Over 21,500 households are PDM beneficiaries in Lamwo

More than 21,500 households in Lamwo district have benefited from the Parish Development Model (PDM) program, the district has said.

The implementation of the PDM in Lamwo has significantly improved household incomes through access to affordable financing, agricultural support, and skills development.

Speaking to the press, Thomson Obong, the Lamwo District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), said the model is achieving its intended impact.

“We are witnessing real change at the grassroots. The PDM has enabled thousands of families to start income-generating projects in farming, livestock, and trade,” Obong noted. “This is a game-changer for our district.”

The District Commercial Officer, Alex Powel Kadugu, revealed that the 21,500 households received funds through their respective parish SACCOs and are now engaged in activities such as poultry farming, crop cultivation, retail trade, and value addition.

“Each parish SACCO was capitalized, and beneficiaries were trained on how to manage funds responsibly,” Kadugu said. “We continue to monitor and provide technical support to ensure sustainability.”

Beneficiaries have also expressed appreciation for the program. Akello Rose, a farmer from Madi Opei sub-county, said she was able to expand her maize farm and buy inputs that have doubled her harvest.

“Before PDM, I was struggling with no capital. Now I can sell more produce, pay school fees for my children, and save something small every month,” Akello said with a smile.

Meanwhile, Komakech William, the Lamwo Resident District Commissioner, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of PDM funds.

Komakech said out of over 40,000 households in Lamwo district, they are targeting another 1000 households to benefit from the program this financial year 2025/2026 that started today Tuesday July 1, 2025.

“We call upon all parish SACCO leaders to manage resources diligently. PDM is not a handout, it’s a tool for empowerment and long-term economic growth,” Komakech stressed.

The Parish Development Model, launched nationally by President Yoweri Museveni in 2022, is part of Uganda’s broader strategy to transition 39% of households from a subsistence economy into the money economy by channeling development efforts directly to the parish level.

As Lamwo continues to roll out the model across its parishes, authorities say the number of households benefiting is expected to rise, further boosting the district’s development outlook.