By Elijah Khisa
The government has pledged additional funding for Parish Development Model (PDM) Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) demonstrating strong performance, with a focus on supporting job creation, boosting incomes and expanding economic activities.
The commitment follows a field monitoring visit to Bwaise 11 Kawempe PDM SACCO premises in Mukalazi Zone, Kawempe Division, by parish chief Ronald Segaluma and the division’s technical team.
The visit assessed the SACCO’s performance and the impact of PDM funding on members’ livelihoods, particularly through income-generating projects and value addition.
Speaking to reporters on October 15, 2026, Segaluma described the SACCO’s performance as impressive, citing the growth in membership and the diversity of enterprises established by beneficiaries.
He said members had ventured into wine production, confectionery and food value addition, initiatives that have strengthened their capacity to generate income and improve their livelihoods.
According to Segaluma, membership of Bwaise 11 Kawempe PDM SACCO has grown from 268 to more than 836, reflecting increased participation in the programme and growing interest in its economic opportunities.
He said the progress had given members renewed hope and improved their ability to meet household needs, including school fees and other domestic expenses.
The SACCO’s beneficiaries have embraced value addition by turning surplus and otherwise wasted fruits and agricultural produce, including pineapples, tomatoes, oranges, grapes, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes and bananas, into wines and other products.
Members also produce hibiscus drinks and a variety of fruit juices, which they package and distribute to markets through established marketing networks.
The initiatives demonstrate how value addition can help beneficiaries minimise post-harvest losses, create employment opportunities and increase earnings from agricultural produce.
The government has also directed the PDM Secretariat to intensify nationwide sensitisation campaigns targeting SACCO leaders, with the aim of strengthening performance monitoring, accountability and compliance with programme guidelines.
The proposed additional support is intended to encourage SACCOs that demonstrate positive performance and tangible economic benefits to their members.
However, the government is expected to assess the performance of individual SACCOs to establish their eligibility for further funding.
