By Juma Magino
BUSIA
Local leaders in Busia district have revealed that members of the community are hesitant on withdrawing Parish Development Model funds from their bank accounts for fear of their safety from criminal elements that might target them at night.
This development was been revealed by the district Resident Commissioner- Busia, Mr. Michael Kibwika during a sensitization meeting held on 6/6/2023, at his office in Busia municipality while engaging Local Council l leaders about the progress of PDM in Busia district.
The PDM project was introduced by President Yoweri K. Museveni, with the objective of transforming the country into a money economy at parish level. According to the program, members of the community through their SACCOs at parish level receive an amount of shs.1million which they invest in the enterprise of their choice for the betterment of their livelihoods.
However, Mr. Kibwika, says that he has received numerous reports that many beneficiaries have not withdrawn the money from their accounts citing safety concerns while others seem to be totally ignorant on how to use this money. He has on the other hand assured the beneficiaries that all security systems have been put in place to secure them and their money.
It is reported that at least 500 beneficiaries have received the money according to the RDC, however, he says that there are other reports where banks have failed to avail beneficiary accounts into the system, something he says has delayed the operation of the project.
He has disclosed that on this matter, he will not hesitate to terminate their contracts if they do not comply. Some of these banks he mentioned are Centenary bank, Equity Bank, Stanbic Bank and Finance Trust Bank.
On his part, Mr. George Barassa, the LC l Nangwe Shops Village, has urged that the security agencies must form village committees from village level to guarantee the security of the community and their funds.
