Irene Linda Mugisha

"I owe everything to the people of Fort Portal, and I will do everything in my power to enhance their quality of life."

"Parish committees should allocate funds to individuals who are actively involved in their SACCOs, those living below the poverty line, and those who can effectively use the money to improve their lives, as outlined in the guidelines. I have received complaints that some PDM beneficiaries have not received the funds they applied for, despite meeting the criteria."

"Although this money is not a grant but a revolving fund, it is intended to assist the 39% of Ugandans who are actively poor, not the wealthy. However, those receiving the funds must ensure they use it responsibly and repay it, so it can continue to benefit many others."

"Some parishes consist of up to 14 villages, which creates a challenge when funds are distributed—it often feels like the money is lost in a vast ocean. In some villages, no one has benefited yet, and when you visit, the people are understandably frustrated, expressing their anger over not receiving the funds."

"Nyakitojo, Kitaka, and Rwenkuba are the parishes that were gazetted but did not receive PDM funds. The Ministry of Local Government is aware of this issue, and it has been presented to Parliament. We are now awaiting the Ministry of Finance to allocate funds to these parishes so they can begin benefiting."

"Many people in cities like Fort Portal can easily engage in businesses such as selling eggs, dairy products, and other value-added goods that don’t require much space. Since most urban residents are tenants and lack the space for poultry or piggery farming, they can still sell these products instead."

"I’m not sure if it’s a matter of laziness or a reluctance to escape poverty, but many of you parents have not joined PDM yet continue to blame the government for not helping. How do you expect to be helped if you’re not taking the necessary steps yourself"

"The government introduced UPE and USE, yet some still claim that educating your children is too expensive. Now, with programs like PDM and Emyooga aimed at helping you lift yourselves out of poverty, you refuse to embrace them and continue to say you are poor. Why not appreciate the government's efforts, just for once"

"Other districts and cities have already started disbursing PDM funds to beneficiaries, and the money is actively being used to make an impact. However, in Fort Portal City, the funds remain in the SACCOs' bank accounts because officials are still in the process of verifying the beneficiaries."