Opinion: The people of Karamoja have understood the value of PDM…

“In some sections of the community, there is negative attitude towards PDM money as it is compared to other similar government poverty eradication programs which are generally perceived by some people as failures. Some people perceive the PDM as a thank you token from the President for voting him in power and others view it as Personal Pocket Money like I said in (Karenga) Karamoja, some people were reported to be referring to the money as Personal Drinking Money” – Ojara Mapenduzi, Chairperson Parliament’s Public Service Committee (22.11.2023)

We know the drill and we have been here before. Now the Karamoja sub-region and the population, which have been starving and been in conflict. The ones who are used and getting taken for granted. The population of Karamoja isn’t thriving and that’s a result of years of neglect or lack government services. They have been kept this way and for a purpose.

The Parish Development Model (PDM) like any micro-finance scheme the government has created are flawed from the onset and with lacking due diligence. The PDM was launched just in time for elections and making a continuation of the endless programs like these. The SACCOs, NAADs, Emyooga, OWC and whatnot. It is just an endless money-pit and programs destined to fail. The PDM is no difference. Another name of the same scheme, which happens to be re-branded and tweaked just a little bit to look different from the others. However, the core business is the same and in the end… it will amount to little to nothing.

Well, with that in mind. Here we are… and the Karamoja sub-region is speaking fact. They have seen it coming and they spell the rain on the horizon. The people know what the PDM means and why it exists. That it is a cash-grab made around elections and to ensure the regime votes. That’s why they make new ones and with additional “incentives” to sweeten the deal.

It is just amazing to know the PDM is seen as a pocket money and drinking money. That wasn’t the intention, but there been so much shady going on with the PDM money. So, who cares about a little fun around “happy hour” aye?

The PDM was destined to fail and just like the predecessors did too. The NRM did make amends or ensure it’s longevity. That doesn’t matter either, because they just launch another one before the next General Elections anyway. Before their been any serious reporting or oversight into the PDM as a whole.

There been reports that shows how the PDM has failed. These have been very direct and shown how the government have failed this one. There are just to much drive and very little protocol. Neither are there safety-nets or anything ensuring the usage either. This means the money will be spent on frivolous activities and who doesn’t mind a free beer.

I’m sure the Waragin O’Clock is hitting smoothly in Kotido or Moroto for that matter. They are just enjoying the buzz of the PDM. These people deserved the brew and the tingly feeling after all their hardships. When they can get functioning roads, schools or hospitals. At least a free drink and a nice evening is a small bargain. It doesn’t the patch the hurt, but it give momentary relief.

Alas, the mabaati thieves is discussing it, but not seeing the grander the picture. Just like the MPs and Ministers took from the state. The PDM was taken for granted too and they cannot be blamed for that. They are not seeing a concerning government or a service delivery. Instead they are pawns and now they used their peasant power for their own legendary night(s). Peace.

Opinion: Kasolo needs a lesson of humility…

“In future, government could pass a law in parliament whereby all the lazy-poor people would be given strokes so that they can also learn to work and become rich because we have discovered that some Ugandans need to be pushed into wealth acquisition,”– microfinance state minister Haruna Kasolo (Daily Monitor, 14.11.2023).

The two term minister for Microfinance and one term Member of Parliament, Haruna Kasolo have not understood or grasp humanity. There are levels to this and reasons for why people are the way they are. Everyone aren’t in the inner-circle or have options. Plenty of people are stuck in a rot and have very little wiggle room.

So, as a Minister who is lucky to retain his office after being defeated in the General Election in 2021. He should understand the plights of people. As a Minister he should find ways to inspire and get people active. Instead he wants to give them a capital punishment and incite more fear. That will certainly not give them incentive or reasons to change their lifestyle. It will only backfire and cause more resentment. As on top of their struggling day-to-day, the government would come with sticks and beat the living crap out of them.

Does the Minister have conscience or heart?

