By George Bukenya
In abide to strengthen governance and enhance the distribution of Parish Development Model (PDM), government has made strategic reforms aimed at expanding community ownership of the Parish Revolving Funds.
According to the PDM Coordinator Dennis Galabuzi, the reforms are also aimed at ensuring that the PDM SACCO, financial and development engine of each parish is driven by credible, accountable, and service-oriented individuals.
Speaking to reporters at Uganda Media Centre on Wednesday, Galabuzi said that this economic revolution shouldn’t be happening silently as it’s is the case now, that it should be amplified by every Ugandan.
“ The PDM is not about lending and borrowing money per say, it’s a model designed with pillars which include; Agriculture Value-Chain, Infrastructure and Economic Services, Financial inclusion, Community mobilization and Mind-set change, Parish-Based Management information system , and Governance and Administration’’ Galabuzi emphasized.
The Reforms made indicate the eligibility of members for instance there are two categories, A and B. Category A is for PDM Enterprise Groups whose registration must be confirmed by the relevant Sub-County or District authority prior to admission while category B is for individual parish residents who may apply for membership of the PDM SACCO.
Other reforms were aimed at expanding PDM SACCO membership to all parish residents where application for, and access to, the Parish Revolving Fund is exclusively trough registered PDM Enterprise Groups.
There’s also Special General Meeting structured in two formal parts, each with its own specific business agenda. Part one is structure to include, training of PDM SACCO Members, amendment of the Bye-Laws, adminission of new members, election of the leadership vetting committee, establishing vetting criteria and issuance of expression of interest forms, inauguration of the vetting committee and adjournment which takes 14 days to allow the vetting committee time to conduct its work.
Part two entail the training recap, presentation of the vetting committee report, election of the PDM SACCO Board, election of the Supervisory Board ,and resolutions on Account Signatories.
Government in the new reforms will also train parish residents to help them know their rights and the duties of their leaders.