Lira City, Uganda – In a move to showcase grassroots transformation through the Parish Development Model (PDM), the Office of the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Lawrence Egole launched the second edition of “The Commissioners’ Journal Lira City” on December 4, 2024.
The event, held at Egole’s office opposite Lira City Central Police Station, celebrated the achievements of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government and the impactful work of PDM in uplifting communities.
Egole was joined by key officials, including Assistant RCCs Bonny Otucu and Bonny Ferdinand Okello Alele, as well as Ezama Romano, the City Internal Security Officer (CISO) and Secretary of the Security Committee.
Journalists from across the Lango sub-region attended, with Egole commending them for their professionalism in reporting government programs.
The Parish Development Model, introduced by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, focuses on eradicating poverty by empowering communities at the parish level.
PDM has seven pillars, including production, financial inclusion, infrastructure, and mindset change, as key to achieving socio-economic growth.
Between 2021 and 2023/24, the government disbursed UGX 10.581 billion to 10,581 beneficiaries in Lira City’s 49 parishes, with each individual receiving UGX 1 million through SACCOs to fund income-generating activities.
Egole praised the program for transforming household incomes. He called on beneficiaries to utilize funds responsibly and repay them within two years to ensure the program’s sustainability.
The event featured testimonies from beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed by the PDM:
Oluju William, 64, from Ireda in Lira City East, invested his UGX 1 million in shea seed processing. By purchasing seeds and a grinding machine, he now produces 40 litres of shea oil daily, earning UGX 40,000 per day to support his family. Oluju urged the government to provide additional funding to help him expand.
Namasaba Shamim, from Jinja Camp in Lira City West, ventured into tomato farming. She used the funds to buy seeds, herbicides, and clear her garden. Her efforts yielded UGX 4.5 million from her harvest. Shamim expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the initiative, which has empowered her economically.
Egole emphasized that the monthly journal serves as a platform to share government achievements and hold officials accountable.
While radios remain a key communication tool, the journal offers detailed insights to a wider audience.
“This journal ensures that citizens know what their government is delivering and what lies ahead,” Egole stated, announcing that the third edition would be released in January 2025.
The Parish Development Model is steadily redefining grassroots empowerment in Lira City.
With continued government support and community collaboration, PDM offers a sustainable pathway out of poverty, setting an example for Uganda and beyond.
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