The Internal Security Organization, ISO, has kicked off the training of all the Gombolola Internal Security Officers, GISOs, in the Kigezi region on the data capture exercise of the Parish Development Model, PDM beneficiaries using the Zaidi App.
The training that was launched on Thursday, June 13, 2024, is being held at the National Teachers College in Kabale’s Southern Division, in Kabale district.
Major Edmund Turyatunga, the ISO team leader, said the initiative focuses on the operationalization of the ZAIDI PDM application, a tool designed by the Internal Security Organization to streamline data capture for PDM program but also monitor other government programs.
Fred Kalyesubula, the Kabale district Chief Administrative Officer, while addressing the trainees, thanked ISO for organizing the training for the GISOs on the PDM data capture exercise in the region.
He says it signifies a renewed commitment to the PDM’s success in the region.
Kalyesubula said Kabale district received Shs7.3bn in the first cycle of PDM, which was disbursed to beneficiaries; 50bn in the second batch, which went to group Sacco accounts; and they are now waiting for the 50bn in the next financial year.
He added that, with the new data capture system of the beneficiaries, challenges like diversion of funds from their intended enterprise goals will be addressed.
Kalyesubula also confirmed that the PDM committee members received training to ensure stricter adherence to plans and beneficiary selection.
The ZAIDI application, which is currently being rolled out across the country, is expected to expedite the implementation process for PDM and for other government programs as well.
Godfrey Nyakahuma, the Kabale Resident District Commissioner, said, “The ZAIDI application will ease the task of fast-tracking the implementation of not only PDM but also other government programs intended to deliver peasant Ugandans from poverty.”
He further applauded GISOs with the support of DISO Kabale district, which detected the challenge of non-eligible beneficiaries accessing the PDM funds, especially in Buhara Sub-county, which led to the recovery of about UGX 30 million from the non-eligible beneficiaries who had received the funds.
The leaders pledged their support in this exercise and urged the GISOs to execute this task diligently in order for the government to realize the intended objective of the PDM program and also expressed optimism that PDM, building on the success of the OWC program in reducing poverty levels, can achieve even greater impact.