I hate to ask, but it only makes sense. He should try to use his office to reform and give people ways to get out of poverty. As a man of power and an office, he could actually help people out and make a difference. However, it is easier to be judgmental and practically lenient on your own watch. Surely, he decided when to show up and how busy his calender is. Not like he has to answer to anyone or if so… show up to a Committee and a Plenary Session every blue moon. So, he can take it easy and is off the hook.

That’s why it’s interesting that he says this. A man who spoken of the “prosperity gospel” so many times. A man who tried to speak and spread the message as he was told. However, it has apparently gone nowhere and he feels lost. That’s why his considering mental gymnastics and use of force.

To use brutality and violence will not give people the spirit or the drive to succeed. The state has to offer a lot more and plenty of other measures to make it possible. There is a need for change and reform, but not more violence. That is not a solution, but a way of showing the total disregard of fellow citizens or civilians for that matter.

The minister is forgetting who his serving and why he has an office. His there to serve the population and not be an intimidating figure. Neither be a man who orders pain or suffering. He should ensure the Microfinance schemes are working and actually helping the borrowers. Not only to serve and collect. Because, certainly this isn’t a good look…

Hon. Kasolo need to rethink his strategy. He needs another way and try to understand the minds and the spirit of people. Right now… his just one of them and his forgetting why people are in their situations. There is reasons for it and a beating will not help them. Neither is the humiliation or the pain, which they would suffer from it. They will only be more troubled and struggle mentally after it. Since they got beaten and they really don’t know why… and for what reason. That is a hopeless situation and one that could have been avoided, which means the Minister should have found another solution.

He should consider to implement reforms and open up the floodgates of bottlenecks, loopholes and other mechanisms to ensure people get out of poverty. However, his master and the inner-circle won’t do that… because that takes away their means to earn on a daily basis. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s get-rich schemes haven’t reached the North…

“In Oyam, I drove for 27kms, from Col. Engola’s home to Icheme and to Otwal, looking at the different sides of the road. I only saw some little patches of Muhogo (cassava) and maize. That is why at Otwal, I asked the question: “Cente (sente), tye kwene?”- “From where do you get money?” What has Operation Wealth Creation been doing in that area? No coffee, no fruits, no poultry, no piggery, no dairy and no fish farming. In otherwords, no PDM. As I told the Oyam People, I am going back in August to get an answer to that question. The chairman, told me about watermelons and soya beans. Those are not part of the activities for PDM. What is the cura (Kibaro)?” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 07.07.2023).

We all knew this was coming. It isn’t shocking or surprising really… Oyam North or Oyam district in the Lango region. Most likely what the President saw in Oyam, he could have seen in Kitgum, Pader, Lira, Gulu or Karamoja sub-region for that matter.

The issue of lacking government services and proper state functions are surely found all around the Great North. That isn’t just in the heart of Lango sub-region. No, that could be seen in the West Nile, Acholi, Karamjo and in Lango. All of these places are lacking and the micro-money schemes of the government has clearly not hit these regions as intended.

That the President says he didn’t see any OWC is telling. That means the Office of the Prime Minister over the years has failed. Secondly, it means that General Salim Selah haven’t done his duty or what he was intended to do.

We cannot be shocked that the OWC has failed and that the Paris Development Model (PDM) haven’t reached Oyam. That’s just a mere reflection of how the implementation of the state works at this time. It just shows how the central region is feeling it and maybe parts of the West and the East is eating of the plate. However, it takes more to get to the North.

What is funny about all this is that the state had a four day training of SACCO leaders and Community Development Officers in April 2023. However, those days earlier in the year haven’t brought any results or significant change. Which is why the President wants answers after seeing the failure of his prestigious government scheme…

The President has without a doubt cast doubt about his own efficiency and the output of his government. When he unequally states the lack of OWC and the PDM in Oyam. It is telling the world that his government has mismanaged it and haven’t succeeded. That’s a self-own and most likely not intended to be this way. However, that is how it can be perceived.

