By Alfred Opio
PALLISA — Leaders of Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCOs in Pallisa District have been cautioned against independently selecting beneficiaries, with authorities warning that the practice undermines transparency and threatens the success of the government’s poverty eradication efforts.
The warning was issued by Luis Patrick Okia, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner in charge of Agule and Gogonyo counties, during his ongoing monitoring of government programs in the district.
Okia emphasized that the Parish Development Model is a strategic initiative by the Government of Uganda aimed at transitioning households from subsistence living to participation in the money economy.
“PDM is a tool to fight poverty and improve livelihoods,” he said. “It is meant to help families move from their current situation to a more productive and sustainable way of life.”
However, he expressed concern over emerging challenges in the implementation of the program, particularly the tendency by some SACCO leaders to dominate the beneficiary selection process without involving other mandated stakeholders.
Okia explained that the PDM framework clearly outlines the roles of key actors at the parish level, including SACCO leaders, parish chiefs, Local Council II leaders, Parish Development Committee members, and Gombolola Internal Security Officers. He noted that the Office of the Assistant RDC is also responsible for overseeing the process to ensure compliance.
“All these stakeholders must be involved in selecting beneficiaries to ensure transparency and accountability,” he said. “When some leaders take full control of the process, it creates room for corruption and favoritism.”
He warned that bypassing the established structure compromises technical oversight, as certain responsibilities—such as verification of beneficiaries and financial accountability—fall under trained officials like parish chiefs.
“You are SACCO leaders, not administrators,” Okia stressed. “Selection must be a collective process. No one should take over roles meant for others.”
Okia further reiterated his commitment to personally oversee beneficiary selection exercises within his jurisdiction, noting that in his absence, the Gombolola Internal Security Officer may represent him, but procedures must still be followed.
Local leaders and community members have welcomed the directive, expressing hope that it will restore fairness and credibility in the implementation of the PDM program.
As the government continues to invest in initiatives such as PDM and Emyooga to combat poverty, leaders in Pallisa have been urged to uphold integrity, transparency, and teamwork to ensure that the intended beneficiaries fully benefit.
