By James Alomu

SOROTI CITY — The Parish Development Model (PDM) Secretariat has intensified efforts to strengthen loan recovery across the country, urging beneficiaries to repay funds received under the government's flagship poverty alleviation program to enable more households to benefit.

Speaking during a regional training for District PDM Focal Persons held in Soroti City, Robert Sedengeya from the PDM Secretariat said the meeting was convened to review the implementation of Pillar Three of the Parish Development Model, which focuses on financial inclusion.

Sedengeya noted that the PDM program started effectively four years ago and beneficiaries who received funds during the initial phases have now completed the two-year grace period and are expected to begin repayments at an annual interest rate of six percent.

"Some beneficiaries have already started paying back their loans, although the recovery rate remains slow. However, we are seeing gradual improvement every month," he said.

The training brought together PDM focal persons from the Teso, Karamoja, and Bukedi sub-regions to share experiences and best practices on loan recovery. Sedengeya said the gathering would help districts that have struggled with recoveries learn from those that have recorded better performance.

He emphasized that repayments are essential because they allow parish SACCOs to support new beneficiaries and also enable successful beneficiaries to access a second cycle of funding.

Sedengeya further revealed plans to establish practical training centers at parish level to equip beneficiaries with hands-on skills, particularly in poultry farming and other income-generating enterprises.
"We want beneficiaries to run profitable businesses. Training should be practical rather than theoretical so that people can effectively manage their enterprises and improve household incomes," he said.

Violet Akurut Adome, the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at the PDM Secretariat, described the current phase of the program as a stabilization period focused on loan recovery and strengthening governance structures.

She said the main objective of PDM is to transition households from subsistence production into the money economy through agriculture, mechanization, and viable income-generating enterprises.

"It is now time for those who received money more than two years ago to return it to their parish SACCOs so that other beneficiaries can also access the funds," she said.

Akurut added that efforts are underway to address governance challenges and allegations of extortion that were raised during President Yoweri Museveni's PDM assessment tours. She noted that new leadership structures, including nine-member boards, are going to be established to improve accountability and transparency.

Meanwhile, Florence Adupo, the Regional Coordinator for Eastern Region at Enterprise Uganda, challenged beneficiaries to change their mindset and embrace entrepreneurship.

"PDM has reached many people, but changing mindsets remains critical if beneficiaries are to fully utilize the opportunities provided through the program," Adupo said.

Teddy Acam, the Presidential Mobilizer for the Teso Sub-region, called on PDM focal persons to ensure transparency and accountability during implementation to safeguard public trust and maximize the program's impact.

The training forms part of ongoing efforts by the government to strengthen PDM implementation and ensure the sustainability of revolving funds intended to transform livelihoods across Uganda.