Councilors of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have been encouraged to play a proactive role in executing the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government initiative aimed at eradicating poverty by promoting development from the grassroots level.
This appeal was made during a three-day strategic workshop held in Entebbe from May 14 to 16, where both the political and technical arms of KCCA came together to synchronize their service delivery plans with the PDM, the fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), the KCCA Strategic Plan (2025–2030), and the Client Service Charter.
Robert Ssendegeya from the PDM Secretariat explained that the initiative is targeting to shift 3.5 million Ugandan households from a subsistence-based lifestyle to participating in the cash economy, using the parish as the central point for planning and execution.
“PDM is more than just cash distribution. It’s a holistic development framework requiring collaboration across all its components — from financial empowerment to administration and mindset transformation,” Ssendegeya noted.
To date, Kampala’s 98 parishes have distributed a cumulative UGX 19.257 billion through the Parish Revolving Fund for the financial years 2022/23 and 2023/24, directly reaching 19,257 beneficiaries.
Every parish has so far accessed at least UGX 300 million to fund income-boosting projects through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).
KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, applauded the councilors for their cooperation and stressed the importance of greater engagement in executing and supervising the program.
“The effectiveness of PDM rests on your grassroots leadership. Councilors should not only back the program but also evaluate its outcomes and uphold accountability,” Buzeki emphasized.
The Lord Mayor of Kampala, His Worship Erias Lukwago, also urged councilors to actively follow up on projects within their jurisdictions and ensure high standards in service provision.
“Take an interest in the activities within your parishes. All interventions must be implemented properly and meet the required benchmarks,” Lukwago stated.
The retreat, which assembled councilors, the Lord Mayor, the Executive Director, and senior technical personnel, aimed at consolidating efforts to enhance public service delivery in the capital.
“If we are to deliver top-notch services, we must collaborate harmoniously. Let’s direct our energies toward addressing citizens’ priorities,” said Zahara Maala Luyirika, Speaker of the KCCA Council.
As KCCA gears up to launch its Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, the Parish Development Model is anticipated to remain a cornerstone in reshaping urban areas and fostering inclusive progress.
