Politics 13 March 2026 Parliament of Uganda
PDM Loan Repayments to Start in March 2026 as Grace Period Ends
Uganda's Parish Development Model (PDM) loans enter repayment phase in March 2026 after a two-year grace period, with beneficiaries urged to repay within the following year to sustain the revolving fund. Ministers and MPs highlighted the need for better public sensitization to correct misconceptions about the funds. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4291/pdm-loan-repayment-phase-begin-march
The two-year grace period for Parish Development Model (PDM) loans will end in March 2026, kicking off the repayment phase for beneficiaries across various PDM SACCOs over the next year.
State Minister for Luwero Triangle and PDM National Coordinator, Hon. Dennis Galabuzi, shared this update during his appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) on March 3, 2026. He noted that the first disbursements occurred in the 2022/2023 financial year due to earlier funding delays.
Galabuzi called on MPs to help educate the public, emphasizing PDM’s potential as a game-changer if repayments keep the fund revolving. “If beneficiaries pay back, others will also benefit,” he stated.
Concerns were raised by MPs like Hon. Patrick Nsamba (NUP, Kassanda County North), who pointed out that many recipients view PDM funds as a non-repayable ‘goodwill bonanza.’ Nsamba questioned the ministry’s communication strategy to realign public perception.
Kalungu West County MP Hon. Joseph Ssewungu stressed poor communication and inactive PDM technical committees as major hurdles, echoing Auditor General’s worries on coordination and monitoring. He noted electoral backlash against coordinators due to lack of reports.
Hon. Fredrick Angura (NRM, Tororo South County) flagged 127 parishes without funding owing to missing elected leaders. Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya explained that operational parishes need chairpersons for development committees, with local council elections pending funding.
The Auditor General’s report highlighted undisseminated PRF payment guidelines and recommended clarifying committee roles with proper documentation.
Source: Parliament of Uganda