Leaders in Kyotera District have tasked government officials implementing the Parish Development Model (PDM) to abandon English and use local languages, particularly Luganda, during community sensitisation meetings. They argue that the continued use of English is severely limiting public understanding and stalling the progress of the flagship poverty alleviation initiative.
The concerns were raised during a heated district stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Local leaders accused some technical officers of failing to effectively communicate crucial operational guidelines to the intended beneficiaries.
Mr Moses Kyewalyanga, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairperson for Nabigasa Sub-county, noted that many residents are unable to fully comprehend the procedures and requirements of the programme due to language barriers.
“Most of the people we serve are ordinary villagers whose level of formal education is limited. When officers stand before them and explain government programmes in English, many leave the meetings without understanding anything,” Mr Kyewalyanga said.
He warned that communication gaps could derail the initiative. “PDM was designed to uplift households from subsistence to commercial production. If beneficiaries cannot understand how the programme operates, we risk excluding the very people it was intended to help. Officers should use Luganda or other local languages to make the information accessible.”
Launched by President Yoweri Museveni in February 2022, the PDM is the government’s premier strategy aimed at moving the 39 percent of Uganda’s population living from hand-to-mouth into the money economy. Under the initiative, each of the 10,694 parishes across Uganda receives Shs100 million annually, which is lent to selected beneficiaries to invest in lucrative agricultural value chains and income-generating enterprises.
Despite the nationwide rollout, local leaders argued that many Kyotera residents still lack basic knowledge about its implementation.
However, the Kyotera District Commercial Officer, Mr Mathias Kisekulo, dismissed allegations that technical staff were failing to communicate effectively with communities.
“Our officers understand the communities they serve and are trained to engage beneficiaries appropriately. We continuously assess the situation on the ground and ensure that information reaches the intended people,” Mr Kisekulo countered.
Mr Kisekulo revealed that Kyotera District has so far received Shs23.57 billion under the PDM programme since 2022, with the funds distributed across all the district’s 66 parishes.
The language debate drew mixed reactions, prompting a wider discussion on political accountability. The district NRM vice chairperson, Mr Enos Mugisha, challenged the local politicians to stop shifting blame and take greater responsibility for monitoring activities within their jurisdictions.
“It is surprising that some leaders claim they do not know what is happening in their own areas,” Mr Mugisha said. “You are elected to represent these communities. Demand accountability reports from your sub-county chiefs and parish officials. You should be the first source of information for your people, not the last.”
Mr Mugisha also urged leaders to actively utilise Parish Development Committees to gather information on wider service delivery issues, including education, healthcare, and access to clean water.
On his part, the acting Kyotera Chief Administrative Officer, Mr Mohammad Nfitumukiza, warned civil servants against negligence, promising disciplinary action against those who fail to perform their duties.
“We shall not tolerate complacency among public servants. Any officer who neglects their responsibilities will face disciplinary measures, including dismissal where necessary,” Mr Nfitumukiza warned.
The Kyotera Resident District Commissioner, Mr Apollo Mugume, urged all implementers to uphold transparency and strict accountability to ensure the project yields visible results.
“This is a presidential initiative and the government expects results. Every officer handling PDM funds must remain vigilant and ensure the programme achieves its intended purpose of transforming livelihoods,” Mr Mugume said, adding that rigorous monitoring would continue to prevent irregularities.
Right from its inception in 2022, a section of Ugandans, especially Opposition politicians, have expressed skepticism about whether PDM will succeed where previous wealth-creation programmes faltered. In Kyotera, leaders maintain that bridging the communication gap is the first step toward proving the skeptics wrong.