Grassroots Payoff: New Parishes Open Wider PDM Net In Ngariam County

 December 28, 2025   |    79 views

By Our Reporter I Ngariam Focus 

AMORU PARISH,NGARIAM SUBCOUNTY — The steady creation of new parishes in Ngariam Subcounty is beginning to pay visible dividends, widening access to government wealth-creation programmes and bringing development financing closer to ordinary households.

Addressing residents of Amoru Parish, Hon. Peter Ogwang, the Minister of State for Education and Sports (Sports) and Member of Parliament for Ngariam County, said the reorganisation of administrative units has directly expanded the reach of the Parish Development Model (PDM), ensuring that more communities are now plugged into government funding streams.

Parish Boundaries, Bigger Access

Ogwang noted that before the creation of additional parishes, many residents were effectively locked out of PDM due to congestion and competition at parish level. The new administrative units, he said, have decentralised opportunity.

“Every parish now has its own allocation and its own beneficiaries. That is how government intended PDM to work—closer to the people,” Ogwang told the gathering.

Shs 1.4bn Flows To Ngariam Subcounty

The minister disclosed that Ngariam Subcounty has so far received Shs 1.4 billion under the model, with each of the 14 parishes benefiting to the tune of Shs 100 million. The funds are meant to support household enterprises in agriculture, trade and value addition.

He reminded residents that the money is not a handout but a revolving fund intended to lift families out of subsistence living.

Warning Against Consumption Culture

In a blunt address that drew both laughter and applause, Ogwang cautioned beneficiaries against diverting PDM funds into alcohol and leisure.

“When this money is turned into drinking in trading centres, poverty remains. When it is turned into cows, gardens or small businesses, wealth follows,” he said, urging discipline and long-term thinking among beneficiaries.

Education Infrastructure On The Agenda

Looking ahead, Ogwang pledged to prioritise education infrastructure, promising to lobby for the establishment of a government primary school in Amoru Parish in line with national policy.

He said the absence of nearby schools continues to burden parents and expose children to long, unsafe journeys.

Politics, Security And The Youth

The minister also used the platform to caution young people against what he described as reckless political mobilisation that pits civilians against security agencies.

Without naming individuals, he warned that some opposition actors were spreading misinformation and exploiting youth frustrations for political ends, a move he said could destabilise hard-won peace in the area.

Development Over Drama

Ogwang concluded by urging residents to prioritize development programmes over political theatrics, arguing that stability remains the foundation upon which services, funding and infrastructure are delivered.

“As long as there is peace, government programs will reach you. Protect that peace, and use these opportunities wisely,” he said.

The meeting drew local leaders, PDM beneficiaries and youth representatives, reflecting growing interest in how parish-level reforms are reshaping service delivery in Ngariam County.