PDM hits a dead end in Tororo District as beneficiaries struggle to turn cash into progress.

By Lazima Wangadya.

Two years after the Parish Development Model rolled out, the flagship poverty-eradication program appears to be stalling in Tororo District, with many beneficiaries unable to translate the startup funds into sustainable enterprises.

Launched in 2023, PDM gives each beneficiary 1 million shillings as seed capital for small businesses like poultry, carpentry, retail, and other income-generating activities. The goal: move households from subsistence to a money economy at the parish level.

But, field findings in Tororo paint a different picture. Of every 100 beneficiaries per parish, only about 40% have put the funds to intended use, while the majority report having misused the money or failed to start any project.

Complaints of extortion and confusion.

Several beneficiaries say extortion by some PDM officials and local leaders contributed to their failure. They allege they were asked for “facilitation” before accessing funds, leaving them with less capital than required to start viable businesses.

Others say they misunderstood the program’s purpose. A number of beneficiaries believe the money is a reward from the president for voting and campaigning since PDM rollout coincided with the run-up to elections.

That perception, they say, made some treat the 1 million as a handout rather than a revolving loan for business.

Weak supervision blamed

A section of government officials and local leaders also shoulder part of the blame. Beneficiaries and community members say supervision has been weak, with little follow-up after disbursement.

They allege that when central government teams request reports, local leaders take them to well-established farms that were not PDM-funded, presenting them as “success stories.” Meanwhile, the real beneficiaries with stalled or non-existent projects remain out of view. Beneficiaries say this shielding by leaders has emboldened misuse of funds.

What’s at stake.

PDM is a government initiative designed to organize and deliver services through the parish, Uganda’s lowest administrative unit. Each parish receives 100 million shillings annually, with 1 million earmarked per household enterprise. The model relies on SACCOs formed at the parish level to manage, lend, and recover the funds.

In Tororo, the gap between policy intent and ground reality raises questions about training, oversight, and community sensitization.

Without proper guidance on business planning, record-keeping, and repayment, many first-time entrepreneurs struggle once the money lands in their hands.

Local leaders in the district have not yet commented on the specific allegations of extortion and “window-dressing” of farms for visiting officials.

As government pushes to deepen PDM, residents say the priority now should be stricter accountability, hands-on mentorship, and restoring trust that the funds are a tool for lifting families out of poverty — not a one-off gift.