Kazo, district —The Parish Development Model (PDM) continues to register transformative success in Kazo district, with numerous beneficiaries across its 8 sub-counties and 2 town councils sharing life-changing testimonies that highlight the program’s impact in boosting household incomes and transitioning families into the money economy.

District leaders, led by the LC5 Chairperson Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, have been actively traversing the district, monitoring the program’s implementation and gathering inspirational stories from beneficiaries who have used the funds effectively to uplift their livelihoods.

“We want everyone to take full advantage of the resources provided through this program. It is essential to engage with our technical teams for support and guidance,” said Rev. Katugunda during a field visit accompanied by Speaker Dan Nahura Bwamunyoga and the district technical team and other district leaders.

According to Mr. John Baptist Asimwe, the PDM focal person and District Agricultural Officer, a total of 11,078 people have so far received PDM funds in Kazo District. “This is a multi-sectoral strategy targeting the transformation of 39% of households from subsistence to active participants in the money economy. Kazo has already recorded a great number of success stories,” he noted.

Among these success stories is Hariet Kyakuheire, a resident of Migina Cell, Migina Parish in Migina sub-county, who received UGX 1 million during the 2023–2024 financial year. She invested in a bull which has now appreciated to between UGX 2–3 million. “I plan to sell this bull, buy another one for UGX 1 million and use the balance to purchase a small piece of land,” she shared.

Isaac Kwetisa of Rwemirondo in Kazo town council used his UGX 1 million allocation in September 2023 to start a poultry farming business. From the profits, he has since purchased a motorcycle, significantly easing his transport needs.
Another notable beneficiary, Grace Kyomuhendo from Kazo Town Council, focused on value addition in her banana plantation after receiving PDM funds in October 2023. She confirmed that the program has had a profound impact on her livelihood.
In Byeshembe Ward, Denis Kweyamba, 46, invested his UGX 1 million in buying a bull, which he later sold and used the proceeds to purchase a cow that is now producing milk, adding a steady source of income for his family.

Mr. Muzahura Aaron, the District Commercial Officer, emphasized the importance of responsible use of the funds. “If we continue on this trajectory, Kazo District will emerge as one of the top-performing districts under the PDM program,” he said.

Captain Yahaya Kakoza, the Resident District Commissioner, has been mobilizing communities throughout Kazo, encouraging them to fully embrace the Parish Development Model. “It’s the responsibility of every leader to support and promote this government initiative,” he asserted during community meetings.

Launched in February 2022 by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Parish Development Model aims to lift 17.5 million Ugandans across 3.5 million households out of poverty by supporting them to join the money economy.

President Museveni has recently embarked on a nationwide tour to assess the program’s impact, sharing documentaries that showcase community success stories. Inspired by this leadership, local officials in Kazo have intensified their efforts to ensure the model's continued success in the district.

With consistent monitoring, technical support, and community commitment, Kazo District stands as a shining example of how government programs can effectively transform rural livelihoods and ignite economic growth from the grassroots.

Tinyefuza Naboth
Communications Officer, Kazo District