Politics 21 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa Highlights Two-Year PDM Fund Delays in Mitooma
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has raised concerns about significant delays, some up to two years, in the disbursement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to beneficiaries in Mitooma District. He also warned leaders against manipulating beneficiary lists and emphasized the need for transparency and proper youth representation. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/tayebwa-flags-two-year-delays-in-accessing-pdm-funds-in-mitooma-5602976
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has brought to light critical issues surrounding the disbursement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in Mitooma District, specifically within his constituency of Ruhinda North. Residents have reported waiting as long as two years to access the Shs1 million government loan, a delay Tayebwa attributed partly to the current release mechanism of PDM funds.
During an assessment of the program, Tayebwa noted that the annual release of Shs100 million per parish, while intended to cover all eligible households, creates a prolonged waiting period. For a parish with 1,000 households, this could mean a decade before all applicants receive funds if the disbursement rate remains constant. He stressed the importance of transparency, advocating for a system where applicants are served in the order they applied.
To combat potential manipulation, Tayebwa directed local leaders to publicly display PDM applicant lists on noticeboards, organized by application date. This measure aims to provide clarity on the waiting list and deter unfair selection practices.
Further complaints emerged regarding alleged illegal deductions and inadequate youth representation on PDM committees. Tayebwa sternly warned against any charges for accessing the funds, urging residents to report such incidents. He also addressed the need for better youth inclusion, acknowledging that young people are often excluded from decision-making committees despite the program’s focus on youth empowerment.
The Deputy Speaker also clarified eligibility, confirming that recipients of the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) program can also access PDM funds. He encouraged those who received PDM funds in the initial phase to begin repayment to become eligible for subsequent rounds. The PDM initiative, launched in February 2022, aims to lift millions of Ugandans out of poverty by transitioning subsistence households into the money economy.
Source: Daily Monitor