Kwania, Uganda | Kwania District has directed parish chiefs in 45 out of the 49 parishes to convene a special general meeting within two weeks to pave way for fresh Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO elections following the expiry of the current leaders’ terms of office.
The directive was issued during a meeting that brought together parish chiefs and PDM SACCO chairpersons from across the district. The meeting was organized by the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer in collaboration with the district commercial department to prepare parishes for annual general meetings and brief stakeholders on new government guidelines under the PDM programme.
Addressing the meeting, District Commercial Officer Emmanuel Okwanga said the election process is necessary to ensure compliance with SACCO governance requirements and strengthen accountability in the management of PDM funds.
He noted that elections had already been successfully conducted in the parishes of Atongtidi, Acaba, Apire and Teduka, urging parish chiefs, sub-county leaders and town council officials to guide communities in electing trustworthy leaders with clean records and a commitment to public service.
The meeting also highlighted concerns over the low recovery of PDM funds despite billions of shillings having been disbursed to households across the district.
According to the district PDM Focal Point Person, Katherine Akello, a total of 17,513 households benefited from the programme between 2021/22 and 2025/26 financial years, receiving Shs17.5 billion.
However, only 32 households from Chawente Sub-county and Inomo Town Council have so far repaid a combined Shs7.5 million.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Isaac Mweru Hirya called upon parish chiefs and SACCO leaders to intensify mobilization efforts and encourage beneficiaries to begin repaying the funds.
He warned that the government could be compelled to take legal action against persistent defaulters if recovery efforts continue to yield poor results.
Mweru emphasized that beneficiaries should not wait until they have the full amount before making repayments, noting that the money can be paid back in installments until the debt is cleared.
Okwanga similarly challenged parish chiefs to execute their duties diligently and ensure that beneficiaries fulfil their obligations.
He cautioned that the government would not hesitate to enforce recovery measures if voluntary repayment efforts fail.
One parish chief, who preferred anonymity, blamed some politicians for allegedly discouraging beneficiaries from repaying the money.
The official said the programme’s success would require coordinated efforts and a common message from leaders at all levels.
Representing the District Chairperson, Kwania District Deputy Speaker and Aduku Sub-county LCV Councillor Jacob Edule urged government workers and SACCO leaders to strictly follow all guidelines governing the disbursement and management of PDM funds.
He said adherence to the regulations would help address complaints that residents have continued to raise regarding the programme.
Meanwhile, Robson Opoka, Chairperson of Alido PDM SACCO in Chawente Sub-county, welcomed the leadership transition, saying fresh leadership could bring new ideas and strengthen SACCO operations.
He reported that three households under his SACCO had already repaid more than Shs1.5 million.
Nelson Doii, Chairperson of Eastern Ward in Inomo Town Council, said 29 households had repaid more than Shs5.9 million, while several others were waiting for the harvesting season before beginning repayments.