Oyam leaders receive gadgets for PDM data management

14 January 2025, 6:32 pm

By Eman yonah oruk

The Government of Uganda has handed over 166 brand new digital devices to Lower Local Government leaders in Oyam District in a move aimed at improving data collection and monitoring the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme.

The digital devices, which include Android tablets and power banks, were distributed to all 74 Parish Chiefs, 74 PDM Chairpersons, one District Information Technology Officer (ITO), one District Statistician, and 16 Community Development Officers (CDOs) on Tuesday, 14th January 2025, at the District Headquarters.

Richard Tabaro, the Oyam Deputy Resident District Commissioner, who presided over the handover ceremony, highlighted that digital empowerment would enhance planning, implementation, and decision-making at the parish level, ultimately contributing to the success of the PDM.

However, Tabaro urged the parish chiefs and CDOs to use the devices effectively to ensure timely data collection and stressed the importance of prioritising their safety, as they would be liable for the cost of any loss.

Hon. Benson Walter Dilla Oyuku, the Oyam District Chairperson, encouraged the beneficiaries to acquire further technological skills to enhance their future careers.

He emphasised that every leader should adhere to local government standing orders to improve service delivery in the district, avoiding corrupt practices. He also stressed that the PDM is not tied to any political party, religion, or tribe, but is aimed at supporting individuals who earn less than 20 million shillings per year.

The Chief Administrative Officer of Oyam, Herbert Fredrick Kitutu, announced that the PDM Secretariat will soon release funds and urged Sacco leaders to use the tablets to expedite the disbursement of funds to the beneficiaries.

Alex Enon, the Oyam District Senior Commercial Officer, who also serves as the PDM focal person, stated that the devices will enhance data collection and management at both the parish and district levels, facilitating better decision-making and planning.

Josephene Adyek, the Town Agent for Oyam town council, praised the government’s efforts to equip them with the necessary tools to implement the PDM programme. Before receiving these gadgets, Adyek explained, they relied on their smartphones to collect and store data, which often caused device overloads and crashes, resulting in the loss of valuable information.

Launched by President Museveni in February 2022, the PDM is one of the government’s latest multi-sectoral strategies aimed at achieving socio-economic transformation by lifting 39 percent of households at the parish level out of the subsistence economy and into the money economy.