By KT Reporter
Pader District LC5 Chairperson, Retired Colonel Fearless Obwoya Oyat, has directed the immediate interdiction of government officials responsible for the delays in disbursing Parish Development Model (PDM) funds. Obwoya expressed frustration over inefficiencies that have hindered the timely delivery of crucial funds to vulnerable communities.
This directive followed reports from local leaders, particularly from Pajule and Pukor sub-counties, citing significant delays in accessing PDM funds. During a meeting for the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project on December 9, 2024, at the district headquarters, Obwoya decried the situation, stating, “These delays are unacceptable and are impacting the livelihoods of people who depend on these funds for their survival.”
The District Commercial Officer, Michael Ojok, speaking on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), assured stakeholders that funds were being disbursed but admitted that the process was slower than anticipated.
However, local leaders like Oloya Sisto, LC1 Chairperson of Amokolagwai East Village, and Charles Okwera, Saaco Chairperson of Amoko Parish in Pajule Sub-County, criticized the district’s management. They accused the Commercial Development Officer (CDO) of neglecting essential paperwork, causing unnecessary delays.
Pajule Sub-County’s CDO, Ms. Auma Gloria, refuted these claims, attributing delays in Amoko Parish to internal SAACO conflicts. She assured that payments would be processed by the end of the week.
LC3 Chairperson of Pukor, Mr. Richard Ojwini, highlighted similar challenges, noting that the focus on PDM funds had sidelined other administrative priorities, such as developing Pukor Parish. He also commended the government’s efforts to address the delays.
Colonel Obwoya emphasized that immediate action was necessary to restore trust in the program and ensure all 95 parishes in Pader receive their PDM funds without further delays. He warned that officials responsible for inefficiencies would face interdiction.
Pader District received 9.5 billion UGX under the PDM, but only 5.63 billion UGX has been disbursed to date. Parishes like Omeda and Got Okong have reportedly waited for over two years, raising serious concerns about the program’s effectiveness.
The Parish Development Model, launched in 2021, aims to reduce poverty by channeling funds directly to parishes for local development. However, delays and mismanagement have undermined its objectives in some districts, sparking calls for better oversight and accountability-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
