Gulu city production department hit by staffing gaps, low PDM loan recovery

12 October 2026, 11:47 am

By Mwaka Emmanuel

The Production and Marketing Department is facing significant operational hurdles, operating at a 58% staffing level with only 7 active staff members against an approved establishment of 12.

Despite these constraints, the department covers crucial areas including agricultural transformation, crop and livestock production, food safety, agricultural extension, and livelihood programs.

This was revealed by Hon Anena Tracy the committee chairperson of Finance Planning and administration Production and statutory bodies of Gulu city during the full council meeting held last Thursday 8 October 2026 at the city hall.

The committee chairperson also acknowledged low loan recovery rate under the PDM program in Gulu city stands at 0.39%. She revealed that Total initial disbursementof PDM stood at 3,392,000,000 with 610,560,000 in interest at 6%, totaling 4,002,560,000 across 32 wards and 3,392 households.

Total loan recovery stands at 15,863,000, leaving an outstanding balance of 3,986,697,000 translating to a recovery rate of just 0.39%.

In Laroo pece Division with 19 wards, 2,012 households benefited from a disbursement (plus interest) of 3,274,160,000 with a recovery of 12,102,000 (5%).

 Bardege Layibi Division with13 wards, 1,380 households benefited from a disbursement (plus interest) of 1,628,400,000, with a recovery of 3,761,000 (0.23%).

Reacting to the report, Hon. Geoffrey Akena, commonly known as Door-to-Door Council Representative for Bardege-Layibi Division, emphasised the need for immediate institutional intervention to turn the figures around.

He urged heads of departments to intensify field sensitisation efforts so that PDM SACCO groups understand their obligations and take full ownership of their enterprise projects.