President Yoweri Museveni has urged beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) to take full responsibility for the funds they receive, emphasizing that the programme is a direct investment in their economic empowerment.
“This PDM is your bank. It is not a handout but a revolving fund meant to lift you out of poverty. Those who have received the money must ensure it is put to good use and repaid after two years so that others can also benefit,” President Museveni stressed.
The President was speaking yesterday in Kimbugu village, Kabwoya sub-county, Buhaguzi county, Kikuube district, as he started his three-day assessment tour of the PDM in Bunyoro sub-region.
He visited Jackson Mpagazihe, 62, a PDM model farmer at Kimbugu village, where he reiterated that the success of the initiative will depend on the discipline and commitment of its beneficiaries.
“You must embrace this programme wholeheartedly. This money belongs to you and your community. If you misuse it or fail to repay, you deny others a chance to improve their livelihoods,” he warned.
Fish farming
President Museveni lauded Mpagazihe for his exemplary efforts in fish farming, noting that he started his project with just sh500,000 defying misconceptions that fish farming requires huge investment.
“Many people feared that starting a fish pond was expensive, but Mr Mpagazihe has proven that even with little money, it is possible. Fish farming is not only profitable but also an effective way of conserving wetlands while ensuring food security,” Museveni said.
He encouraged those that live in wetlands to transition to fish farming, explaining that fish ponds help retain water that can be used for irrigation, ultimately boosting agricultural productivity.
“With just half an acre, one can earn sh700,000 after deducting the cost of feeds, and up to sh1.4m per acre. This is a sustainable business that can transform households,” he emphasized.
He also highlighted the success of Dr Florence Muranga from Bushenyi, who, through irrigation, harvests 53 tonnes of bananas per acre annually, far exceeding the district’s average of five tonnes per acre.
To further support Mpagazihe’s initiative, President Museveni promised him sh10m to buy a tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) for transportation, and a fish feed-making machine to enhance his enterprise.
Additionally, he pledged sh50m to the Catholic Church, commending Mpagazihe for being a role model in his community.
“I want to thank Mr Mpagazihe for his hard work and innovation. He is a living example of how the PDM can change lives if embraced fully,” President Museveni remarked.
On her part, the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, commended the President for spearheading key infrastructure projects that are transforming the Bunyoro region.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the development initiatives, including well-constructed roads, a modern airport, Kabalega International University and the modern Hoima Olympic Stadium that meets global standards.
She also lauded the significant progress of the establishment of the regional Bunyoro Public University in the region, emphasizing its role in expanding access to higher education.
“Thank you, Mr President; these projects are a testament to your commitment to the development of Bunyoro,” Nabbanja said.
PDM beneficiary thrives
Jackson Mpagazihe, 62, a Parish Development Model (PDM) farmer in Kimbugu village, has transformed his livelihood through fish farming, a venture he started in August 2023, with an initial investment from the PDM.
“I received sh980,000 in August 2023 through PDM. We were trained about fish ponds, and I decided to invest in them. I used sh500,000 to construct a fish pond and added sh20,000 to my remaining sh480,000 to buy fingerlings,” he said.
Mpagazihe initially stocked his pond with fingerlings and started managing his fish farm. At the same time, he earned sh160,000 from maize farming, which he used to buy fish feed.
“After eight months, I harvested my first batch of fish in April 2024. I sold 150 fish at sh5,000 each, earning sh750,000. Over the following weeks, I continued selling more, and after six months, I had made a total of sh1.5m,” he said.
With this income, he reinvested in another pond and stocked more fingerlings to expand his fish farm. His second harvest came in December 2024.
“I had increased production, and this time, I sold 150 fish at sh5,000 each, earning sh750,000. I continued selling weekly, and after another six months, I had made sh900,000,” he explained.
He later sold another 50 fish, earning sh500,000.
“With daily sales, I made an additional sh800,000 over six months,” he added.
Currently, Mpagazihe owns six fish ponds stocked with 20,000 fish, although two are yet to be stocked with fingerlings.
“So far, I have harvested twice and made a total of sh2.9m from the second round. For the third round, I expect to harvest 7,000 fish,” he said.
Despite using only half an acre of land for his fish ponds, Mpagazihe now earns significantly more than he did from maize farming.
“I used to grow maize on a large scale, but I only made sh400,000 per year, which was too little for the effort involved. Now, from just half an acre, I earn about sh200,000 per month, which I never got from maize farming,” he noted.
“After selling my fish, I now make around sh1.3m per season. This has enabled me to pay school fees for my children, who were previously being sent home due to unpaid dues,” he said.
Mpagazihe’s success has inspired others in his community.
“Two of my neighbours have come to benchmark against my fish ponds, and I have trained them in how to start their own,” he noted.
“I want to thank the President for bringing PDM. I believe it will change lives for those who use the funds wisely,” he said.
