The Batwa people of Kashasha Town Council in Uganda’s Rubanda district have recently expressed concern over their exclusion from the distribution of funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM). The PDM is a government initiative aimed at promoting grassroots development and improving the livelihoods of all Ugandan communities. This article explores the Batwa’s plea for inclusion, the government’s response, and the importance of educating marginalized communities about government programs.
During the Functional Adult Literacy for the Batwa in South-western Uganda Blic Challenge, a one-day workshop held at the Volcano Hotel in Rubanda District on July 31, 2023, the Batwa community expressed their concerns about not being included in the distribution of funds for the PDM. This plea reflects their aspirations to actively participate in Uganda’s development journey.
The government of Uganda has emphasized its commitment to ensuring that government programs benefit all citizens, irrespective of their tribal affiliations. According to a PDM Officer at the Ministry of ICT & NG, the distribution of PDM funds is intended to benefit all citizens of Uganda across the country, including the Batwa. Therefore, the exclusion of the Batwa from the PDM is not due to discrimination but rather a lack of information.
Josephine Birungi, a resident of Rubanda, pointed out that the reason the Batwa haven’t yet benefited from the PDM is that they have not fully met the requirements outlined in the Parish Development Model Handbook. This highlights the need for education and awareness among the Batwa about government initiatives like the PDM. Lack of access to information and education can lead to misunderstandings about the implications and benefits of these programs.
Edward Kamusiime, an academic staff member at Makerere University, stressed the importance of educating the Batwa community about government programs. He highlighted that some community members may mistakenly believe they are already knowledgeable, while others may not fully understand the advantages available to them. By providing education and awareness, marginalized communities, including the Batwa, can be empowered to participate more actively in government programs designed to uplift them.
The Batwa’s call for inclusion in the PDM reflects the aspirations of marginalized communities to actively participate in Uganda’s development journey. By addressing the challenges faced by the Batwa and providing them with the necessary education and support, the government can demonstrate its commitment to promoting social justice and building a more inclusive nation.
By acknowledging the concerns raised by the Batwa and taking steps to ensure their inclusion, Uganda can move closer to its vision of a nation where every citizen has an equal opportunity to thrive and contribute to the country’s growth.