The ones who has followed knew the OWC and the PDM would fail. The NRM and Museveni would tell another story. Regardless of that… the truth is setting you free and the grim realities of Oyam is telling. This isn’t the only district or constituency where these schemes hasn’t worked. If you went anywhere in the North. I am sure it has never succeeded.

Most likely in any up-country place in the East or West the same results would be prevalent. Museveni and his micro-money schemes are nice for campaigns and a cheap trick to fool voters. However, it isn’t creating the needed development or the structure to change the economy. Peace.

Opinion: 30 billion shillings went to ghosts…

“Officials in the Ministry of Finance and 49 districts in the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) face accountability queries after it emerged that they dished out about Shs30 billion to a total of 3,214 unregistered or ghost saccos” (Elizabeth Kamurungi – ‘How 3,200 ghost Saccos shared Shs30b PDM funds’ 05.04.2023, Daily Monitor).

The Parish Development Model (PDM) was bound to fail and there been so much issues already. This government scheme hasn’t lasted for long either, but still filled with questionable behaviour and misuse of funds. That’s why the latest revelation isn’t shocking either. Just another round and another time with mismanagement of public funds.

The PDM is just a new Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and a micro-finance scheme to intervene to create development. Nevertheless, the same sort of tale has already been done and for years without much to show for it. Still, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) pursuit the same of drill and expect another result. Well, that isn’t how things goes… and it shows.

The PDM wasn’t launched with full potential or within reasonable doubt, because it was done in a hay-day before electioneering and empty pledges ahead of a general election. Just like other monetary schemes that has been used to propel and “buy” goodwill. These small tokens and little coins have given the NRM rural support. Even if it doesn’t amount to much, because at least they get a little incentive to the rulers in Kampala.

Alas, the PDM is just being exposed and showing the fragile nature of the institutions. When they are paying ghosts and misusing billions of shillings. None should be amazed by this in 2023. This is the game that NRM has set, and they done so for years. It is just their newest trick, and we can just see it all happening.

The reports on the PDM have been staggering already and nothing useful seem to be happening. Except for the visitation of high-ranking officials and they get to bash in glory. However, you don’t need a micro-finance scheme to get people to dance. That’s just a cheap trick and it does no good. This is a waste of state coffers.

The PDM servers no one. That is clear from the on-set and they are only prolonging the agony until they have come up with a micro-finance scheme. Because they change ahead of every election and with little to no results. That’s why the OWC and Emyooga hasn’t been studied or evaluated properly before the launch of the PDM. This is when you know the gig is up and bound to fail. Not even trying to learn from past failures before launching a new one. That’s detrimental and shows the lack of concern.

Since, the NRM can just waste funds, pay the ghosts and call it a night. Peace.

Opinion: The PDM seems like a failure from the on-set

“Only 3,200 out of the targeted 10,594 Saccos have been cleared to receive Parish Development Model (PDM) cash after meeting requirements as outlined under the implementation guidelines, the government has said” (…) “Ms Nabbanja said all the ready Saccos are to receive the funds directly to their bank accounts. The government has so far released Shs80.92b to cater for the first quarter, while Shs1.05 trillion was earmarked as revolving funds to the PDM Saccos in this Financial Year 2022/2023. During yesterday’s meeting, the premier approved disbursement of funds to three Saccos from Otuke, Butaleja and Lira districts as model Saccos” (Peter Sserugo – ‘Over 7,000 Saccos miss PDM money’ 12.10.2022, Daily Monitor).

The latest news that only one third of the SACCO’s are able to receive partly the Parish Development Model (PDM). The Government of Uganda has made the PDM the biggest development investment and is the biggest programme after the 2021 General Elections. This follows several of other micro-financing schemes, which haven’t delivered.

Now, after Parliamentary Reports and investigations into the PDM. There has been revelations already that the SACCOs, the local governments and everyone who was about to be involved in the PDM wasn’t prepared. So, it’s not shocking that only a third of the SACCOs are able to reach on time.

