Luwero Leaders Raise Drought, Livestock Theft Challenges in PDM, OWC Programmes

What the report says

Leaders in Greater Luwero have flagged a set of obstacles they say are slowing government livelihood programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). According to Nile Post, the concerns were raised on Tuesday at a meeting with OWC Deputy Chief Coordinator Brig. Gen. Godfrey Muwanguzi at the Luwero District Headquarters.

The issues highlighted included prolonged drought, livestock theft, inadequate irrigation and weak market access for farm produce. Leaders said these pressures are making it harder for beneficiaries to raise household incomes and fully benefit from the programmes. They also pointed to limited fish ponds and the need for stronger support to agriculture-related enterprises.

The group called for greater public investment in irrigation infrastructure and for measures to curb livestock theft, which they said has affected rural livelihoods. They also urged government to give more attention to agro-processing and value addition so farmers can sell more profitably and access sustainable markets.

Muwanguzi said the concerns would be passed on to the relevant authorities for consideration. He also encouraged communities to use existing security structures and report incidents quickly, while urging beneficiaries to make effective use of the PDM’s seven pillars to improve incomes. More broadly, the meeting reflected ongoing efforts by OWC to review implementation challenges in local development programmes across the region.