By Inyakuni Kennedy

Obongi

Obongi district leaders have embraced the numerous government programs aimed at improving the standard of living of the local population. Some of these programs include, parish development model (PDM), And Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP) among others. Under PDM in the financial year 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, the district has received funds of UGX; 896 Million to eradicate poverty in the community.

The parish development model is a multi-sectorial strategy to improve incomes and welfare of Ugandans by bringing services closer to the citizens. Since poverty and unemployment are linked, the PDM is expected to stimulate job creation for Ugandans through Production, Storage, Processing and Marketing but also Financial Inclusion which demonstrates high potential for job creation.

Mr. Opigo Johnson, the acting obongi district production officer said each of the 28 parishes in the district has received UGX; 32 Million in their Sacco accounts. He says they have embarked on educating farmer groups by extension workers and commercial services for effective utilization of the funds for its intended purposes. “When you look at the parish model you will realize under infrastructure store is one of the key things. We have partners who have supported us by renovating a store at ukuni in palorinya Sub County, and the move is to support parish development model for it success” he said.

He adds; “that some partners have embarked on opening roads to link farmers to market place. I’m very grateful NURI has funded a road and basically the design to help farmers to access market easily. They are doing roads are linked from the farm lands to the markets. So I want to thank though we still have more to be done”.The district has also acquired three irrigation equipment to enable farmer to produce vegetable and other crops throughout the year especial along the Nile belt.

While under Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP), the district has indicative planning figure of over UGX; 7.1 Billion for twelve watershed sub projects for the running financial year with six sub projects currently under implementation stages.


Mr. Tako Geoffrey, the obongi district DRDIP OFFICER

Mr. Tako Geoffrey, the acting Obongi district DRDIP desk officer, said the program has components of socio-economic services and infrastructure, sustainable environment and natural resource management, livelihood support program and village revolving fund which all aimed at addressing poverty at community level. He notes since the inception of obongi district a total of 35 sub projects have been implemented.
According to DRDIP desk officer over the years a total of UGX: 23 Billion was allocated for infrastructure with implementation state of 42.9%. Meanwhile under sustainable environment and natural resource management UGX; 9.53 billion with 45.5% work in progress.

COVER PHOTO: MR Opigo Johnson, Acting Production Officer By Inyakuni Kennedy