KISORO: PDM Faces Hurdles as Only 20% of Beneficiaries Receive Funds

By Banabasi Kamusiime

KISORO – The Parish Development Model (PDM) project in Kisoro District has faced setbacks due to the incompetence and lack of computer literacy among some parish chiefs.

The project, aimed at fostering development within the district’s parishes, has encountered challenges with only 20% of the intended beneficiaries receiving the funds. The chairman of the Kisoro district parish developmental model taskforce and resident district commissioner (RDC), Hajji Shafiq Ssekandi Sengoba, confirmed the disappointing progress.

He pointed out that the town agents in Kisoro municipality have performed significantly better, disbursing over 90% of the funds to beneficiaries. Acknowledging the best-performing town councils, RDC Ssekandi praised Rukundo town council, Rubuguri, Bunagana, Mupaka, Nyanamo, Cyanika, and Chahafi for their impressive efforts in ensuring multiple beneficiaries within their areas. Additionally, Chahi, Nyarusiza, Kanaba, Nyakinama, and Busanza sub-counties have also recorded at least one beneficiary.

CUE IN SEKANDI….ON BEST PERFORMERS……..RR//

On the other hand, Nyundo, Kirundo, Nyabwishenya, Bukimbiri, and Nyakabande have been identified as the worst-performing sub-counties. Furthermore, four parishes—Kahurire A, Muganza, Bubuye, and Gisozi—have not yet been certified to benefit from the PDM project due to errors made while formulating parish SACCO bi-laws. To address the issue, Ssekandi says the Chief Administrative Officer has taken the initiative to summon inactive parish chiefs to explain their performance and justify their retention in government positions.

CUE IN SEKANDI…..ON POOR PERFORMERS……RR//

 

RDC Ssekandi expressed the district’s target to increase the number of beneficiaries to at least 50% by the end of the following week. He advised the incompetent chiefs to consider hiring computer literates, while those facing system sabotage were encouraged to work during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions. It was reported that over 10,000 bank accounts have been opened so far with DFCU and centenary banks for the PDM project beneficiaries.

CUE IN HAJJI……ON TARGET…….RR//

Ssekandi advised beneficiaries not to get complacent after withdrawing the funds, stressing the importance of wisely investing the money to ensure long-term benefits. Additionally, the Kisoro district commercial officer, who was serving as the PDM focal person, has been suspended from the position. In the officer’s place, the district veterinary officer, Ngabo Herbert—an expert in computers—will now take on the role to enhance the project’s efficiency.

CUE IN RDC…….ON CHALLENGES…….RR//