Teboke shines as Apac launches the disbursement of Parish Development Model funds
By Bongonyinge Felix
Communication Officer/Apac
The Minister of Gender Labour and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi on Friday 30th June, 2023 officiated over the launch of the disbursement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in Apac District. The Honorable Minister together with the District Officials echoes to the beneficiaries to properly utilize the funds to achieve the programme’s intended objectives.
Hon. Amongi who was the Chief Guest at the event implored the congregation about President’s message that the beneficiaries should be left to use the funds for the next two years before paying back since most of them are farmers.
She added that the President said he will be sending Community money direct to the actual beneficiaries. Also assured the people that Government will be disbursing money into accounts for the next five years and people shouldn’t worry about missing the funds.
The District Chairperson Odongo Asanti, urged beneficiaries to utilize the funds well so that the Community of Apac get elevated out of poverty.
He warned them about too much consumption of alcohol as it was stated clearly by Gen. Salim Saleh in Gulu that what is affecting Lango and Acholi is drinking.
“Gen. Saleh said, Lango and Acholi people won’t get out of poverty because of too much drinking of alcohol as beer tracks always get accidents in Northern route,” he said.
The Resident District Commissioner Mr. Abudul George asked Parish Chiefs, CDOs, Extension Workers and other Officers to use whatever Offices they are occupying to promote Government programmes but not to sabotage them as the Office they are in are for the people.
He added that as the 890 people will receive the funds, it should not be for entering into new marriages but to improve the lives of the members of the particular Community so that they minimize on bothering politicians whenever they are faced with health challenges. He cautioned radio phone callers to reduce on speaking base on rumors as it affects implementation of Government programmes.
Mr. Julius Kapwepwe from the PDM Secretariat said PDM is a journey and it is implementing the NRM manifesto of wealth creation.
Speaking at the launch, the PDM focal point person for Apac District, Mr. Oyuru Ebonny James said though there were a number of challenges, the District managed to raise a total of 1127 enterprise groups from 34 PDM SACCO groups of which over 3.7 billion shillings have been wired to Apac District and each SACCO have the amount of over 110 million shillings.
From the report presented by Mr. Oyuru, Teboke Sub County registered the highest number of beneficiaries while Akokoro Sub County registered the least number of beneficiaries.
Teboke S/Cty 331, Apac S/Cty 190, Chegere S/Cty 104, Ibuje S/Cty 102, Apoi S/Cty 27, Akokoro S/Cty 9 while Akokoro and Ibuje Town Councils had no enterprise groups registered.
The event was at the District Headquarters and in attendance was the NRM Chairperson, Apac female Member of Parliament Hon. Betty Engola, DCAO Muboki Paul, Technical staffs, District Councilors, Sub County Chairpersons and PDM beneficiaries.