Driving Grassroots Transformation: Ministry of Local Government's Progress on the NRM Manifesto (2021-2026)

Status Report on the Implementation of the NRM Manifesto (2021–2026) by the Ministry of Local Government: Focus on the Parish Development Model (PDM), Rehabilitation of Community Access Roads (CARs), Building Modern Markets, Human Resource Development, Deepening Democracy and Accountability, Enhancing Infrastructure for Agro-Processing, and Protecting Life and Property.

By John Kusolo

According to the Ministry of Local Government Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya, the Ministry has been at the forefront of implementing the Parish Development Model (PDM), a flagship initiative of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto (2021–2026). This initiative aligns with the ministry's mandate to guide, inspect, monitor, mentor, and advocate for all local governments, fostering socio-economic transformation. The strategic objectives include improving decentralized governance, service delivery, urban development, equitable financing, and harmonized policy coordination between national and local governments. Kumumanya made the remarks at the Office of the President Auditorium, during the NRM Manifesto Week hosted by the Manifesto Implementation Unit headed by Director, Willis Bashasha on 28th November 2024.

Overview of the Parish Development Model

The PDM is designed to enhance wealth creation and improve the livelihoods of Ugandans, particularly those in rural areas. At its core, the initiative supports agricultural and entrepreneurial activities through Parish Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOS). Below is a comprehensive look at the key achievements, challenges, and milestones under the PDM.

Key Achievements of the Parish Development Model

Financial Services and SACCO Support

• Capitalization of PDM SACCOs: The government has capitalized 10,585 PDM SACCOs, ensuring each of Uganda's 10,046 parishes has a functional SACCO.

• Funding Allocation:

o FY 2022/23: UGX 100 million per parish disbursed.

o FY 2023/24: UGX 100 million per parish released by June 2024.

o FY 2024/25: Another UGX 100 million per parish is planned for release.

• Beneficiary Support:

o Selected beneficiaries have received UGX 1 million each, adhering to the Cabinet directive.

o A total of 1,165,000 households have been supported through the Parish Revolving Fund (PRF), amounting to UGX 1.166 trillion.

Special Interest Group Participation

• Allocation by Demographics:

o Youth (below 35 years): 33%

o Women: 53%

o Persons with Disabilities (PWDs): 3%

• Enterprise Focus:

o Poultry: 238,608 households

o Piggery: 239,640 households

o Coffee: 162,960 households

o Dairy farming: 84,668 households

Institutional and Community Structures

• Parish Development Committees established across all parishes.

• Recruitment of Parish Chiefs to oversee implementation and monitor progress.

• Provision of extension service grants to support farmer outreach.

Community Mobilization and Training

• Political, strategic, technical, and local leaders have extensively mobilized communities to understand and embrace PDM.

• Training sessions have emphasized enterprise selection using the "EKIBALO" approach, focusing on profitability and basic business skills.

Technological Advancements

• Development of the Parish Development Management Information System (PDMIS) and related subsystems to collect and analyze household data for targeted interventions.

• Introduction of digital financial tools such as the WENDI app by Post Bank to facilitate secure, efficient, and cost-effective financial transactions.

National and International Recognition

The PDM has gained international acknowledgment as a robust, home-grown mechanism for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a whole-of-government approach. This recognition reflects Uganda’s commitment to innovative and scalable poverty alleviation solutions.

Observed Impact and Success Stories

• Increased agricultural production and household incomes.

• Documented success stories highlighting PDM as a transformative initiative.

• Enhanced transparency and efficiency in input procurement, allowing beneficiaries to make independent choices.

Challenges and Mitigation Efforts

While the PDM has demonstrated significant progress, challenges such as capacity gaps, initial community resistance, and logistical hurdles have arisen. These are being addressed through:

• Continuous capacity-building programs.

• Strengthened monitoring and evaluation frameworks using digital tools.

• Regular engagements with stakeholders at all levels.

Future Outlook

The government remains committed to sustaining the momentum of the PDM, with planned additional funding in FY 2024/25 and expanded digital infrastructure to streamline operations. Continued mobilization, targeted interventions, and data-driven decision-making will further enhance the effectiveness of this initiative.

