Kisoro District, Uganda | The Black Examiner – A total of 4.8 billion shillings from the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds has been disbursed to beneficiaries in Kisoro District, as announced by Hajji Badru Mayanja, the District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
The funds were received by the District from the Central Government, with a sum of 6 billion shillings allocated for development initiatives. CAO Mayanja made this revelation during an opulent luncheon held at the prestigious Ikoro Hotel in Nyakabande Sub County. The event was organized to recognize and appreciate the exceptional efforts of Parish Chiefs in effectively mobilizing and disbursing the parish development funds.
In an interview with The Black Examiner, CAO Mayanja expressed his gratitude to 16 out of the 65 Parish Chiefs in the district who successfully disbursed 100% of the PDM funds to the rightful beneficiaries. Since the PDM project lacked provisions for additional allowances to reward these chiefs and agents, Mayanja personally chose to show his appreciation by using a portion of his July salary.
Jemima Mujawimana of southern Rukundo emerged as the top-performing chief, followed by Gloria of Bugara ward in Mupaka town council, and Iyaremye Wilson of Buhozi in Busanza Sub County.
Hajji Badru emphasized that the PDM funds had a total disbursement of over 4.8 billion shillings across Kisoro district. He expressed satisfaction that most of the Parish Chiefs had managed to disburse more than 70% of the received funds into the parish Sacco bank accounts. Furthermore, he pledged similar appreciation and motivation to other Parish Chiefs who successfully disbursed all the PDM funds to the rightful beneficiaries.
In light of the success stories, CAO Mayanja urged Parish Chiefs facing difficulties in adhering to the PDM guidelines to learn from their successful counterparts rather than making hasty decisions. He warned that an investigation would be conducted on Parish Chiefs whose citizens had not yet benefited from the project, and if found incapable of their responsibilities, they would be asked to step aside.
Abel Bizimana, the Kisoro District LCV Chairman, commended the Parish Chiefs for their outstanding performance and encouraged them to use this motivation to further support the CAO. He also urged the entire district to fully cooperate with the media in implementing the PDM project.
Meanwhile, the Kisoro Deputy RDC, Robert Tukamuhebwa, cautioned the Parish Chiefs against engaging in any corrupt practices, such as soliciting bribes, as they could face legal consequences. He also urged the CAO to withdraw duties from Parish Chiefs who failed to effectively perform their responsibilities.