The Parish Development Model (PDM) is steadily transforming the livelihoods of many young people and households across Karamoja, creating new opportunities for income generation, self-reliance, and sustainable development. One inspiring beneficiary is Mr. Lopua Paul, a resident of Nadiket Village, Musas Parish, Katikekile Sub-county in Moroto District, whose remarkable journey demonstrates the positive impact of the Government of Uganda’s flagship poverty eradication initiative.
In 2024, Mr. Lopua received UGX 1 million through the PDM SACCO and strategically invested the funds in commercial vegetable farming. He established a thriving garden where he cultivates sukuma wiki, spinach, tomatoes, and green pepper. Through consistent production and sales to the local community, he has generated a reliable source of income that has significantly improved his household’s welfare and economic stability.
The profits from his enterprise have enabled him to pay school fees for his six children, ensuring uninterrupted access to education. In addition, he has reinvested part of his earnings into livestock farming by purchasing goats, thereby diversifying his income streams and strengthening the resilience of his agricultural business. His success reflects the importance of utilizing PDM funds productively to create long-term economic benefits.
Before benefiting from the Parish Development Model, Mr. Lopua relied on casual labour at construction sites, where earnings were often insufficient to meet the growing needs of his family. Today, his circumstances have changed considerably. During school holidays, his children assist in the family garden, providing valuable labour while simultaneously acquiring practical agricultural skills. This has reduced production costs and fostered a culture of entrepreneurship among the younger generation.
The transformation is also evident in his living conditions. Mr. Lopua has upgraded from a grass-thatched house to a permanent iron-sheet-roofed home, a visible symbol of improved household prosperity. Furthermore, his success has inspired many community members to embrace vegetable farming. Several residents have established similar gardens after learning modern farming practices from him, creating a ripple effect of economic empowerment throughout the community.
Mr. Lopua expresses profound gratitude to the Government of Uganda and H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for introducing the Parish Development Model, which he credits for changing his family’s future. Echoing President Museveni’s message that PDM is intended to move households from subsistence production into the money economy through wealth creation at the parish level, Mr. Lopua says the programme is delivering tangible results on the ground. He, however, appeals to the Government to consider increasing the funding allocation to successful beneficiaries so that he can purchase additional irrigation equipment and fully utilize the nearby river that flows throughout the year, enabling expanded production and greater contribution to local food security and economic development.Office of the National chairman is continuing to monitor PDM beneficiaries countrywide.
