Rukungiri Municipality Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO leaders have been urged to strengthen loan recovery, improve financial accountability and ensure government funds reach eligible beneficiaries and are invested in productive enterprises.
Rukungiri Municipality Principal Commercial Officer Richard Baguma made the call during an induction meeting for newly elected PDM SACCO leaders and Principal Town Agents held at Rukungiri Municipal Council Hall.
Baguma, who also serves as the municipality’s PDM focal person, emphasised the need for proper financial management, adherence to programme guidelines and effective oversight to ensure the sustainability of the programme.
He reminded the leaders that PDM funds are channelled through eligible enterprise groups rather than villages and must be used for their intended purposes.
The meeting, conducted by TILED staff, also focused on the responsibilities of the incoming leaders, the handover of PDM SACCO tools and preparations for the disbursement of funds to a new batch of 50 beneficiaries in each ward.
Baguma urged the leaders to complete the handover process and select competent board members to oversee SACCO operations. He said additional training would be organised to equip them with the skills needed to manage the programme effectively.
Rukungiri Municipality Commercial Officer Pelly Owoyesigire said the PDM is designed to transition households from subsistence production to the money economy by promoting productive investment and access to financial services.
Owoyesigire urged SACCO leaders to promote savings, strengthen loan recovery and ensure beneficiaries invest the funds in income-generating activities.
He noted that improved production, particularly in agriculture and other enterprises, could increase household incomes and enable beneficiaries to repay their loans while expanding their businesses.
Owoyesigire also emphasised the importance of mindset change, accurate record-keeping and regular reporting on programme activities, including proper documentation of fund disbursements and beneficiaries.
He called on SACCO boards to hold quarterly meetings to strengthen supervision, accountability and the effective management of programme resources.
Meanwhile, Brighton Muhumuza, a PDM chairperson, called for clear guidelines to help leaders manage the funds responsibly and ensure they benefit the intended recipients.
The meeting underscored the need for effective leadership, responsible financial management and improved loan recovery to ensure the Parish Development Model achieves its objective of improving household incomes and eradicating poverty
