Nakawa Division East Member of Parliament, Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi, has stepped up his oversight of the Parish Development Model (PDM), monitoring its implementation among persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Mbuya-Kitawuluzi. On Saturday evening, Ruhindi conducted the monitoring exercise to establish how government programmes reach intended beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable groups provided for under affirmative action policies. This move aims to ensure that PWDs benefit from government poverty alleviation and financial inclusion programmes.
During the engagement with PDM beneficiaries, Ruhindi asked participants to clarify the proportion of PDM funds specifically earmarked for persons with disabilities. A beneficiary explained that 10 percent of PDM funds is earmarked for PWDs, translating to about 10 PWD beneficiaries per parish under the previous Shs100 million parish allocation. Ruhindi emphasized that this provision should be respected, and intended beneficiaries must receive funds according to PDM guidelines.
Ruhindi welcomed the government's enhancement of the PDM allocation from Shs100 million to Shs309 million per parish, saying the increased funding should expand the number of PWDs benefiting from the programme. He interpreted the 10 percent provision to mean that about Shs30.9 million should be available for PWD beneficiaries under the enhanced allocation, potentially enabling approximately 30 people with disabilities to benefit in each financial year.
The MP stressed that the increase in PDM financing should not only be viewed in terms of the overall amount of money reaching parishes but also in terms of how effectively additional resources translate into economic opportunities for different categories of beneficiaries. Ruhindi's engagement emphasized ensuring that PWDs are not left behind in government programmes. The Constitution of Uganda provides for affirmative action in favour of historically disadvantaged groups, while the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020, promotes and protects their rights and participation.
Ruhindi's monitoring exercise highlighted the importance of the financial inclusion component of the Parish Development Model. PDM supports households to transition into the money economy through access to financing, enterprise development, and other interventions intended to increase household incomes. For PWDs, access to affordable financing can provide an opportunity to establish or expand small enterprises and participate more actively in local economic activities.
The Nakawa East MP demonstrated the role of legislators in monitoring government programme implementation within their constituencies. Ruhindi interacted directly with beneficiaries to establish how the programme was being implemented, rather than relying solely on reports presented through administrative channels. This exercise provided an opportunity for beneficiaries to explain their understanding of PDM guidelines and for Ruhindi to reinforce the requirement for the PWD allocation to be respected.
Ruhindi said the increased PDM allocation should translate into greater opportunities for vulnerable groups, including PWDs. His monitoring in Mbuya-Kitawuluzi brought the issue of PWD participation in PDM to the community level, where beneficiaries can discuss challenges and opportunities associated with accessing government financing. This activity underscored the importance of ensuring that national programmes are implemented inclusively, with targeted groups able to access available resources.
Key points
- Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi monitors PDM implementation to ensure persons with disabilities benefit from government programmes.
- The 10 percent PDM fund allocation for PWDs translates to about 30 beneficiaries per parish under the enhanced Shs309 million allocation.
- Ruhindi emphasizes the importance of financial inclusion and direct engagement with beneficiaries to ensure effective programme implementation.
