President Museveni has expressed strong confidence in the Parish Development Model (PDM), describing it as a transformative strategy that could finally eliminate poverty at the grassroots level.
Speaking to journalists at the conclusion of a national assessment tour of the PDM, the President said he is satisfied with the program’s progress and the enthusiasm displayed by beneficiaries.
“Finally, we have got a good strategy,” Museveni said. “When you look at the beneficiaries, you see they are excited. I am satisfied. PDM is doing wonders.”
Museveni noted that while previous interventions such as Entandikwa (1997), the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) had some successes, they fell short due to mismanagement and exclusion.
“In 1997, we introduced Entandikwa at sub-county level, but the funds were misused. NAADS followed, but again, the money was eaten. Operation Wealth Creation performed well initially, but I later learned that some officers were selectively distributing inputs,” Museveni said.
However, with the Parish Development Model, Museveni said the focus has shifted from government-led distribution to empowering communities to manage their own resources.
“This time, we said government should not carry the burden alone. We put the people in charge of their own money, and that is why this is working,” he said.
He reiterated that the PDM represents a decisive break from the past and is the government’s most promising effort yet in its long-standing campaign to uplift communities out of poverty.
The president said with PDM, the beneficiaries are in charge of their own money and in case of any challenges, they will know.
“Even when money is not enough, the entire population will know how much money has come and they can monitor those that have got money .Even if we didn’t add any money, in five years, many homes would have got money, used it and paid it back and many households would have benefitted. I am very happy because this formular seems to be better than the others.”
