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RDC Emmy Ngabirano
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Bushenyi
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Bushenyi, Emmy Ngabirano, has called on beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to begin repaying the money they received, in line with the program's guidelines. Ngabirano noted that since the PDM was launched by the government in 2022, the two-year grace period granted to beneficiaries has now expired. "The time for grace is over. It is now time to pay back the money so that others can also benefit from this government program," Ngabirano said.
He made the remarks during a stakeholder meeting held on Thursday at the Bushenyi District Multipurpose Hall, which brought together parish chiefs, sub-county chiefs, town agents, PDM SACCO chairpersons, and Parish Development Model Committee members.
Crackdown on corruption
Ngabirano also issued a stern warning to parish chiefs who have been accused of soliciting money from beneficiaries. "We have received reports that some parish chiefs and parish chairpersons shared the UGX 250,000 facilitation meant for PDM committees. This is corruption, and I want that money refunded by Friday," he warned.
Grace period officially over
Gordon Tumuhimbise, the PDM focal person for the district, clarified that the first batch of PDM revolving funds was disbursed in March 2023, and the 24-month grace period officially ended in March 2025.
"This means beneficiaries must now start repaying the UGX 1 million plus the interest, as agreed in the guidelines," Tumuhimbise explained.
Hope Christine Komujuni, the District Commercial Officer and one of the PDM focal persons, acknowledged challenges in the repayment process, revealing that some beneficiaries had diverted the funds. "A number of people used the money for unproductive ventures, which has made repayment difficult. But we are encouraged to see that some have already started paying back, and these recoveries are now helping those who missed out in the first round," she said.
Bushenyi praised for strong implementation
Principal Assistant Secretary Dan Taritweba commended Bushenyi for its strong performance in implementing the PDM. "Bushenyi is currently ranked 7th nationally in the timely disbursement of PDM revolving funds. This shows that our actors—right from the village to the district—have been committed," Taritweba noted.
The meeting attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including officials from Parish Development Committees (PDCs), PDM SACCOs, parish chiefs, town agents, community development officers, senior assistant secretaries, and town clerks.
Torch Media Africa
