Masindi district Local Council One (LC1) chairpersons, represented by Fred Byarufu of Central Cell in Masindi Municipality, have appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for inclusion in the Parish Development Model (PDM).
This request was made during the President’s visit on Friday at a five-star hotel, invited by State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Narugahara.
Byarufu expressed concerns that while they play a crucial role in signing off on beneficiaries, LC1 chairpersons are currently excluded from PDM benefits.
“We receive only UGX 10,000 per month as an honorarium. I wonder why individuals earning such a meagre amount cannot be considered under PDM,” he said on behalf of his colleagues.
He acknowledged that PDM is positively impacting the district, improving lives and helping communities thrive.
“We have established Savings and Credit Cooperatives Societies (SACCOs) for LCIs and LCII chairpersons across the district on the advice of Minister Narugahara. We request support to grow these SACCOs,” he added.
Minister Narugahara confirmed that 14 SACCOs for LC1 and LC2 chairpersons have been formed in the district, stating: “They were mobilised after my encouragement, and I am hopeful that they will soon receive 14 tractors.”
Unfulfilled pledges
Cosmas Byaruhanga, the district chairperson, took the opportunity to remind the President of several unfulfilled pledges, including the construction of the Masindi-Rwensororo road, St. Joseph Kikingura Memorial Secondary School in Bwijanga Sub County, and the rebuilding of Nyantonzi Catholic Church and Nyantonzi Church of Uganda, both damaged during the NRA war.
Key Priorities
Byaruhanga outlined critical priorities for Masindi, including the urgent need for a new hospital, a modern market, and improvements under the Uganda Support to Municipalities Infrastructure Development program (USMID) for better roads and lighting in the town.
He also highlighted the issue of fluctuating agricultural prices, noting that sugarcane prices have plummeted from sh200,000 to sh100,000, and maize prices have dropped from sh1,000 to sh500.
Minister Narugahara reiterated the need for improvements to Masindi Hospital, the modern market, and USMID, emphasising that these issues are pressing for the district.
Museveni tells Masindi to focus on household income
Addressing Bunyoro leaders, President Museveni underscored the importance of mobilising communities to enhance household income and combat poverty.
“You need to prioritize household income. Mobilize people to embrace PDM, as it is the key solution to household poverty. Every year, we allocate sh100 million to the parish level under PDM. Next time I visit, I want to see tangible results,” he stated. He encouraged a focus on livestock farming, fruit growing, and coffee cultivation.
Meanwhile, livestock farmers from Kijunjubwa requested assistance in connecting to the national grid to prevent spoilage of their surplus milk.
The President promised to expedite the connection for Kijunjubwa and Kimengo Sub Counties. He also donated 14 tractors to farmer groups, religious leaders, SACCOs, and youth organisations.