This is a rushed enterprise, where the state and the high ranking officials has pushed it through without having it all coordinated from the top to the ones down in the hierarchy. That’s why when Prime Minister Nabbanja is today disbursing funds. There is a lack of totality. This because of the warnings, which previously mentioned hasn’t been regarded.

The government haven’t prepared or didn’t consider the implications of it. That’s why later the Ministries and the high ranking officials had to make procedures for due diligence and for some sort of oversight. Though with this sort of disbursement, there will most likely be mischief and be misgivings. It is bound to happen. The mere scale of it and the possibilities are endless.

While the PDM is promised to be a game-changer, it will only end up in the dust-bin of time. The writing has already been on the wall and this sort of operation isn’t making it better. Today just shows again how it’s failing. I cannot wait to read new Parliamentary Reports about these disbursed funds and how it didn’t go where it was anticipated. This is bound to end in tears and tragedy. Not because I want to see it, but for one simple reason.

The PDM wasn’t prepared or regulated properly before the government launched. When you do that and with such vast funds. It is bound to be painful. The proverb of “missing funds” is an upcoming theme. The funds will not cause a massive change or be significant to be substantial in any manner either. It might change some lives and ensure their livelihoods. However, in the grand scheme of things… it will not revolutionize the economy or the financial markets. That needs another breed and more robust financial mechanism, which does various of things and not move money from one account to another.

There will be more about the PDM in the future. Just like there been revealed the fallouts and the failures of Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation and all the similar micro-financing schemes from the government. It is just a creature that is bound to die. We just don’t know when to have the funeral or when the sing the psalms of David. Peace.

Opinion: The PDM is set to destroy the parastatals supplying Coffee and Tea Seedlings…

“Rt. Hon. Speaker, as you may be aware, up until FY 202l /2022, Government policy has been for Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) to procure seedlings from certified Coffee and Tea Nursery Operators. However, Government has since decided to transfer funding previously appropriated for procurement of seedlings from UCDA and NAADS to the Parish Development Model (PDM) starting this FY2022/2023” (Statement to Parliament on the Supply of Coffee and Tea Seedlings, 22.09.2022).

The latest revelation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) will by this Financial Year takeover the powers to buy Coffee and Tea Seedlings, which has been done through the UCDA and NAADs. We know that similar activities was also in the past done through the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). Though through those schemes wasn’t delivering the quality or the promised needs of seedlings at any given time.

When we have seen how the OWC and NAADs has failed in this. They are now putting this in the hands of the PDM and the Secretariat, which isn’t even prepared to do the basics of the PDM. The PDM is supposed through SACCOs and through the Local Government ensure Parish SACCOs get’s microfinance loans and funds, which is supposed to help development. However, the authorities, the local leadership and republic wasn’t prepared for it. As it was launched ahead of the polls, just like Emyooga, OWC and now the PDM. This is new minted schemes to be a “trick” to be the “silver bullet” to end poverty, but it ends up in nowhere.

Now in the middle of nowhere is the coffee and tea seedlings. Which are now transferred to an entity that cannot even do it’s core. Money is wasted, money isn’t received and we are certainly hearing about “missing funds” soon.

So, an organization that has been rushed, lacked funding and procedures is taking over something so vital for the supply of seedlings for the cash-crops of coffee and tea. That’s significant and shouldn’t be showed under the rug. This is a move to stop accountability and control of it. As we know the Republic is already under scrutiny with the Uganda Vinci Coffee Company Limited (UVCCL).

It’s just iffy that this happens now. That seems fishy to me and it seems coordinated too. This is clearly taking away power and making the UCDA meaningless. Only a place to put some loyal cadres and giving them a pay-check, but having little power or oversight since the PDM and UVCCL will have monopoly. The farmers just have to produce and the Republic will take care of the rest. This is from seedling to the refined product.

