The Elgon Region has initiated a training program for Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs) at the District Council Hall in Sironko district, marking the start of the Parish Development Model (PDM) Data Capture Exercise.
This exercise aims to enhance the monitoring of the PDM program.
In his opening address, Denis Balwaniregha, the Siroko Resident District Commissioner (RDC), praised the timely launch of the data capture exercise and emphasized the necessity of tracking and measuring the PDM’s impact to ensure its success.
Balwaniregha reiterated the government’s commitment to development programs despite limited resources, stressing the importance of shared responsibility in protecting these initiatives.
The RDC commended the design of the PDM for targeting the poorest 39% of the population at the village level, rather than by district. He acknowledged the challenges inherent in Uganda’s government structure and urged participants to identify obstacles hindering the PDM’s progress. Balwaniregha emphasized the critical role of leaders in ensuring that PDM funds reach the intended beneficiaries.
Lt Gilbert Ninsiima, the team leader, encouraged the GISOs to embrace “pillar number 5” of the PDM—mindset change. He called on leaders to lead by example and empower themselves before mobilizing and sensitizing their communities.
Maj Emmanuel Kambaho, the Regional Internal Security Officer (RISO), cautioned against hastily conducting the data capture exercise.
He underscored the importance of accurate and complete data for making informed decisions. Kambaho lauded the Zaidi Application, developed by the Internal Security Organization (ISO), as a significant tool for grassroots-level monitoring of the PDM.
Balwaniregha acknowledged Uganda’s history of poverty alleviation programs and the challenges faced by the PDM. He expressed gratitude for ISO’s initiative to track PDM beneficiary data and highlighted the need to learn from past experiences. However, he also voiced concerns about the program’s effectiveness in reaching its intended beneficiaries. Reports of extortion and manipulation suggest that the poorest 39% may be excluded, undermining transparency and hindering the ability to track and improve the program’s progress.
The training program concluded with a call for participants to ensure that the PDM reaches those who need it most, and a group photo was taken to mark the occasion.
Comments are closed.