Kiryandongo disburses Shs76 million to PWD, elderly groups to boost livelihoods

Kiryandongo: Kiryandongo District has distributed more than Shs76 million to groups of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and elderly persons to support income-generating projects aimed at improving household incomes and reducing poverty.

The funds, provided by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, were handed over to beneficiaries during a ceremony held at the district council hall.

A total of 17 groups, comprising 12 PWD groups and five elderly persons’ groups drawn from various sub-counties across the district, benefited from the program.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, Kiryandongo District Senior Community Development Officer, Thomas Odoch, said the funds are part of a government initiative intended to empower vulnerable groups economically.

“This money is from the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. The aim is to help Persons with Disabilities and elderly people start income-generating projects and fight poverty,” Odoch said.

He, however, expressed concern over the tendency of some beneficiary groups to change their approved enterprises without informing district authorities.

“One of the challenges we continue to face is that some groups change their enterprises without consulting or informing the relevant authorities. This affects monitoring and the intended outcomes of the program,” he added.

Kiryandongo Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Dan Muganga, urged beneficiaries to utilize the funds responsibly and invest in productive ventures that can improve their livelihoods.

“Government has entrusted you with this money to transform your lives. Use it wisely and ensure that the projects succeed so that you can improve your household incomes,” Muganga advised.

The Chairperson of the Elderly Persons Committee, Bazare Doegracious, acknowledged that misuse of government funds remains a challenge among some beneficiaries and called for greater accountability.

“The elderly are among those who sometimes misuse government programs. We must change our attitude and use these funds for the intended purposes if we are to benefit from government interventions,” Doegracious said.

Kiryandongo District Vice Chairperson, Salama Peace, emphasized the need for active involvement of leaders at all levels in monitoring government programs to ensure their success.

“All leaders should be involved in government programs because it makes monitoring easier and helps ensure that beneficiaries use the funds appropriately,” she said.

Kiryandongo Town Council Mayor, Godfrey Serunkuma, pledged to closely monitor all groups within the town council that received the funds.

“We shall make follow-ups on all the groups that have received this money in Kiryandongo Town Council to ensure that the projects are implemented and the funds are not misused,” Serunkuma said.

Meanwhile, the District Councilor representing Persons with Disabilities, Nakalanzi Justine, encouraged fellow PWDs to embrace the opportunity and use the funds to improve their livelihoods.

“I call upon all PWD groups to use this money well, invest in productive activities, and fight poverty in their homes and communities,” Nakalanzi said.

The government funding is part of ongoing efforts to support vulnerable populations through economic empowerment initiatives aimed at improving incomes, promoting self-reliance, and reducing poverty levels among disadvantaged groups.

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