They are even taking away the little powers and ability the UCDA has and doing this is shady. That’s why they are giving it to the PDM, which they know have to much on its hands. This isn’t strengthening the agricultural development, but making another scheme within the scheme. To fit another scheme they have already made. The PDM is now becoming a part of the UVCCL. That’s really interesting move and just shows what the National Resistance Movement (NRM) does at this point.

No one should be shocked, but they should be worried about this move. This isn’t done to make the cash-crop more profitable or better. We know how the OWC failed with the procurement and logistics of seedlings. Do you really think the PDM will be any better? Who are they trying to fool here? Who is the ones who are losing and are the party they are crushing?

Because, there are parties, companies and co-ops that are hurt by this. Since the PDM is taking over and there should be outrage over this. Like the NRM and the Government didn’t learn from the failure of OWC. That’s what is striking… and just shows that it doesn’t care. While it could be a scheme to fit the UVCCL and that makes it even more disgusting. Peace.

Opinion: Parish Development Model (PDM) won’t eradicate poverty but it will become someone’s heist

The newly minted eradication of poverty model in the Republic. That was launched ahead of the polls in 2021. Now in 2022 it is obvious that scheme is bound to fail. It was inevitable… because none of the previous ones had any change or luck either. They have been doing this since the 1990s and nothing has worked.

So, now that the Republic is using 1 Trillion Shillings on it. You would think they had the magical point and the right tools to make it legit. While that is far from the truth. All the things that has been uttered and stated about is an epic failure. From the onset, there was no true organization, framework or even policies at its disposal. Even when the PDM is using similar means as in the past.

The recent weeks of arrests in Mitooma, Kabale and Kitgum over it only shows how badly it is going. In addition to the news of lacking disbursement in Masindi. This is just very compelling of the problematic approach to government spending or even institutionalize these sorts of government programs. When local government officers and employees are part of the gig and get caught slipping.

Certainly, the PDM was supposed to be another “magical bullet” to solve the issue of poverty. Until proven otherwise… I doubt it and there is no sign of improvement. Especially, considering the reports in combination with the reports that is already out. The statements of the Minister of Finance isn’t making the situation anything better either.

When you are spending like a drunk sailor and telling people to sober up. While inviting the sailor to a pub. You know what will go down and what the sailor will do. The sailor will get drunk and be on his merry way. That’s the same thing here… and it’s so in the open.

This PDM is bound to be a big-man’s heist. As there are no protocols, possible oversight or even systematic approach to safeguard the spending. The open corruption, mismanagement and impunity isn’t helping either.

Surely like in so many other instances there been giveaways, kickbacks and planned efforts to circumvent the rules to gain funds from the state coffers. This is happening as the state claims this is the way out. Nevertheless, it begs the question, why will it work now?

When we are so easily seeing the cracks. Reading the reports and the statements from high ranking officials. Heck, the few assessment reports on the PDM that have been released are grim. It is daunting that this won’t be it. Just another heist of the high and mighty. This won’t solve anything else than empty coffers and excuses for the ones in power. No, this will not help the ones in need or the ones it is intended to help. No, they are pawns for the kings and queens. They are the first to go out and loose anyway. This game is rigged and the PDM is no different.

Not like that is anything new either. “Missing Funds” is a proverb in the republic. The elites and the ones in the inner circle are eating. That is clear and the systems are made for them. This is why this latest scheme will be beholden to them too. They will find ways to disburse and ensure them a hefty pay-off.

So, expect someone to run with the bag and the State House looking idly by, because they have already a deal. This PDM is just the latest one to trick the public that they will initially do something. However, don’t be fooled. They will not do anything sincere, but only find a way of earning profits on the poverty that does exist. That’s been their trick and it continues to be so. Peace.

A Parliament Report states the government wasn’t prepared to launch the PDM

The now released March 2022 Parliamentary Report: “REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON THE STATUS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION Of THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT MODEL IN THE FY 2021/22” is stating a lot of facts, which is damning to the 1 Trillion Shilling Budget Post this Financial Year 2022/23. As the launch and the start of the Parish Development Model (PDM) is lacking basic government structures and even policies. This means the state is risking the whole 1 trillion shillings on a hope and a prayer. That’s the gist of it and it’s tragic.

