Emyooga's Namuwenge, Stake Holds Meet Ahead Of President M7's Visit In Bukedi-PDM Tour

Preparations are in full swing in Pallisa District as the region gears up for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's three-day tour from November 8-10, 2024, in Bukedi Sub-Region, focused on assessing the progress of the Parish Development Model (PDM.

During the tour, the President will meet various stakeholders, including local leaders, technical staff, and selected model farmers. He will also address a public rally at Kamuge Town Council playground.

A preparatory meeting was held at Kamuge Town Council, attended by representatives from State House, the Ministry of Finance, security teams, RDCs, local leaders, and beneficiaries of both the PDM and Emyooga programs in Pallisa District.

Rita Namuwenge, Emyooga’s National Coordinator and PDM consultant in the East, led a team from State House to oversee preparations.

She urged stakeholders to turn out in large numbers to welcome the President. “We are here to join you in preparing for this event and to understand the issues affecting you in implementing government programs. The President wants to see you prosper,” Namuwenge said.

She encouraged beneficiaries to mobilize others and present a united front to warmly receive the President. 

Namuwenge urged them to be like women at home, saying that even if they have disagreements with their spouses, it is important to present a united and welcoming front when receiving visitors.

Namuwenge reminded residents to appreciate the initial PDM support of 1 million shillings and urged them to request further assistance.

Mr. Golooba Lwanga, the Rural Financial Inclusion PDM Officer from the Ministry of Finance, noted that the President has fulfilled his pledge of providing 100 million shillings to each parish across Uganda. 

“All 90 parishes in Pallisa District have received a total of 18 billion shillings, and this will continue each year,” he remarked. 

Lwanga encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, stating that any misuse could impact future allocations.

The Pallisa Resident District Commissioner, Majid Dikhusooka, stressed that the President’s visit is not political but aims to evaluate the progress of Emyooga and PDM. “Those who have performed well in these programs will be recognized,” he said. 

Dikhusooka also cautioned residents, saying, “If you deny receiving PDM funds, I’ll read out the names of everyone who has.”

However, Local residents expressed hopes that the President will address pressing needs in the district, including the construction of the Kadoto-Nakaloke road, establishes a skilling center on 388 acres of land, provides electricity, and increases monthly ex-gratia payments for local council leaders. 

Some residents added that the president is aware that they are among the poorest people, yet they receive the same funding as more well-off regions, they should provide us with more funding. 

They also requested for the petition for parishes to accommodate more people in the Parish Development Model (PDM).