Otuke, Uganda – Otuke District leadership has welcomed the government’s initiative to distribute android tablets to Parish Chiefs and SACCO leaders under the Parish Development Model (PDM) program.
During a handover event at Otuke District Council Hall attended by district officials, SACCO leaders, and other stakeholders, leaders expressed their gratitude for the digital tools, citing that they will enhance the effectiveness of PDM operations and reduce corruption.
The Vice Chairperson of Otuke District, Opio Ismail, applauded the move, emphasizing its impact on service delivery.
He revealed that before receiving the gadgets, some Parish Chiefs resorted to hiring computers and laptops to execute their duties, often resulting in unauthorized charges to beneficiaries.
He stated, “The availability of these tablets will not only ease the work of ensuring PDM funds reach the rightful beneficiaries but will also curb the illegal collection of money by some leaders.”
Opio further called on PDM leaders to eliminate favoritism and bribery in the disbursement of funds, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
The Senior Commercial Officer and PDM focal point person for Otuke District, Opio Charles, commended the government for providing 124 android tablets and 124 power banks.
He confirmed that the gadgets were all functional after being configured by the district IT officer.
Opio disclosed that SACCO leaders had successfully disbursed UGX 11 billion to beneficiaries, thanks to their dedication.
He noted that the tablets would accelerate PDM fund disbursement while also posing minor logistical challenges since the SACCO loan committees will have to share the gadgets with SACCO chairpersons.
“These tablets will be instrumental in tasks such as authorizing payments, reporting, monitoring disbursements, and collecting data on beneficiaries. Parish Chiefs are expected to use them for profiling beneficiaries, while Community Development Officers (CDOs) will handle group registrations and mobilize more enterprise groups,” he explained.
He urged Parish Chiefs to publicly display the names of selected beneficiaries to foster transparency and accountability.
In his remarks, the Otuke District RDC, George Abdul, advised leaders to handle the tablets with care and avoid using them for personal purposes.
He warned against potential misuse, such as using the gadgets to gain personal favors.
“These tablets are strictly government property meant for official PDM-related activities. They should not be used for any other purposes, and leaders must be prepared to account for any damage or misuse. SACCO leaders in elective positions must also ensure proper handover of the gadgets to incoming leaders,” Abdul stressed.
The RDC also emphasized the importance of profiling all PDM beneficiaries without discrimination, urging leaders to follow President Museveni’s directive to uplift households out of poverty.
He revealed that President Museveni would soon visit the Lango sub-region and urged the people to support his 2026 re-election bid.
The District Internal Security Officer (DISO), Otim Denis, expressed dissatisfaction over some irregularities in PDM operations.
He criticized the practice of giving PDM funds to multiple members of the same household, contrary to the guidelines stipulating that only one member per household should benefit.
Denis warned that stringent measures, including arrests, would be taken against leaders found violating the rules.
He confirmed that six SACCO leaders had already been arrested for extorting money from beneficiaries.
“Leaders must not collect any money from beneficiaries, as operational funds for PDM activities are already provided by the government,” he said.
He called for coordination and discipline among PDM stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation and maximum benefit to the community.
The introduction of android tablets is expected to streamline PDM operations, ensuring faster and more accurate disbursement of funds.
District leaders emphasized the need for continuous training of beneficiaries and proper maintenance of the gadgets to ensure longevity.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to improving livelihoods through technology-driven development, ensuring that PDM funds effectively reach those most in need.
The Parish Development Model (PDM) is a government program in Uganda that aims to reduce poverty and improve service delivery. The program was launched in February 2022 by President Yoweri Museveni.