FOCUS ON BUSIA: How 19,000 PDM Beneficiaries Are Turning Government Support into Wealth-Creation Opportunities

BUSIA, Uganda — More than 19,000 people in Busia District have benefited from the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM), with local officials crediting the programme for expanding household incomes, strengthening cooperative enterprises and accelerating the district’s transition from subsistence farming to commercial production.

The Parish Development Model, one of the Government of Uganda’s flagship poverty eradication initiatives, seeks to move households into the money economy by placing the parish at the centre of planning, financial inclusion and wealth creation.

According to Mr David Maloba John, Busia District’s Assistant Fisheries Officer and the official overseeing PDM implementation, the programme has so far reached more than 19,000 beneficiaries organised into over 800 cooperative groups.

He said the cooperative model has enabled communities to pool resources, share knowledge and invest in viable income-generating enterprises.

“Through the Parish Development Model, we have reached over 19,000 beneficiaries who are organised in more than 800 cooperative groups. These groups have helped communities work together, access support and invest in income-generating activities,” Maloba said.

Under technical guidance from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, beneficiaries were encouraged to invest in enterprises with strong commercial potential, including piggery, coffee production and poultry farming.

Maloba said the selected enterprises were chosen because they offer reliable market opportunities, create employment and improve household livelihoods.

“Piggery has particularly transformed many households in Busia. The number of pig farmers has increased significantly, and the enterprise has positively changed the lives of many families,” he said.

He added that the programme’s objective is to ensure beneficiaries invest in sustainable businesses capable of generating consistent incomes.

Beyond financial support, local leaders say improved infrastructure has been instrumental in the programme’s success.

Busia Municipality Town Clerk Mr Katunda Mukulu said newly upgraded roads have eased transportation challenges, enabling farmers and traders to move produce more efficiently to markets and business centres.

“The improved roads have enabled our people to transport agricultural produce more easily. Parish Development Model beneficiaries are using this infrastructure to access markets and expand their businesses,” Mukulu said.

He noted that road investments across North A, North B, Central and other parts of the municipality have reduced travel time, lowered transport costs and boosted trade in the border district.

“I commend the Government of Uganda for constructing these roads. As a border municipality, this investment is creating real economic opportunities by improving trade and the movement of goods,” he added.

Mukulu stressed that while access to PDM financing is important, sustainable economic transformation also depends on quality infrastructure, market access and continuous technical support.

“Development is not simply about providing funds. People also need reliable roads, access to markets and extension services that help them grow their enterprises,” he said.

Busia District Communications Officer Mr Moses Mangeni also praised the Parish Development Model for creating new wealth-creation opportunities across the district.

However, he revealed that Busia did not receive a fresh allocation of PDM funds during the 2025/2026 financial year, preventing the district from enrolling new beneficiaries.

“Government has done a commendable job through the Parish Development Model by supporting people to engage in productive enterprises. However, Busia did not receive PDM funds during the 2025/2026 financial year, meaning no additional beneficiaries were brought on board,” Mangeni said.

Despite the funding setback, district leaders remain optimistic that continued investment in agriculture, cooperative development, infrastructure and technical support will sustain the programme’s impact.

With more than 19,000 beneficiaries already participating, Busia’s experience is increasingly being cited as an example of how coordinated government investment, community organisation and market access can drive rural economic transformation.