Uganda – Brig. Gen. Godfrey Muwanguzi, Acting Deputy Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), has concluded an extensive nationwide tour aimed at evaluating and enhancing the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The tour, covering 18 regions, focused on assessing the program’s progress, addressing implementation challenges, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to accelerate poverty eradication.
Launched as a multi-sectoral government strategy, the PDM seeks to improve agricultural productivity, create jobs, and boost household incomes across Uganda.
Brig. Gen. Muwanguzi’s tour emphasized the importance of aligning local leadership and community efforts to maximize the program’s impact.
In regions like Acholi, Lango, Teso, Bunyoro, Bugisu, and Ankole, the General engaged with community leaders and beneficiaries to understand their unique needs.
“The success of the Parish Development Model lies in its ability to respond to the realities of our communities,” Brig. Gen. Muwanguzi explained. “Through collaboration, we can turn this initiative into a powerful tool for transformation.”
In Mityana District, part of the Mubende sub-region, Brig. Gen. Muwanguzi met with Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Local Council V (LCV) leaders, OWC coordinators, and PDM focal persons.
The discussions provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share insights, address challenges, and propose strategies to strengthen the program.
“The key to PDM’s success is partnership,” Brig. Gen. Muwanguzi told participants. “We must ensure that resources reach the intended beneficiaries and that all leaders remain accountable.”
Brig. Gen. Muwanguzi visited enterprise groups and PDM beneficiaries to assess how funds were being utilized.
Many beneficiaries praised the program for its potential to lift households out of poverty but highlighted areas where additional support is needed, such as capacity building and timely disbursement of funds.
Dr. Edward Katende, CEO of the Uganda Development Forum and a representative of the PDM secretariat, emphasized the program’s broader goals.
“PDM is not just about poverty alleviation; it’s about creating a resilient and self-sustaining economy. This requires strategic implementation and active community involvement,” he said.
In addition to reviewing progress, the tour identified regional-specific challenges that must be addressed for the PDM to succeed.
In Teso, irrigation to counter drought emerged as a priority, while Bugisu’s focus was on addressing environmental degradation. These insights will shape tailored interventions to meet local needs.
The nationwide tour underscored OWC’s commitment to transparency and efficiency in delivering PDM services.
Stakeholders at every level were urged to prioritize accountability and ensure that resources directly benefit communities.
“PDM represents a new approach to development—one that places people at the centre,” Brig. Gen. Muwanguzi remarked. “Our collective responsibility is to ensure its success.”
As Uganda advances its development agenda, the insights gained from this tour will be instrumental in refining the PDM and driving sustainable growth.
By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and accountability, OWC is ensuring that the Parish Development Model becomes a transformative force for communities nationwide.
