Raphael Magyezi, the Minister for Local Government
The government through the Ministry of Local Government has pledged to continue releasing Shs 100 million every year to the parishes under the Parish Development Model (PDM) Program.
Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi made the revelation on last Wednesday while updating the nation on the progress made in implementing the 2021-2026 NRM Manifesto commitments.
Magyezi said that in the FY 2024/25, the Government will release another Shs100 million to every PDM SACCO at the Parishes. This will benefit 10, 046 parishes in Uganda, putting emphasis on the rural areas engaged in agriculture.
Each of the selected beneficiaries receives Shs1 million as per the Cabinet Directive, said Magyezi.
According to Magyezi, a total of 1,165,000 households have received the Parish Revolving Fund (PRF) totaling Shs1.166tn.
In terms of participation of special interest groups, Magyezi said the youth have been allocated 33% of the money, women – 53% and PWDs-3%.
The Minister said the following enterprises are dominant: Poultry – 238,608 Households, Piggery – 239,640 Households, Coffee – 162,960 Households and Diary – 84,668 Households.
“There is evidence of increased production and appreciation of PDM as a focused wealth and job creation initiative of Government. The PDM Secretariat has documented some of the success stories,” said Magyezi.
He added that the PDM digital systems and dashboard have been developed to leverage technology and use of digital infrastructure in the disbursement, monitoring, evaluation, and follow-up of PDM.
He also said that the PDM has been recognised internationally as a strong home-grown mechanism of coordination for SDGs implementation, using the whole of Government approach. This recognition should be a source of encouragement to Uganda, said Magyezi.
He revealed that additional road construction equipment for the benefit of 14 districts was procured and handed over to the LGs in May 2024. However, he said that two (2) i.e motor grader and wheel loader out of the required 5 equipment to complete a road unit were distributed.
He said that his ministry has so far constructed 3 Markets (Masaka, Kabale and Kitgum)and operationalized all the 12 Markets.
“The Markets Today Employ between 70,000-90,000 Ugandans directly and indirectly and they have induced about 28,000 New Businesses such as Shops and restaurants around the Re-Constructed Markets and Merchandise Suppliers,” said Magyezi.
The Ministry also Procured and Delivered 12 Garbage Collection Trucks to promote hygiene through garbage collection and disposal in the Cities and Municipalities, he added.
Magyezi said that the Ministry of Local Government installed and operationalised 3 High-Level Value Addition Facilities in: Arua City (Installed Capacity of 500 Metric Tons), Soroti City (Installed Capacity of 1,000 Metric Tons), Busia Municipality (Installed Capacity of 3,000 Metric Tons).
The ministry also constructed 2 Satellite Markets in Omoro and Agago Districts.
Magyezi revealed that 44% (60 DLGs) have over 70% of their critical staff positions filled. Notably, he said, Bushenyi, Isingiro, Mbarara, Mityana, Wakiso and Jinja DLGs have 100% of their critical staffing positions filled.
33% (44DLGs) have between 50%-69% of their critical staff positions filled, he added. He noted that the MoLG has strengthened the inspectorate function of LGs through the following:
-Completed distribution of 1,172 Motorcycles for LCIII Chairpersons;
-Procured and distributed 77,831 bicycles to Village and Parish Council Chairpersons across the country to facilitate their movement while monitoring and supervising Government programmes in their area of jurisdiction.
-Procured 8 vehicles for District Chairpersons of new LGs and 3 vehicles for the ministry headquarters to support inspection of government programmes.
The ministry also procured and distributed 305 laptops to support and build capacity of selected district Planners and Auditors.
Magyezi said that the COVID-19 pandemic and Ebola shock affected completion timelines for various projects.
He also reported inadequate funding for implementation and monitoring thus affecting service delivery in Local Governments.
He said that poor weather conditions is affecting the construction and rehabilitation of Roads and Bridges.
