By Julius Mugaga/Umoja Standard.
Adjumani, Northern Uganda: Local Government Minister Hon. Raphael Magezi expressed content on how Adjumani district communities are faring with Parish Development Model with the help of Civil Society Organizations.
“Am happy that the Consortium of Civil Society Organizations which assured me that they are ready to work with us on implementation of PDM already have things on ground to show which is a good case study of the possible success of the program”. Said Minister.
Mr. Magyezi made this revelation during “High Level Stakeholder Dialogue on the Support and Efficient Implementation of the Parish Development Model” held in Adjumani district last week.
“I have been in Dzaipi and Ukusijoni Sub Counties here in Adjumani and have seen success stories only, farmers are cooperative, they do farm together and are reaping big”. Mr. Magezi Commented.
He cited that if they are able to invest only UGX.10 million and reap 112 million means when we put UGX. 100 million translates that farmers can get over UGX.600million if organized.
He appealed to local authorities to work with Civil Society and fit into the program especially Action Against Hunger USA-Uganda Mission which is doing great work in the area not limited to mindset change, proper land use, advocating for co-existence of the population and others.
“Your role is governance, ensuring standards, linkages and to add to things that cannot be done by Civil Society Organizations especially service delivery”. Said the Minister.
During the dialogue, Mr. Magezi revealed that was pleased on how these two districts have handled the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds and cautioned them not to dare indulge in any kind of swindling the funds.
“You have heard of many cases where some districts officials have been convicted of misusing PDM funds. This time round we shall arrest you, penalize you and make you refund the money because it is meant for the poor not you”. He cautioned.
Minister Raphael Magyezi (C) & other officials from Local Gov’t Ministry pose for a group photo with members CSOs, District leaders of Adjumani & Yumbe & implementing partners. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Action against Hunger-USA Uganda Mission has mobilized at least 3,000 acres of redundant land donated by local landlords to aid communal crop growing by host communities and refugees.
Sub-counties of Dzaipi and Ukusijoni are currently benefiting from a pilot communal farming initiative with support of ACF.
Albert Siminyu the Action Against Hunger Country Director and the Team Leader of CSOs Consortium on implementation of the PDM lauded the great leadership of Adjumani and Yumbe districts for their selfless leadership in the implementation journey.
Mr. Siminyu revealed that their motivation as CSOs is that Government acknowledges their contribution in terms of improving service delivery and wellbeing of the population, enhancing agricultural production and productivity, value addition and marketing.
“The work you visited Hon. Minister attests to the contribution that Civil Society Organizations are making towards that pillar of the Parish Development Model”. Said Siminyu.
He said that CSOs consortium has also done a lot in implementing other pillars of the PDM say social services and financial inclusion through supporting farmers organizations to start voluntary savings and credit associations.
He said that in Adjumani, CSOs Consortium spearheaded by Action Against Hunger advocated for block farming and was a success as now refugees and host community which has not only led to social cohesion but also availed food for the population.
“We as non-state actor are much excited about the Parish Development Model because it has transformed people through getting enough food for consumption, security and sale especially in Adjumani district”. He quoted.
The dialogue encompassed officials from Ministry of Local Government, district officials from Adjumani and Yumbe, non-state actors led by Action Against Hunger, private sector, UNHCR officials and others.