The PDM exemplifies the government's dedication to bridging economic disparities and empowering communities, ensuring the realization of Uganda’s Vision 2040. As Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya emphasized, the initiative is not just a manifesto commitment but a cornerstone for Uganda's socio-economic transformation.

Meanwhile, Progress on the Rehabilitation of Community Access Roads (CARs) under the Ministry of Local Government.

In alignment with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto 2021-2026 commitments, the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya says his ministry has made significant strides in improving the country’s infrastructure, particularly in rehabilitating Community Access Roads (CARs). This initiative aims to enhance mobility, boost economic activities, and improve service delivery in rural and urban areas.

Overview of Achievements

Target: Rehabilitation of 8,000 kilometers of Community Access Roads (CARs).

Progress: As of now, 1,495.10 kilometers of CARs have been rehabilitated across various districts, contributing substantially to the overall development goals.

The rehabilitation of District and Urban roads has been facilitated through funding from the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) via the Uganda Road Fund and support from externally funded projects. This collaborative effort has ensured the effective execution of road projects in diverse regions.

Breakdown of Rehabilitated Roads by District

Below is a detailed account of the roads rehabilitated in various districts, categorized by Sub-Counties or Town Councils (TCs), road names, and lengths.

Adjumani District

• Key Roads:

o Adidi - Logoangwa (4.9 km)

o Pawinyo - Obbu (7.0 km)

o Adigesi - Pawinyo (11.0 km)

o Nyabira - Aliwara (21.3 km)

o Esia Bridge - Lukwara Market (15.8 km)

o Sub-total: 125.5 km

Agago District

• Key Roads:

o Lacononyong - Arum Trading Centre (8.5 km)

o Agago Bridge - Aywee - Garagara (18.5 km)

o Kokil-Kamonojwi (8.0 km)

o Sub-total: 87.2 km

Amuru District

• Key Roads:

o Kidimon - Apetoc Landing Site (11.9 km)

o Lacmon - Apaa Link II (17.9 km)

o Pid Yilo - Jimo - Pabbo (17.0 km)

o Sub-total: 139.8 km

Gulu District

• Key Roads:

o Arut Central - Anyomotwon - Laminto (13.8 km)

o Cwero - Wilul - Paibona (16.9 km)

o Labworomor - Ocetaka (11.4 km)

o Sub-total: 156.8 km

Kitgum District

• Key Roads:

o Loluko – Morulem – Akilok South (10.8 km)

o Rackoko – Angan - Bilayolo (6.0 km)

o Sub-total: 140.1 km

Lamwo District

• Key Roads:

o Latida – Bwot Atum (13.1 km)

o Lobule A - Lobule B - Porwom Larobi (28.6 km)

o Sub-total: 150.9 km

Nwoya District

• Key Roads:

o Akara Hill - River Aswa - Cuku (17.1 km)

o Latoro Centre - River Anaka (14.2 km)

o Sub-total: 106.6 km

Omoro District

• Key Roads:

o Ocim-Corner Agula-Dino-Malaba Market (35.5 km)

o Otema Public PS - Adak - Awalkok - Ocin (31.3 km)

o Sub-total: 67.8 km

Pader District

• Key Roads:

o Lokoloyo-Latoo - Latigi - Otok (13.0 km)

o Rackoko A - Rackoko B - Atup - Arum (12.0 km)

o Sub-total: 143.6 km

Other Districts

• Alebtong: Alebtong TC - Awei Road (10.8 km)

• Kumi: Kakuresi - Kanyamutamu - Kamaca Road (13 km)

• Katakwi: Ngariam - Palam - Ising Road (13 km)

• Bunyangabu: Kahondo - Bubwika - Yerya Bridge Road (2.1 km)

• Gomba: Kyabagamba - Kigayaza - Kyetume - Kyayi (30.3 km)

Impact and Way Forward

The rehabilitation of these roads is playing a crucial role in achieving the NRM Manifesto objectives, specifically in:

• Enhancing connectivity and reducing transportation costs.

