The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, and also the Secretary to Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, has directed all the accounting officers to expedite the disbursement of funds for the Parish Development Model to ensure timely support for intended beneficiaries.
Ggoobi made the directives while chairing discussions focused on the progress of the Parish Development Model (PDM) implementation on August 21, 2024, at the Ministry of Finance offices.
He particularly emphasized the crucial aspect of timely fund disbursement to target beneficiaries.
“Leaders at all levels should enhance their monitoring efforts regarding PDM implementation within their respective regions,” Ggoobi said.
The meeting also reviewed the PDM financial inclusion disbursement status report for August 2024.
He noted that Shs200 million has been allocated to each PDM Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) across the country.
“This funding is in addition to the amounts previously distributed through districts in the initial year of the PDM initiative,” Ggoobi added.
Ggoobi further reported that high disbursement rates have been reported in Kira Municipality and several districts, including Kwania, Namayingo, Buyende, Butebo, Kitgum, and Nakasongola.
However, he noted that challenges persist, as the disbursement of funds in 46 districts has been sluggish, primarily due to delays in community selection, profiling, and beneficiary preparation.
Additionally, he noted that reports from different places have indicated some alarming stories of extortion involving parish chiefs and focal persons, further hindering the disbursement process.
In response to these issues, Ggoobi cautioned all leaders to remain vigilant against any attempts to sabotage the PDM program.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration and accountability in ensuring the success of the PDM initiative, as it aims to uplift communities and enhance financial inclusion across the nation.
