The Prime Minister, Ms. Robinah Nabbanja, has authorized a forensic audit to investigate the utilization of funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Uganda. The decision comes amidst concerns about the slow disbursement of funds, banks withholding the funds, and the low absorption rate in many districts.
The move to conduct a forensic audit follows reports of delays in releasing the PDM funds to beneficiaries, with some commercial banks being accused of causing delays. Ms. Nabbanja expressed her concern during a meeting with the Luweero District leadership on Tuesday, where she highlighted the need to address the issue and ensure that the PDM funds are effectively utilized.
Ms. Nabbanja stated, “The PDM funds are not supposed to lie idle at the banks. We need to investigate if there is collusion leading to delayed release of the funds to the beneficiaries by some commercial banks.” She also pointed out that in some districts, only 50 percent of the funds have been released to beneficiaries.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the government’s guidelines for the disbursement of PDM funds were clear and unambiguous. She stressed that beneficiaries were supposed to receive a minimum of Shs1 million and cautioned against deviations from the set guidelines.
She called for accountability and urged government officials to resign if they find public service burdensome. Ms. Nabbanja’s visit to Luweero was part of her efforts to encourage the population to embrace the PDM and other agricultural programs.
The PDM program aims to benefit 39 percent of Uganda’s population, which lives on subsistence farming. Under the program, each of Uganda’s 10,694 parishes receives Shs100 million, disbursed in installments, to support agricultural productivity.
Luweero District received Shs10.8 billion for PDM, but only Shs5.3 billion has been disbursed to beneficiaries so far. The PDM funds are intended to enhance the livelihoods of poor households and boost farm productivity.
As part of agricultural mobilization efforts, Greater Luweero will host a government-sponsored agriculture expo from September 1 to 3. The expos aim to engage farmers, promote productivity, and provide access to subsidized agricultural inputs.
Selected PDM Guidelines:
- Civil servants, including parish chiefs, are excluded from direct involvement in PDM Savings and Credit Cooperatives Societies (Saccos) operations, limited to sensitization roles.
- PDM funds are extended to individual households, with a maximum access limit of Shs1 million.
- Beneficiary households must be profiled on the PDM Information System.