Namayanja calls on local leaders to intensify oversight of PDM SACCOs

What the report says

NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja Nsereko has urged local leaders in Nakaseke District to step up oversight of Parish Development Model (PDM) activities, saying closer supervision is needed to help the programme reduce poverty at household level. Watchdog Uganda reported that she made the remarks in Bukakala Village, Semuto Sub-county, while closing a two-day training for 250 PDM SACCO leaders and beneficiaries from Semuto Sub-county and Kirema Parish.

The training focused on programme management, financial management and loan recovery. Namayanja said PDM should be treated as a key government intervention because it directly affects household income, and she encouraged leaders to take part in SACCO meetings and follow up on implementation, even if they are not borrowing from the groups. She also warned against extortion, telling beneficiaries to report anyone who demands money in exchange for loan disbursement.

According to the report, she said recovered loan funds should remain within the SACCOs to support other members rather than returning to the national consolidated fund. Dr. Edward Katende of the Uganda Development Forum said the group plans to set up a practical training centre in Kirema Parish to help beneficiaries build enterprise skills before receiving funds. Semuto LC III chairperson Henry Nswemu said the training had strengthened SACCO leadership and improved confidence in the programme.

The article noted that government has so far released Shs29 billion to 71 parishes in Nakaseke District under PDM, a flagship poverty-alleviation programme intended to support community-based enterprise and local wealth creation.