BUDAKA DISTRICT, The Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Justine Nameere Nsubuga, on Friday yesterday, presided over the successful election of a new Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO committee in Petete Parish, bringing a long-awaited leadership process to a close amid celebration from residents.
What was supposed to be a routine election, however, came with an unexpected twist the officials expected to guide the exercise appeared unsure of the election procedure themselves. The situation left Hon. Nameere and Ministry of Local Government technical officers Mr. Stephen Idha Koma, Commissioner, District Inspection and Mr. Alfred Lapyem raising questions about how similar PDM SACCO leadership elections had previously been conducted in the area.
The first hurdle emerged when it became clear that there was no vetting committee in place. Hon. Nameere directed that residents first elect one before any candidates for the PDM SACCO committee could be considered. The vetting committee was elected by Petete Parish residents, clearing the way for the SACCO leadership election. Budaka District Community Development Officer Kalele Moses conducted the exercise, while Hon. Nameere and the Ministry technical team provided guidance and oversight.
The chairman’s race came first. Two candidates were nominated and approved by the newly selected vetting committee before residents lined up behind their preferred candidate. After the votes were counted, Kyengabo Abu, emerged winner with the majority vote. At one point during the counting, Hon. Nameere called for a halt to ensure the figures were accurately captured, with security personnel also helping to verify the numbers.
Next came the vice-chairperson’s race, where Watumula Musa, appeared to have little trouble convincing the community. He attracted overwhelming support, while his opponent finished with only five people standing behind him. The community then moved to the secretary’s position, contested by two candidates, with Kaanyi Dorothy emerging winner.
Then came the treasurer’s race, and residents were taking no chances with who would look after their SACCO money. Four candidates presented themselves, but one was rejected by the community over concerns about his debts, with residents expressing fears that he might use PDM funds to clear them. Hon. Nameere urged the community to choose a treasurer with integrity who could be trusted with the SACCO’s funds. Mansa Harriet eventually emerged as the new treasurer. Residents then elected Tagaba Yusufu, to take charge of publicity and communication, before selecting Naguti Asanansi and Puule Bernard as additional committee members. The final committee also provided for women and youth representation.
The successful election was met with celebration from Petete Parish residents, who thanked Hon. Nameere for overseeing what they described as a transparent process. With a new committee now in place, residents expressed optimism that PDM funds would reach the parish and benefit the households for whom the programme is intended.
With the election concluded, the new committee was officially presented to the community, with Honourable Nameere warning its members against corruption, bribery, favouritism and giving PDM funds to friends and relatives instead of the people the programme was designed to support.
She also directed that the selection of PDM beneficiaries should be conducted in the presence of the community, with particular emphasis on ensuring that the most impoverished households are prioritised.
Residents, however, had a question of their own: where would they turn if their newly elected leaders later became “untouchable” and failed to perform their duties? The Budaka District Woman MP assured them that her office remained open to receive such complaints. Hon. Nameere also revealed that plans were underway to establish a call centre in each district, where members of the public will be able to make inquiries and raise concerns about service delivery.
The Minister gave special recognition to Ikiki County MP Abdul Swayib Kyampanya for raising concerns about the situation in Petete and other service delivery gaps in Budaka District, helping bring attention to the area. Hon. Nameere urged the new committee to serve with integrity and ensure PDM resources reach the people for whom they are intended, while crediting H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s intervention and wider vision for the programme.
The exercise was also attended by Budaka Chief Administrative Officer Mugolo Richard, the District Chairperson, District Speaker, Budaka District Woman MP Kyampanya, among other leaders.
