Open Access Journal of Economic Research
ISSN: 3065-9035 | DOI: 10.64030/3065-9035
James Woniala and Aina Obe Shamsuddin Bolatito
Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM) is a parish-centred strategy intended to move subsistence households into the money economy through financial inclusion, enterprise development, local planning, service delivery, and strengthened governance. This study examined PDM performance and stakeholder livelihood outcomes in Sironko District, Uganda. A mixedmethods design combined survey data from 154 PDM-participating households, selected from a target population of 250, with eight key informant interviews, three focus group discussions, and document review. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and simple linear regression, whereas qualitative data were analysed thematically and integrated at interpretation. Fund uptake was positively associated with reported income change, r = .61, p < .01, and the regression model accounted for 37% of the variance in reported income change, R² = .37, p < .001. Implementation was constrained by delayed disbursement (57%), inadequate beneficiary training (49%), weak monitoring (45%), and politicisation mechanisms. (38%). Participants valued access to affordable capital but reported uneven technical understanding, limited post-disbursement support, and weaknesses in coordination and accountability. The study concludes that the PDM can strengthen financial inclusion and local participation, but sustainable livelihood gains require timely disbursement, professional SACCO governance, continuous training, extension and market support, transparent beneficiary selection, and credible monitoring and grievance.