The warnings has been there on the horizon. It isn’t like people haven’t seen it coming. This follows a long list of poverty eradication programs, which are mentioned in this report. While the state or government has never changed their approach. They have just re-invented the same of micro-finance scheme and rebranded it since the early inception of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

That’s why it’s tragic that they have spent fortunes since the 1990s and still haven’t cracked the code. Certainly, the administration of it has been lacking, secondly the lack of policies and oversight. In addition, the NRM haven’t gotten proper results either. So, this report just shows where the failure is this time and the NRM launched a program and scheme without the proper due diligence. They haven’t even taken care of the basics and spending like a drunk sailor on this. This will end up on hookers and booze in the next safe-haven for the veteran seaman. Therefore, this will not end well…

Here is quotes from the Report:

“Currently, there is no clear policy that sets the overall tone of the implementation of the PDM. Some of the closest policy frameworks on which the PDM is premised include; the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995 as amended) under article 176, 2b, d and e) and the Local Government Act Section 95, 96 and 97. Unfortunately, these are not sufficient in setting the basis for developing the guidelines, development of a clear and realistic implementation roadmap for the PDM. The Decentralization policies presented by the Minister do not regulate certain pillars like financial inclusion, infrastructure and mindset change under the model. The Committee further observed that a clear policy framework for PDM will provide a vision, goals and principles to guide actions and implementation. The policy framework would clearly spell out the roles and responsibilities of each and every MDA, The governing framework on PDM, the oversight function, monitoring and evaluation and many others. Without the policy it will be very challenging to address some issues that may impede the PDM implementation and could lead to duplication of funding and services and further disoriented the public perceptions of the PDM” (Report, P: 9-10, 2022).

“The Committee observed that, though there were previous government interventions to improve citizens’ socio economic conditions, the issues of building the entrepreneurial capacity of the population adequately has been locking. This is been identified as one of the reasons for the poor performance of some of the previous interventions. The committee further observed that many enterprises identified by some of the beneficiaries under the previous interventions were not within their knowledge and ability, leading to poor performance and in most cases collapsing of the enterprises. This is one of the causes of poor recovery of previous funds” (Report, P: 15, 2022).

“Since 1987, Government hos implemented various interventions to reduce poverty in Uganda. These include; the rural farmer’s scheme (1987), Entandikwa scheme (1996), the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) (1990), Kulembeka (To tap) (2001), Prosperity for All programme (Bonna Bagagawale) 2007, Operation Wealth Creation (201l), Emyooga 2020, Youth Livelihood Programme and Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme. The Committee observed that those interventions have not positively impacted on the long term poverty situation in the rural and urban communities. Poverty levels continue to be high at 39% despite the interventions. There is a need to appreciate the fact that poverty eradications a responsibility of the poor themselves and government programmes only supplement their cause” (Report, P: 17, 2022).

These quotes from the Parliamentary Report of March 2022 states certainties that can be detrimental for the whole scheme and the PDM itself. The NRM should know better and be professionals, but instead they have just started a fresh without the tools, which is needed. That is what the Report says and it’s damning.

The NRM and the Government of Uganda should have more structure before spending like crazy. However, here it is clear that the various parts of the PDM wasn’t prepared. Neither the main ethos, policies or the procedures wasn’t prepared. The state only had prepared budget-posts and planned spending. However, they haven’t built the structures or the mechanisms to make it work. That’s really foolish, but on code or modus operandi for the NRM.

So if this falls or fails miserably… well… everyone could see it coming. There was no reason for it to work. The only reason why it could work is the people it is actually reaching and making a difference. However, that’s just a fools luck and not based on prior work before the launch. It is like a brother going to bar and gets lucky. Not because he knew a lady was ready there or his charm would be enough. He just went anyway and got lucky. There was nothing saying he would get lucky, but he did… because he was at the right place and at the right time. That’s what the NRM is trying to do here and they are throwing one trillion shillings at it. Peace.

