Acholi: Government digitalizes PDM fund monitoring with new tablets

The government, through the Ministry of Finance, has distributed 243 tablets, 10W solar panels, and chargers to SACCO secretariats across West Acholi to advance digital monitoring of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.

Launched in 2022, the PDM aims to transform subsistence households into a cash-based economy through initiatives in agriculture, enterprise empowerment, and financial inclusion.

The digital tools will help SACCOs collect and submit data more efficiently, ensuring timely service delivery at the grassroots level.

Aber Joyce Phoebe, secretary of Pawel-Patiko SACCO in Patiko sub-county, Gulu, said the tablets will ease data reporting to community development officers.

“Previously, we struggled with poor network coverage using borrowed phones. This new technology will address those challenges,” she said and urges the district to provide training for beneficiaries unfamiliar with tablets.

Openy Santo Aboyi, secretary of Kitenge-Owalo SACCO, said the devices will improve record-keeping. “We have 18 groups with 307 members who have received funds totalling shs307 million. Tablets will reduce reliance on paper records and streamline data submission,” he said.

Okot Erick, secretary of Laliya Ward SACCO, said the devices will speed up online processes for 720 registered members, with 300 already benefiting from the funds.

Mego Layika Betty Alal, treasurer of Kasubi Ward SACCO, noted that previously, the group spent personal funds on smartphones to support loan processing. The tablet distribution will centralise operations

Gulu District Councilor Komakech Michael emphasized the need for rural electrification and better internet coverage to support the digital system. He also warned beneficiaries against misuse of the tablets, which are intended solely for government-related work.

Alfred Ocen, PDM focal point person for Gulu District, said every parish now has two tablets to support fund management. So far, each parish has received about shs307 million, with 95% of allocated funds already disbursed to beneficiaries.

Ocen urged early recipients to start repaying funds to allow new beneficiaries to access the money.

The digitalisation effort is expected to improve accountability, speed up fund monitoring, and support financial inclusion across the region.

Since its inception in the 2021/2022 financial year, the government has allocated sh5.865 trillion to the PDM, with the largest allocation of sh2.4 trillion in 2024/2025.

In West Acholi, tablets were distributed as follows: Gulu District – 47, Omoro – 62, Nwoya – 44, Gulu City – 32, and Amuru – 58, totalling 43 tablets.