By Michael Waiswa Baluye
The Parish Development Model (PDM) continues to transform livelihoods across Uganda by empowering households with capital to invest in income-generating activities. One such success story is that of Namulondo Sarah, a 28-year-old resident of Kitayunjwa Village, Kitete Ward, Kidera Town Council in Buyende District.
Namulondo is a member of the Kitete Ward Kidera Town Council PDM SACCO. During the 2023/2024 financial year, she received Shs1,000,000 under the Parish Development Model.
She invested the funds in livestock farming by purchasing two young bulls worth Shs1,500,000, supplementing the PDM grant with Shs500,000 from her personal savings earned through farming.
With dedication and proper care, the bulls matured into strong oxen. She then began hiring them out to fellow farmers for ploughing services, creating a reliable source of income.
Through disciplined saving, Namulondo was able to purchase her own ox plough, further expanding her farming enterprise.
The additional income has enabled her to meet her family’s daily needs, including paying school fees for her children, demonstrating the positive impact of the Parish Development Model on household incomes and livelihoods.
Namulondo expressed her gratitude to the Government of Uganda and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for introducing the Parish Development Model. She said the programme has significantly improved her family’s standard of living and created opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
Her story illustrates how strategic investment, combined with government support, can empower rural households to build resilient livelihoods and achieve greater financial independence.
