Obongi District Receives Shs 1.4 Billion PDM Boost; RDC Hashaka Issues Strict Warning Against Extortion.
By Atek Jolly
OBONGI, UGANDA – Obongi District has received a massive injection of funds under the government’s flagship Parish Development Model (PDM), with over 1.4 billion shillings disbursed to cover the program’s 28 parishes in the first installment.
The funds, aimed at driving socio-economic transformation at the grassroots level, were confirmed to have reached the respective PDM SACCO accounts, according to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Obongi, Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka.
Each parish SACCO has been allocated fifty million four hundred and fifty thousand shillings (Shs 50,450,000/=) to be distributed among eligible beneficiaries.
RDC Hashaka confirmed the successful transfer and lauded the government for fulfilling its promise to improve the livelihoods of Ugandans.
“I am pleased to confirm that all 28 parishes in Obongi have received their monies,” RDC Hashaka stated. “This disbursement is a clear demonstration of President Yoweri Museveni’s commitment to uplifting the common citizen through targeted economic interventions.”
Ensuring Shs 1 Million Reaches Beneficiaries
Hashaka also clarified the structure of the disbursement to ensure transparency and compliance with presidential directives.
He noted that out of the Shs 50,450,000 allocated per parish, Shs 12.6 million will be used to cover administrative expenses, including transaction charges for sending and withdrawal fees. This calculation is designed to ensure that every PDM beneficiary receives the intended one million shillings (Shs 1,000,000/=), as directed by President Museveni.
The RDC emphasized that the priority is the beneficiary, and systems must be foolproof to deliver the funds directly into their hands without unnecessary deductions.
Immediate Action and Zero Tolerance for Corruption
Following the confirmation of the funds, RDC Hashaka has directed all PDM leaders at the Parish levels to immediately convene meetings. These meetings are mandatory for the selection of beneficiaries and the swift disbursement of the funds to kickstart income-generating activities.
Crucially, the RDC issued a stern warning against any attempts by SACCO leaders to manipulate or exploit beneficiaries.
“I want to sound a very clear warning: SACCO leaders and PDM committees must refrain from extorting money from the beneficiaries,” Hashaka cautioned. “Any attempt to fleece the poor will be met with the full force of the law.”
He advised the beneficiaries to be vigilant and immediately report any case of extortion or misuse of office directly to the RDC’s office in Obongi for prompt action.
Political Call to Protect Development Gains
In his address, RDC Hashaka linked the successful PDM disbursement to the political stability and leadership provided by the ruling party.
He stressed that the PDM funds are “part of the very many gains” Obongi residents have received from the NRM government. To safeguard the continuity of such government-funded programs, Hashaka urged the people of Obongi to protect these programs by voting for President Museveni and NRM flag bearers in future elections.
The disbursement marks a critical step in the implementation of the PDM in Obongi, positioning the district to empower thousands of households previously operating outside the money economy.
About the Author
