Summary:
- She noted that while some beneficiaries have clear objectives, many divert the funds to unrelated activities, undermining the program’s goals.
KATAKWI: The Vice President, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, has urged beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to utilize the loans for their intended purposes.
Speaking at Stella Maris Ariet Kapujan Catholic Parish, Toroma County, Katakwi District, during Christmas prayers on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Alupo emphasized the importance of adhering to business plans for the success of the poverty alleviation program.
She noted that while some beneficiaries have clear objectives, many divert the funds to unrelated activities, undermining the program’s goals.
“The PDM’s goal is to transition households from subsistence farming into the money economy. Its strategy is multi-sectoral, positioning the parish as the center of community development,” Alupo said.
She explained that the program prioritizes key areas such as security, education, healthcare, roads, storage, environmental services, processing, and energy.
The Vice President reiterated that the primary aim of the PDM is to increase household incomes and improve the quality of life for Ugandans. She called for total economic transformation, urging households to shift from subsistence farming to participation in the money economy within five years.
Alupo also encouraged Christians to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and work diligently to eliminate poverty from their households in the coming year. She urged the faithful to pay attention to church readings during Mass and thanked them for attending the Christmas celebration early. Additionally, she lauded their commitment to serving God and encouraged continued prayers for all leaders, including the President and the First Lady.
She assured the congregation of the government’s commitment to delivering security, roads, healthcare, education, and other essential services to improve citizens’ well-being.
Alupo highlighted plans to upgrade Katakwi General Hospital into a specialized facility for complicated medical cases and revealed that Toroma Health Centre had already received funds for constructing a theatre.
Rev. Fr. John Ejonu, who led the Christmas Mass, echoed the Vice President’s message by encouraging the faithful to embrace government livelihood programs.
He also appealed to them to share their resources with others and reminded them to view Christmas as a gift from God.