Opinion: Honourable Minister Kasaija is just proving that the PDM wasn’t prepared for launch…

As suspected before the launch of the Parish Development Model (PDM). The state didn’t do their due diligence or the framework to prepared for the launch of it. This is just a continuation of half-assing it and hoping it works. Because, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is known for micro-finance schemes and done so since the 1990s without any real progress or luck for that matter.

The PDM is just the newest creation or scheme in a long of line of them. They are coming and becomes known entities around elections or campaigns for General Elections. After that the real trouble begins and the realities of the mismanagement, nepotism and hackwork is evident. Which is very clear by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) Matia Kasaija display in his statement about the current affairs surrounding the PDM.

There is no proof or evidence, which shows me this will be successful. The PDM was bound to fail, but he just spells it out. The lack of organization, planning and practical operation of the scheme is just staggering. This seems like a waste of a trillion shillings and is bound to be “heist”. It will not become beneficial or create any noteworthy development. No, this is made for a ghosts and lucky beneficiaries locally. That’s really it…

Just read these statements… it’s depressing… to say the least.

“My Ministry therefore urges all Local Government Accounting Officers to fast-track the prior activities necessary to ready the PDM SACCOs for disbursement specifically: – to complete data collection on all households; and finalize the establishment of PDM SACCOs in all the Parishes under their respective areas of jurisdiction” (…) “Rt. Hon. Speaker and. Hon. Members, n July 2022, my Ministry requested the Local Government Accounting Officers to work with Operation Wealth Creation to validate the PDM SACCOs formed and verify the membership in the PDM Enterprise Groups and SACCOS, prior to the disbursement of funds” (Matia Kasaija, 23.08.2022).

“Rt. Hon. Speaker and Hon. Members, for effective management of PRF funds by PDM SACCOs and learning from past experiences, the target beneficiaries should not access the disbursed PRF funds before they are prepared. Initial access to funds shal1 be preceded by training and preparation of PDM Enterprise Groups and PDM SACCOs on Governance, Loan Management, Records Keeping, Good Agricultural and Agribusiness Practices. Furthermore, the Parish Development

Management Information System (PDMIS) has been designed with the capability to track daily transactions in the PDM SACCOs” (Matia Kasaija, 23.08.2022).

Here after all this time. The PDM was launched in February this year. We are now half year later and the organization in the districts or parishes are far from ready. While the budget and revolving fund has cash-flow. The MoFPED is prepared financially, but the structures are non-existing, if ever ready it seems.

The PDM SACCOs needs to be in a designated gazetted parish. They need to have an account at a supervised financial institution. The PDM SACCO needs to be registered and be certified as well. The PDM SACCOs has to sign the agreement with the RPF agreement with the CAO or Town Clerk. The Local Government Accounting Officer has to submit a form to confirm that the PDM SACCO is under guidance of pillar three or financial inclusion. The last part of the PDM SACCO has to verified by the CAO/Town Clerk, supported by the Operation Wealth Creation and proven by data in the Parish Development Management Information System (PDMIS).

Yes, there are sort of system, but they are very hectic. The PDM SACCOs who are new creations in the over 10,000 parishes in the Republic. They have to go out there and get registered. These has to comply with all the various entities, both locally and financial instruments (account in a bank etc). While they are awaiting the disbursement of funds and get operational. That’s really hectic.

The PDM SACCOs has to be able to get a hold of the CAO/Town Clerk and get the paperwork done. To even be eligible. This is creating a huge secretariat and a registration process, which will take time. Both in the banks and in the local government. Local government that is understaffed and has enough work on their plates as is.