• Facilitating access to markets, healthcare, and educational institutions.

• Stimulating economic growth in underserved areas.

While progress is evident, the Ministry of Local Government remains committed to achieving the targeted 8,000 km of rehabilitated Community Access Roads by the end of the manifesto period.

Further collaboration with local governments, development partners, and communities will ensure sustained infrastructure development, ultimately transforming rural livelihoods and driving Uganda's economic growth.

Also, according to the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya, has made significant strides in delivering on the commitments outlined in the NRM Manifesto (2021-2026). These initiatives focus on infrastructure development, job creation, agro-industrialization, and service delivery, among others. Below is a comprehensive overview of the ministry's progress:

Building Modern Markets

The MoLG has prioritized the construction and operationalization of markets to enhance economic opportunities:

• Modern Markets: The ministry constructed three modern markets in Masaka, Kabale, and Kitgum, operationalizing a total of 12 markets across the country.

• Employment Impact: These markets employ 70,000-90,000 Ugandans directly and indirectly, while inducing the creation of approximately 28,000 new businesses such as shops, restaurants, and merchandise suppliers.

• Sanitation and Hygiene: The ministry procured and delivered 12 garbage collection trucks to improve waste management in cities and municipalities.

• Value Addition Facilities: High-level facilities were installed in:

o Arua City (500 Metric Tons capacity)

o Soroti City (1,000 Metric Tons capacity)

o Busia Municipality (3,000 Metric Tons capacity)

Market Sheds in Underserved Areas

The ministry completed market structures in underserved parishes, benefiting local farmers and traders:

• Market Sheds Constructed:

o Alebtong (Alebtong Market Shed, 80 stalls)

o Bunyangabu (Kagera Market Shed)

o Nakaseke (Magoma Market Shed, Katalekamese Market Shed)

o Katakwi (Ocorimongin Market Shed, 80 stalls)

o Kibuku (Saala Market Shed)

o Gomba (Maddu Livestock Market)

Agri-LED Facilities

The MoLG has advanced agro-industrialization by constructing and equipping facilities to support agriculture and value addition:

• Bundibugyo: Two coffee hullers and a border market in Busunga Town Council were completed.

• Bunyangabu: Rice and maize mills, as well as tractors with farming implements, were supplied.

• Kamwenge: Milk coolers, maize mills, and a mini-irrigation scheme for 45 acres were established.

• Kabarole: Fish cages for crater lakes and milk coolers were supplied.

These efforts aim to bolster agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve incomes for farmers.

Human Resource Development

The ministry continues to enhance staffing in local governments:

• Recruitment: The percentage of filled critical staff positions in district local governments has risen, with exemplary districts like Bushenyi, Wakiso, and Mbarara achieving 100% staffing.

Deepening Democracy and Accountability

Efforts to strengthen governance and accountability at the local level include:

• Orientation for political leaders in 10 cities and 40 urban local governments on physical planning.

• Procurement of bicycles (77,831) and motorcycles (1,172) for village and parish council leaders to facilitate program monitoring.

• Provision of 305 laptops to district planners and auditors for improved service delivery.

Enhancing Infrastructure for Agro-Processing

The ministry has mobilized and rehabilitated non-functional agro-processing facilities in 10 local governments. Completed projects include:

• Ntoroko: Coffee processing facility in Nombe and maize and rice plants in Itojo.

• Bunyangabu: Rwimi Rice Processing Facility.

• Kyenjojo: Kigoyera Maize Processing Plant.

These facilities empower communities to add value to agricultural products, fostering economic transformation.

Protecting Life and Property

Through infrastructure and governance, the ministry ensures the safety and prosperity of citizens:

• Strengthened inspectorate functions for local governments.

• Regular monitoring of government projects by council committees.

The Ministry of Local Government’s achievements reflect a strong commitment to fulfilling the NRM Manifesto (2021-2026). These projects are transforming lives by creating jobs, enhancing agricultural productivity, and improving service delivery. Under the stewardship of Ben Kumumanya, the MoLG remains dedicated to achieving sustainable development and empowering communities across Uganda.