RUKUNGIRI- As clock ticks to the kickoff of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s Parish Development Modal- PDM evaluation tour, a section of youths in Rukungiri District has raised concerns over loopholes in the program.
The youth, under the Office of the National Chairman, Kigezi Chapter allege that they are being sidelined in the implementation of this Parish Development Model (PDM) program, accusing officials of discrimination and corruption in fund allocation.
President Museveni is scheduled to visit Kigezi from February 12 to 14, where he will meet Parish Development Model (PDM) farmers, commission completed government projects and address a public rally.
His visit to the Sub Region marks the continuation of his commitment to strengthening agricultural development and supporting farmers across Uganda.
The program President Museveni, launched in February 2022 aims at transitioning Ugandan households from subsistence to a money-based economy. Under this program, each parish receives Ugx 100 million annually to invest in the agricultural value chain, with youths entitled to 30 percent of these funds.
Akampa Rugaba Tabull, the Kigezi Sub-region Coordinator from the Office of the National Chairman, expressed disappointment that many young people in the district have been excluded from the program despite their rightful entitlement. He urged the president to address these concerns, including youth discrimination, bribery, and other irregularities, during his upcoming visit to the Kigezi region.
Akampa further called for the replacement of parish chiefs and other officials handling PDM funds, accusing them of mismanagement and failing to follow program guidelines. He emphasized that while 30 percent of the funds are allocated for youth, many have been denied access. He warned that unless this issue is addressed, the youth in Rukungiri might reconsider their support for the president in future elections.
Rwabisharara Allan, a youth from Kinyasaano, highlighted another challenge, stating that many young people were excluded from PDM on the assumption that they would be unable to repay the loans. He noted that despite their willingness to participate, PDM SACCO chairpersons refused to register them, assuming they were not creditworthy.
Allan proposed that the government should allow youth to form their own SACCOs to ensure fair access to the funds. He suggested that out of every five SACCOs, at least two should be exclusively for youth.
Meanwhile, several individuals, including Moses Tindimwebwa, Tandeka Amon, and Jackson Turinaawe, complained of being asked to pay bribes but still not receiving any funds. They accused PDM officials of corruption, alleging that chairpersons and parish chiefs collect money from applicants with false promises but fail to deliver.
Despite repeatedly reporting these issues to their leaders, no action has been taken. They are now appealing to the president to intervene, either by ensuring refunds or restructuring the committees handling PDM funds.
