Asumin Nasike, the Resident District Commissioner of Mbale district, who is currently serving as the Ag. Resident City Commissioner of Mbale city, has cautioned the Parish Development Committees (PDCs) against undermining the integrity of the PDM initiative.
This was during the opening ceremony of the training of the Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs) at Mbale S.S. in Mbale city on June 18, 2024.
She said that, despite their noble intentions, the PDCs’ challenges have persisted.
“Concerns have been raised about power dynamics within the PDCs, with some members exerting undue influence and pressuring beneficiaries for personal gain. This issue undermines the integrity of PDM initiatives and necessitates urgent reforms to uphold transparency and accountability. Since the GISOs are on the ground, you are our eyes to monitor any discrepancies on the ground,” Nasike said.
The RDC appreciated the Internal Security Organization (ISO) for introducing the Zaidi application because it will improve the effectiveness of the Parish Development Model (PDM) through enhanced data capture and community engagement.
The GISOs, integral to local governance and community security, play a crucial role in the PDM’s success. She, therefore, urged the GISOs to focus on utilizing the Zaidi App for accurate data capture essential to monitoring the impact of PDM initiatives on socio-economic transformation.
Nasike acknowledged and appreciated the GISOs for continuously providing ground-level information, emphasizing their responsibility in ensuring that allocated funds are effectively utilized for community development.
She affirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable development through the PDM, a program designed to lift communities out of poverty. This means that 39% of Ugandan households (approximately 16 million people) are in the subsistence economy.
The RDC added that misconceptions prevail among community members who perceive PDM solely as a financial inclusion initiative.
“As local leaders and GISOs on the ground, there is a need to educate and empower communities about the broader objectives of PDM, emphasizing its multifaceted approach of all seven pillars to socio-economic upliftment beyond mere financial inclusion,” Nasike noted.
Acknowledging Mbale district’s commendable third-place ranking in PDM implementation nationwide, Nasike said there is a need to focus on ensuring that funds reach intended beneficiaries transparently and efficiently. She said that this calls for GISOs to monitor project implementation and promptly report discrepancies to the respective offices to be able to take action.
The Regional Internal Security Officer, Emmanuel Kambaho, urged GISOs to ensure that they capture accurate data because it serves as a foundation for evidence-based decision-making at both local and central government levels, driving impactful interventions tailored to community needs.
