Residents of 17 uncoded parishes in Tororo District are appealing to the government for inclusion under the Parish Development Model (PDM), claiming they have been excluded from previous disbursements.
The calls came during the official launch of the fourth batch of PDM fund disbursements in Nyemara Parish, Iyolwa Sub-County, presided over by Defense and Veterans Affairs Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth on Wednesday.
Nyemara, which has not benefited from any of the three prior disbursements, is among the 17 parishes seeking government attention.
Area LCIII chairperson Benjamin Oketcho said inclusion under affirmative action would help residents recover from the stigma and economic challenges of being left out.
‘We love the NRM government but what hurts us is that other parishes in the neighborhood are benefiting from the money while we are just looking at them and this makes us think that government is against us,’ Oketcho said.
Defense minister Oboth Oboth consoled the residents, apologizing for delays and promising that the Ministry of Local Government is finalizing the coding of the remaining parishes.
‘On behalf of government I stand here to apologise for the delayed consideration of your parish in the PDM but also assure you that the ministry of local government is working towards ensuring that all uncoded parishes are coded and start benefiting from this programme,’ he said.
He encouraged residents to enroll in other government initiatives, including Emyooga, Grow Project, Uganda Women Enterprise Programme, and Youth Livelihood Programme, while awaiting PDM inclusion.
Oboth Oboth also appealed to residents to support President Museveni and other NRM candidates ahead of the 2026 general elections.
‘This government loves all its citizens and the cabinet that I am part of has identified the challenge and it’s being worked on. I’m optimistic that soon you will be considered; however, this should not demoralize you from demanding to be part of the other programmes,’ he explained.
The minister also announced plans to disburse compensation to victims of the Lakwena and Force Oboye Back (FOBA) conflicts, including Iyolwa residents.
George Oketcho, Budama South NRM parliamentary candidate, noted that delayed support could affect the party’s performance in the 2026 polls.
‘Hon minister, the environment here shows how people are needy and delaying to reach them with support infringes on their rights, and they are right to complain. However, with your explanation, they are now contented,’ he said.
About PDM
The Parish Development Model (PDM) was officially launched by President Museveni on February 26, 2022. It is a government-led poverty alleviation program.