Kyotera Leaders Urge Govt to Use Local Languages for PDM Sensitization

Local leaders in Kyotera District have voiced strong concerns over the effectiveness of the Parish Development Model (PDM), a national poverty reduction initiative. During a recent district stakeholders’ meeting, officials and local representatives argued that the continued use of English in community sensitization sessions is creating significant communication gaps, preventing residents from fully grasping the program’s objectives and procedures.

“Most of the people we serve are ordinary villagers whose level of formal education is limited,” stated Mr. Moses Kyewalyanga, the NRM chairperson for Nabigasa Sub-county. He highlighted that explanations in English often leave beneficiaries confused, potentially undermining the PDM’s goal of moving households into a money economy. Leaders emphasized the need to use Luganda and other local dialects to ensure the information is accessible and actionable for all intended participants.

The PDM, launched in February 2022, aims to uplift millions of Ugandans from subsistence living by providing each parish with Shs100 million annually for investment in income-generating activities. Despite its nationwide rollout, many in Kyotera reportedly lack basic knowledge of its implementation details.

However, the District Commercial Officer, Mr. Mathias Kisekulo, defended the technical staff, asserting their training and continuous efforts to ensure effective communication. He noted that Kyotera District has received approximately Shs23.57 billion under the PDM since its inception.

The debate over language also sparked discussions on political accountability. District NRM vice chairperson, Mr. Enos Mugisha, challenged local politicians to take more responsibility for monitoring PDM activities within their jurisdictions and to serve as the primary source of information for their constituents. The acting Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Mohammad Nfitumukiza, issued a stern warning against negligence among civil servants, promising disciplinary action for those who fail to perform. The Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Apollo Mugume, reiterated the importance of transparency and accountability to ensure the PDM achieves its intended purpose of transforming livelihoods, emphasizing that rigorous monitoring would continue.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)