I cannot see this going well. It was very interesting revelation that this has to go through the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), which has already been a failure and haven’t lived up to the hype. Wondering if they will create another hurdle passing by Emyooga later on too. Because, this is a hectic mess and the state wasn’t prepared. Neither can the villages or the local government be. Since, this will cause a lot headache and needs of papers to even get started.

That’s before the Value for Money Reports or even consideration of if it is even worth it or has any sort of justification to be disbursed as it is. Since, this seems like scheme, which is bound to fail. Today statement isn’t inspiring or showing any hope of otherwise either. This is maybe to be “big” to fail, but I have a feeling… this will end in tears. Peace.

Opinion: Minister Tumwebaze over-the-top tractor scheme…

There are about 10,694 parishes in the Republic. At this current time there are 4,000 tractors in both private and public ownership. Some of these are said not to be operational. However we don’t have an exact amount of working tractors or farming equipment that is working.

The golden boy of the regime and unopposed MP, Minister Frank Tumwebaze has a statement on the performance of the Tractor Scheme. We have seen the performance of Tumwebaze in the past. As the man tried to get everyone to register their SIM-Cards and unleash the 200 shillings tax OTT services on their smart-phone devices. So, we know the man is working and been a loyal subject of the National Resistance Movement.

Now that his the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry & Fisheries has released a statement on the 18^th August 2022 about the Tractor Scheme. So, the newest idea of the NRM is to buy more tractor and get one in every parish. That’s to beat army-worms and combat food insecurity. The idea itself isn’t foolish or dumb in any sense. However, how will this government ever make this happen? Who will fund it and where will find the organizational skills to make it happen?

Because, the NRM regime has all the programs of the books. They have schemes and ideas out of this world. Nevertheless, over the years we have seen them turn into get-rich-schemes of the chosen elite and little-to-none service delivery. Should we think any different of this one? No, it is a continuation of others.

That’s why the statement of Tumwebaze mentions the SACCOs. NAADs, OWC and the newly minted Parish Development Model (PDM). The PDM that haven’t become functional or working of yet.

In addition, the Minister acknowledges that the Cabinet approved the operationalization of 19 Zonal Agricultural Mechanization/Irrigation Centres. However, by the time of the statement only 3 of these was operational and 2 are in the works. So, there is a long time before all the larger regions has this even. These are supposed to be up and be place of workshops, repair and get maintenance skills. Which is all a fine idea too, but shows how slow this process is.

In the medium term, the Tractor Scheme needs not only to make 16 Zonal Agricultural Mechanization/Irrigation Centres operational. They need to find funds and get tenders to buy at least over 6,000 tractors, which needs to be donated or designated to each parish.

What is also making this more expensive the need for monitoring device and software to be able to follow up on the usage of the tractors donated to the parishes. This is surely meant as a supplement and to advance the agricultural sector.

However, I wonder if Tumwebaze ever studied the Soviets, because this sort of out of their play-book: “Conceived as a voluntary union of peasants, the kolkhoz became the dominant form of agricultural enterprise as the result of a state program of expropriation of private holdings embarked on in 1929. Operational control was maintained by state authorities through the appointment of kolkhoz chairmen (nominally elected) and (until 1958) through political units in the machine-tractor stations (MTSs), which provided heavy equipment to kolkhozy in return for payments in kind of agricultural produce” (Britannica – kolkhoz).

That didn’t add more produce or make the production of the agricultural produce in the Soviet Union. These sorts of entities crippled the Kolkozy and the leaders tricked their numbers. So, this actually caused famine and more hardships.

We can wonder, if Tumwebaze ever looked into that or even cared to see how it worked. It is sort of ushering in the mechanical agricultural revolution by the parish model. In such a manner, that can be seen as similar to the ones of the Soviet.

There are so many questions to this… not only the funding and the supposed operation of it. After that… how is the oversight? What are the goals? Are it to buy over 6,000 tractors and that’s it? What happens after that?

If there is no plan or sort of objective after that. What does it really do? Except making the MAAIF busy and have something to say in Parliament. Peace.