UPPER MADI MP INTENSIFIES PDM SENSITIZATION TO BOOST HOUSEHOLD INCOMES

Hon Martin Drito Andi, the area MP of Upper Ma’di County (Courtesy)

By Martin Anguyo

Arua City

Following the low uptake of funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM) by residents of Upper Madi County in Madi Okollo District, the area Member of Parliament, Hon. Martin Drito Andi, has launched a sensitization campaign aimed at encouraging leaders and community members to actively embrace the government initiative as a pathway to household poverty eradication.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held at Okollo Town Council, Hon. Drito expressed concern over what he described as the poor implementation and limited participation in the program despite the substantial financial resources already committed by government.

“I urge local leaders to strengthen community mobilization and ensure that eligible beneficiaries understand the objectives and opportunities presented by PDM,” Hon Martin said.

The District Female Councilor representing Anyiribu Sub-county, Hon. Ayikoru Jessila, called on residents to abandon negative perceptions surrounding the Parish Development Model, saying the program has the potential to transform livelihoods if implemented with commitment and transparency.

“Some people always say, PDM is NRM money and they can’t take it seriously but I would advise us to leave aside the negative mindset but instead take it as program that can transform our life” she said.

Meanwhile, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) for Madi Okollo appealed to political, technical and community leaders to provide accurate and timely information about the program to the public. “Misinformation and inadequate sensitization remain some of the major obstacles preventing many eligible residents from participating in PDM” the DISO said.

According to district records, Madi Okollo District has so far disbursed more than UGX 18 billion to beneficiaries since the rollout of the Parish Development Model, a flagship government program designed to move households from subsistence farming into the money economy through parish-level financial inclusion and enterprise development.

However, leaders say increased public awareness and community participation are essential if the program is to achieve its intended impact of reducing poverty across the district.