By Mike Rwothomio
Parish Development Model SAACO leaders at Parish level in Paidha Sub county, Zombo district are on spot over their reported weird practice of listing names of individuals who are alive amongst the dead ones to leave space for beneficiaries of their own choice.
Concerned and irked by these leader’s action, a section of elders from Paidha Sub-County on February 3, went to the office of the Resident District Commissioner Zombo, to take the matter to his attention.
This compelled the Zombo Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua, to swiftly convened a crisis meeting with locals in the village of Awendukei, Otheko Parish on Tuesday February 3, to offer a Parmanent solution the pressing issue.
Locals reacts
Ali Opoka, a resident of Awendukei village, Otheko Parish, expressed frustration, pointing out how he was put amongst the list of people who are dead, upon paying over 50 thousand shillings.
” We were registered in 2021 and we spent so much money, but up to now , we have not received our money, when I went to the office of our SAACO, I discovered my name amongst list of the dead people, what can of leaders are these” Opoka told the RDC with much frustration.
Abdulai Oroga, 65, one of the elders who reported the matter to the RDC, accused the leaders of replacing them upon fixing their names amongst list of the dead.
” We were the first group to register as elders here, we were made to pay 50,000 shillings to access the funds, up to now nothing has happened, instead they fix our names amongst list of dead people ” Oroga noted
Walter Piker, another area resident, accused the leaders of extorting him over 15,000 shillings, angrily expressing his grievances over listing him amongst names of dead people under unclear circumstances.
Meanwhile Rose Awacango, the chairperson of Pikwo Union group in Paidha sub county, openly placed the blame on their leadership at the Parish level, calling for immediate action from the Resident District Commissioner.
Other members have accused the leaders of levying unnecessary charges on them, calling for the RDC’s intervention.
The LCI chairperson of Awendukei village, Otheko Parish, Alex OaiKani, blames the locals for not registering the complains to his office.
The LCIII chairperson of Paidha sub county William Okethi, noted that some of the concerns had not reach his office.
Zombo district has successfully has successfully disbursed over UGX 4 billion to more than 4,000 beneficiaries under the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme, which was launched in 2022.
This achievement represents over 80% of the UGX 6.1 billion allocated to the district, which spans 61 parishes.
The PDM initiative, a government strategy aimed at poverty alleviation through community-driven development, empowers local communities to identify and address their own development needs. It is part of a national effort to uplift 10,000 parishes across Uganda.
Progress and Leadership Insight
James Oyullu Oruna, the LCV Chairperson of Zombo District, shared updates during a recent council meeting in Warr Town Council.
“We have disbursed UGX 4.95 billion out of UGX 6.1 billion. So far, 29 parishes have achieved 100% disbursement. This progress is commendable, and I thank everyone involved for their hard work,” Oyullu noted.
He urged the district’s technical team to continue guiding leaders and communities in the remaining parishes to expedite the disbursement process.
Concerns and Recommendations
Despite the progress, reports have emerged of fund misuse and mismanagement among some beneficiaries. Last year, allegations surfaced about beneficiaries diverting funds for non-productive luxuries.
The District Councillor for Youths, Derick Rwothungeyu Ocweda, praised the production committee for its efforts but emphasised the need for continuous community sensitisation.
“We must ensure that people use these funds wisely. More focus on education and awareness is crucial,” Ocweda stressed.
Evelyn Jane Othora, Chairperson of the Production and Natural Resources Committee, highlighted the need for enhanced training.
“We recommend capacity building and technical support for parish chiefs and PDM SACCO leaders. This will speed up disbursements and improve fund management,” she stated.
Addressing the Allegations
The Resident District Commissioner of Zombo Festus Ayikobua, warned against the practice, and ordered all PDM SAACO leaders in Paidha sub county to appear in his office in person on Monday next week.
Ayikobua who rallied the locals to work with him to curb the rampant corruption in the district, gave his telephone contact for people to report such practices to him directly.
The PDM program has faced challenges, including allegations of extortion by some parish chiefs and SACCO leaders.
In Kango Sub-county, a recent crackdown led to the arrest of several SACCO officials accused of demanding bribes from beneficiaries.
Bruno Obomba Manano, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Zombo, issued a stern warning against such practices. “Do not let anyone exploit you. Report any cases of extortion immediately so we can take action,” Obomba urged during a belated Youth Day celebration in Paidha Town Council.
The Parish Development Model, launched by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, aims to mobilise 17.5 million Ugandans from 3.5 million households.
The initiative seeks to empower communities to take charge of their development, ensuring sustainable poverty alleviation at the grassroots level.
The Resident District Commissioner of Zombo Festus Ayikobua.
