Jinja: Richard Gulume Balyaino, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Jinja, has called upon recipients of the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to channel their financial resources into projects that hold the potential to significantly improve their lives. Balyaino’s call to action came during a press briefing held at his office in Busoga Square, Jinja City.
The Government’s Parish Development Model seeks to distribute shs.100 million to parishes nationwide, with the aim of fostering tangible development within Ugandan communities. This initiative places special emphasis on the agricultural sector, as highlighted by President Museveni, recognizing its capacity to generate employment opportunities and alleviate the pervasive poverty that affects many Ugandans.
Gulume Balyaino disclosed that more than 5400 residents of Jinja District had expressed interest in the PDM program, with 2638 individuals already benefitting from the allocated funds. An additional 1000 applications are currently undergoing the clearance process. These figures signify the utilization of the PDM funds allocated in the 2022 budget, and beneficiaries for the current financial year are already being integrated into the system.
In a cautionary note, both beneficiaries and program extension workers were advised to refrain from engaging in bribery, as the borrowed funds are anticipated to be returned to the government after a two-year period. Balyaino acknowledged and commended those who have acted as whistle-blowers, reporting any irregularities within the implementation process.
It has come to light that some officials have misused the program through acts of nepotism, registering only their family members while ignoring other eligible citizens. Balyaino vowed to address this issue sternly, asserting that such practices undermine the intended purpose of the initiative.
Addressing another societal concern, the RDC lamented the phenomenon of school dropouts among children, attributing this problem to parental negligence towards education. He urged parents to engage their children in productive activities during school breaks, as a means to prevent criminal behavior and early pregnancies among young girls.
