s last-mile strategy for service delivery, aimed at enhancing the incomes and welfare of all Ugandans at the household level.
It embodies a comprehensive governmental approach to development, as outlined in the National Development Plan III (NDPIII), positioning the parish as the fundamental administrative and operational hub for delivering services closer to the people and fostering local economic development.
Since its launch in the financial year 2021/2022, Kabarole District has received a substantial allocation of 16,079,226,540 shillings, distributed over the financial years 2021/2022 to 2024/2025.
According to Muzoora Kenneth, the District PDM Focal Person, this initiative has directly benefited 16,079 households across 52 parishes. The district has seen the establishment of 968 enterprise groups and 260 enterprises, with an average of five enterprises per parish. The most successful ventures include vegetable farming, goat rearing, dairy production, and pig farming.
The Inspiring Story of Mukundane Rosette
Mukundane Rosette, a 41-year-old resident of Kasojo Cell in Kyanyawara Ward, Kiko Town Council, is a remarkable beneficiary of the PDM who has significantly improved her household income.
In November 2023, Mukundane received one million shillings in PDM funds, which she used to purchase four goats, two of which were pregnant. Within a short period, her goats gave birth, resulting in a total of 15 goats.
Mukundane shared her success, stating that she sold five goats for 900,000 shillings and subsequently bought a cow. On November 1st of this year, she sold an additional 15 goats for 6,000,000 shillings and six goats for her family, generating 3,985,000 shillings, which she invested in purchasing one acre of land in Kyegegwa to plant coffee.
Reflecting on her journey, Mukundane expressed gratitude, saying, “When the president visited me,he gave me 10 million shillings. I used this money to buy land to expand my project, purchase a water tank, and acquire a cow.”
The Impact of PDM on Mukundane’s Life
Mukundane credits the PDM for her transformation, noting that prior to receiving the funds, her banana crops struggled due to poor soil quality. However, the manure from her goats has revitalized her banana production, allowing her to earn over 500,000 shillings from banana sales per month. She proudly stated, “I was able to buy six pigs from the sale of bananas, and in November alone, I earned 1,112,500 shillings from bananas. I aspire to expand this project and become a model farmer in my community.”
Moreover, Mukundane’s newfound financial stability has enabled her to provide quality education for her three children, who attend Rwimi Parents School, each costing 700,000 shillings per term while others at studying from within. . She plans to enroll them in even better schools.
Mukundane expresses her heartfelt appreciation to President Museveni for initiating the PDM strategy, which she believes is instrumental in alleviating poverty at the household level. Her life has been transformed, and she is committed to implementing the president’s vision of using the four-acre model to further improve household income and also train and mentor farmers in the community.
Through the PDM, Mukundane Rosette’s story exemplifies the profound impact of targeted government initiatives on individual lives, showcasing the potential for economic empowerment and community development in Kabarole District.