President Yoweri Museveni has commenced a three-day working tour of the Rwenzori sub-region to assess the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM), Uganda’s flagship anti-poverty initiative.
The tour, which began today, includes visits to selected beneficiaries and the launch of a Presidential zonal skilling hub.
The Rwenzori sub-region, encompassing districts such as Kasese, Ntoroko, and Bundibugyo, has been severely affected by recurring natural disasters, including floods and landslides.
Local leaders have expressed concerns that these disasters have disrupted PDM activities and displaced thousands of residents. In Ntoroko District alone, over 30,000 people have been affected by floods, with more than 9,300 internally displaced persons requiring resettlement.
Leaders are urging the President to consider land swaps or increased funding for resettlement to ensure the success of PDM in the region. They emphasize that providing financial support to individuals without stable living conditions undermines the program’s objectives. Additionally, there are calls for the construction of resilient infrastructure, such as permanent bridges, to facilitate trade and prevent further losses.
President Museveni’s visit to the Rwenzori sub-region is part of a nationwide PDM assessment campaign, which has previously covered regions including Acholi, Lango, Busoga, Bukedi, and Teso. During these tours, the President has highlighted success stories of beneficiaries who have utilized PDM funds to boost agricultural production and establish small-scale businesses.
The President is expected to meet with local leaders, farmer cooperatives, and youth groups to discuss progress and address challenges affecting the full rollout of the program in the Rwenzori sub-region.