Ugandan Member of Parliament Fredrick Ruhindi has urged the government to increase funding for the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Kampala, particularly in Nakawa East, where he represents. Ruhindi argues that the growing population and economic needs of urban communities require greater financial support. He made the remarks during a Baraza organised by the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Nakawa, Edrine Benesa, in Butabika Parish.
The meeting brought together PDM beneficiaries, local leaders, and institutional representatives to discuss the implementation of government initiatives and assess their impact on communities. Ruhindi acknowledged the contribution of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's government through programmes such as the PDM, Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Programme, and Operation Wealth Creation. He urged residents to make productive use of the opportunities available to them and to work closely with their elected leaders.
Ruhindi cited an example of a woman selling roasted maize in Bugoloobi, who had managed to pay rent and educate her children from a business capital of just Shs50,000. He explained that the woman's experience demonstrated how even a modest investment could sustain a household when properly managed. Ruhindi said he occasionally gives the woman financial support to help her expand the business, adding that her determination to earn a living had impressed him.
The MP revealed that he was lobbying for an increase in PDM funding for Kampala, with particular attention to Nakawa East, where he said the population places considerable pressure on available resources. He singled out Mutungo Parish, which he said has more than 51,000 voters, arguing that its population and economic demands warrant greater attention when allocating development resources.
Ruhindi disclosed that he had already engaged officials in the Office of the Prime Minister and NRM Deputy Secretary General Rt. Hon. Rose Namayanja over the proposed increase in PDM funding. According to Ruhindi, Namayanja had promised positive feedback on his request, although he said he was continuing to follow up on the matter.
Beyond the demand for increased funding, Ruhindi emphasised the need to fight corruption, arguing that misappropriation of public resources directly affects the quality of services delivered to ordinary Ugandans. He urged leaders responsible for managing public resources to ensure that government funding reaches its intended beneficiaries, warning that corruption undermines public confidence in government programmes.
Ruhindi also outlined some of his recent lobbying efforts, emphasising that one of the key responsibilities of a legislator is to mobilise resources and advocate for development projects that benefit constituents. He cited his recent engagement with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), through which he secured 10 computers for Luzira Secondary School to support learning and improve access to digital technology.
Key points
- MP Fredrick Ruhindi calls for increased funding for PDM beneficiaries in Kampala.
- Ruhindi urges residents to work closely with their elected leaders and participate in community meetings.
- The MP emphasises the need to fight corruption and ensure accountability in government programmes.
