Published on 02/03/2025
The Parish Development Model (PDM), a government initiative aimed at eradicating poverty through household empowerment, is surely transforming lives in rural Uganda, and the latest beneficiary to share her story is Ms Naiwumbwe Janet of Mayuge District in the Busoga Subregion.
A recent visit by the officials from President Museveni’s Office of the National Chairman (ONC) to the district highlighted the success of the program, with Ms. Naiwumbwe revealing how she is reaping tangible benefits from the funds provided.
Ms. Naiwumbwe, a resident of Munyonyi Village in Mpungwe Subcounty, shared her experience during an interaction with the ONC Regional Coordinator for Busoga, Ms. Kyanika Rehema, and Regional Muzzukulu Coordinator, Mr. Kisoma Samuel.
She narrated how she signed for one million Ugandan shillings (UGX) but received 960,000 UGX after a deduction of 40,000 UGX for an ATM card. Before accessing the funds, she had also incurred an additional 50,000 UGX in processing fees.
Despite the deductions, Naiwumbwe made strategic investments using President Museveni’s Four-Acre Model, an agricultural strategy designed to help smallholder farmers maximize productivity. She dedicated 500,000 UGX to rice farming, harvesting 8 bags, and expects to make approximately one million UGX from sales.
“I decided to follow the President’s advice on the Four-Acre Model and invested in rice farming,” she said. “From my first harvest, I managed to get eight bags, and I am confident that I will make a good profit. This money will help me improve my livelihood and expand my farming to other acres.”
For the remaining 460,000 UGX, Naiwumbwe topped up to 500,000 UGX and invested in cassava farming on two acres of land. While cassava is doing well, the prolonged dry season has posed a challenge. “The only problem now is the heat, which is affecting the crops. But if the rains come soon, I expect to have a good harvest,” she added.
The Secretary of the Local Council I (LCI) committee, Mr. Kibugo Nasser, commended the Office of the National Chairman for engaging directly with beneficiaries and ensuring that funds are being utilized effectively.
“I am happy that ONC is on the ground, following up on how these funds are being used,” Kibugo said, adding, “This kind of engagement ensures that the government’s efforts to fight poverty are making a real impact in people’s lives.”
On her part, Ms. Kyanika Rehema, the ONC Regional Coordinator, reaffirmed the office’s commitment to ensuring PDM funds serve their intended purpose. “We want to see that every beneficiary utilizes the funds effectively,” she stated. “It is through such visits that we identify challenges and work towards solutions to ensure the program succeeds.”
The success story of Ms. Naiwumbwe and other beneficiaries in Mayuge is a real testimony to the effectiveness of the government’s efforts in empowering rural communities. With continuous support and proper implementation, the PDM and the Four-Acre Model could be the key to transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector and improving livelihoods.
The Four-Acre Model, championed by President Museveni, is a farming practice that guides farmers on optimal land use. The method recommends dedicating one acre to high-value cash crops, another acre to fruit production, a third to pasture for livestock, and the fourth to food crops for home consumption.
This approach, according to the President, ensures food security while generating income for farmers. With support from funds obtained through the PDM programme, the government is optimistic that Ugandans can transform from subsistence to the money economy.
