Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) councilors have been called upon to take an active leadership role in implementing the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM), a key initiative designed to lift millions of Ugandans out of poverty by fostering grassroots economic growth. The appeal was made during a three-day strategic workshop held in Entebbe from May 14 to 16, bringing together KCCA’s political and technical leaders to align their service delivery plans with national and local development frameworks.

The workshop emphasized the need for councilors to ensure the successful execution of the PDM, which operates alongside the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), KCCA’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, and the Client Service Charter. Robert Ssendegeya, a representative from the PDM Secretariat, explained that the program aims to transition 3.5 million Ugandan households from subsistence farming into the cash economy, using parishes as the primary units for planning and implementation.

“The Parish Development Model is not just about handing out money—it is a comprehensive approach that includes financial inclusion, administrative efficiency, and changing mindsets towards development,” Ssendegeya said. He highlighted that Kampala’s 98 parishes have already disbursed UGX 19.257 billion through the Parish Revolving Fund over the last two financial years, directly benefiting 19,257 individuals. Each parish has received at least UGX 300 million to support income-generating projects through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).

KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki praised the councilors for their cooperation so far but urged them to take a more hands-on role in monitoring and supervising the program. “The success of PDM depends on your leadership at the grassroots level,” she said. “Councilors must not only support the initiative but also evaluate its impact and ensure transparency in how funds are utilized.”

Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago echoed this sentiment, calling on councilors to closely track projects within their parishes and maintain high standards in service delivery. “You must take personal interest in what happens in your jurisdictions,” Lukwago stated. “Every project funded under PDM must be properly implemented and meet the expected quality benchmarks.”

The retreat served as a platform for councilors, technical staff, and KCCA leadership to strengthen collaboration in improving public service delivery across Kampala. Zahara Maala Luyirika, Speaker of the KCCA Council, stressed the importance of unity in achieving development goals. “If we want to deliver excellent services to our people, we must work together as a team,” she said. “Our focus should be on addressing the real needs of the citizens we serve.”

As KCCA prepares to roll out its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, the Parish Development Model is expected to remain a central pillar in transforming urban livelihoods and promoting inclusive growth. The model’s emphasis on local-level planning and community participation aligns with broader efforts to decentralize development and empower parishes to drive their own progress.

The workshop also provided an opportunity for councilors to discuss challenges and opportunities in implementing PDM, including ways to improve financial literacy among beneficiaries and ensure that funds are used for sustainable income-generating activities. Many councilors shared success stories from their parishes, where small businesses and agricultural projects have begun to thrive thanks to PDM funding.

However, some participants raised concerns about delays in fund disbursement and the need for stronger accountability mechanisms to prevent mismanagement. In response, KCCA leadership assured councilors that measures are being put in place to streamline processes and enhance oversight.

The Parish Development Model represents a significant shift in Uganda’s approach to poverty alleviation, moving away from top-down interventions to a more participatory model where communities identify their own priorities and solutions. For Kampala, a city facing rapid urbanization and growing economic disparities, the effective implementation of PDM could be a game-changer in improving living standards for low-income residents.

Councilors left the retreat with a renewed commitment to driving the program forward, recognizing their critical role as intermediaries between the government and the people. With proper execution, the PDM has the potential to not only reduce poverty but also strengthen local governance and foster a sense of ownership among Kampala’s residents over their own development.

As Uganda continues to push for socio-economic transformation, the success of initiatives like PDM will depend heavily on the dedication of local leaders. The KCCA councilors’ willingness to embrace this responsibility could determine whether the program delivers on its promise to bring prosperity to Uganda’s urban poor. With continued collaboration between political and technical leaders, Kampala may well set an example for other cities in effectively implementing grassroots development strategies.