Gulu City Faces Delay in Disbursement of Shs1.6 Billion PDM Cash.

Gulu City is currently grappling with the challenge of Shs1.6 billion in Parish Development Model (PDM) funds that remain undisbursed to the intended beneficiaries. The funds, allocated for the 32 wards, have been held up due to the commercial officer’s hesitation to release them, citing unclear guidelines.

Resident City Commissioner Jane Frances Amongin has expressed her concerns over the delay. She revealed that the fear of disbursing the funds stems from the recent arrest of former commercial officer Nixon Komakech Atemo, who was accused of embezzling PDM money. This incident has led to heightened caution among current officials.

Amongin, who has been actively promoting President Museveni’s PDM initiative across the city’s wards, is frustrated by the stagnation. In a conversation with Nile Post, she emphasized that additional funds for Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) are also pending disbursement. “Shs250 million meant for the operation of the Saccos has not yet been given out, and they keep talking about guidelines,” she lamented.

She further explained her efforts to engage with authorities to clarify these guidelines, as the money is already available in the accounts of the chairpersons, awaiting distribution. Amongin called on the responsible ministry to provide clear and actionable guidelines to ensure the funds reach their intended recipients.

The revelation of idle PDM funds has sparked concern among community leaders. Robinson Onencan, a youth leader, voiced his apprehensions about the funds being returned or misused for the benefit of city leadership. “We want this money disbursed to various groups so that young people can benefit and transform their lives,” he asserted.

Church leader Nelson Obol echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the failure to disburse the funds might be deliberate, aimed at keeping the populace impoverished. He also noted a misuse of the funds, where instead of being used for productive purposes, they end up being consumed. “The PDM has not achieved its goals or met its targets,” Obol concluded.

The Parish Development Model, championed by President Museveni, is designed to alleviate poverty at the grassroots level. However, there is an ongoing call from leaders for increased sensitization and a change in mindset regarding the use of PDM funds.

As Gulu City navigates these challenges, the urgent need for clear guidelines and prompt action remains paramount to ensure the PDM fulfills its intended purpose of uplifting the community.