By Nathan Eyagu 

TESO - In a bid to assess the progress and impact of the Parish Development Model (PDM) on Uganda’s communities, H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda, will embark on an extensive tour of the Teso Sub-Region from November 18th to 20th, 2024.

This visit is part of the President's commitment to ensuring that development programs directly benefit local populations and drive economic transformation across the country.

The PDM, a flagship initiative of the Ugandan government, aims to reduce poverty by empowering local communities through financial inclusion, agricultural modernization, and infrastructure development at the parish level. The President’s assessment tour is expected to evaluate the model’s effectiveness in promoting economic independence and development, particularly in rural areas.

According to the Presidential Press Unit (PPU), the three-day tour will see the President visiting several districts in the Teso Sub-Region, with Soroti City among the key stops. During this time, President Museveni will meet with various stakeholders, including district leaders, technical personnel, and community representatives with an aim to provide the President with firsthand insights into the successes, challenges, and needs of the local communities.

The PPU has confirmed that H.E. Museveni will address public rallies in respective districts and Soroti city, where he will discuss the importance of the PDM, highlight the progress made so far, and address any concerns from the residents.

As the date approaches, preparations are underway across Teso to ensure a smooth and successful visit. Security teams, technical staff, and local authorities are working hand-in-hand to coordinate logistics for the President’s tour, guaranteeing that he can assess PDM’s impact and make informed decisions on enhancing the program.

The Teso Sub-Region, like many other areas in Uganda, has faced economic challenges exacerbated by fluctuating agricultural prices and limited access to markets. However, with the continued rollout of PDM, the government hopes to uplift these communities by providing sustainable income-generating opportunities and better infrastructure.