PDM revolving funds transform livelihoods in Pader District

8 January 2026, 23:19

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

The Parish Development Model (PDM) is steadily transforming household livelihoods across Puranga Town Council, Ogom Sub county, and Angagura Sub county, as beneficiaries invest revolving funds into agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture, local leaders and district officials have confirmed.

Once trapped in poverty due to limited capital, many households are now able to pay school fees, access healthcare, and provide adequate food for their families after responsibly investing PDM funds in income-generating activities.

Moro Simon, a resident of Ginnery Ward in Puranga Town Council, recalls years of financial hardship before accessing PDM support.

“Before PDM, I was running small businesses and farming with very little capital. Paying school fees, medical bills, and buying food for my family was very difficult,” Simon said.

After learning about the programme through his savings group, the Ben Lagen Farmers Group, Simon received UGX 1 million, which he invested in soya bean production.

The venture earned him UGX 1.4 million in a single season.

He reinvested the profits by purchasing a bull worth UGX 800,000 and used the remaining UGX 600,000 to begin constructing a house, with plans to start a piggery and poultry project.

“Today, I no longer struggle to provide for my family. I encourage others to use this money wisely and remember that it is a revolving fund,” he said.

Another beneficiary from Puranga Town Council, Auma Hellen, a single mother, says the PDM has completely transformed her life.

“I used to sell tomatoes with only UGX 5,000. It was very hard to raise my children,” she said.

After receiving UGX 980,000, Auma invested in a pregnant cow, an ox-plough, and simsim seed. Her simsim harvest produced one sack and two basins, and in the following season, she planted soya beans, earning UGX 2.3 million from nine bags.

She later planted maize and reinvested the income into livestock. Today, she owns four cattle and is able to meet all her family’s basic needs.

In Angagura Sub county, Amone Cosmas transformed PDM support into a profitable fish farming enterprise after joining the Obito United Farmers Group.

He received UGX 1 million, which he invested in digging and upgrading his fish pond.

“Although sourcing good fish feed was a challenge, I managed to sell about 900 fish at UGX 6,000 each,” Amone said.

The sales earned him UGX 5.4 million, significantly boosting his household income.

“I may not be educated, but PDM has shown me that hard work, discipline, and good teamwork can transform a life,” he added.

According to Odongkara Danish, LC I Chairperson of Oyeyeng Village in Ogom Sub county, beneficiary selection under the PDM follows transparent community processes.

“Village meetings are held to agree on beneficiaries before names are forwarded to the parish and SACCO for verification. There is no discrimination,” Odongkara said.

However, he noted that the lack of national identity cards has prevented some residents from benefiting.

At parish level, Olweny Job, LC II Chairperson of Ogom Parish, said the programme has so far supported more than 400 beneficiaries through three disbursement cycles.

“People can now pay school fees, cover medical bills, and provide food for their families, although dry spells affected the second season,” Olweny said.

The District Community Development Officer, Mr Festo Okidi, confirmed that UGX 29.269 billion has been disbursed to 29,260 beneficiaries, with an additional UGX 9.5 billion expected to support a further 9,500 households.

He emphasised that PDM funds are seed capital intended for production, not for consumption.

The District Commercial Officer, Mr Ojok Michael, echoed the call for discipline, warning against misuse of the funds.

“Some beneficiaries misuse the money by buying clothes or diverting it to unapproved activities. This pushes people back into poverty,” Ojok said.

He explained that each parish SACCO receives UGX 100 million per cycle, depending on the approved enterprise groups, and stressed that the programme operates as a revolving fund.

“Those who benefit today must invest wisely, generate profits, and repay on time so that others can also benefit,” he added.

As success stories continue to emerge from Puranga, Ogom, and Angagura, leaders say the Parish Development Model is proving to be a powerful tool for sustainable development and poverty reduction.

For beneficiaries, the PDM is not just government support; it provides a foundation for long-term economic transformation.