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The United Nations agencies in Uganda have commended the Ugandan government, led by President Yoweri Museveni, for launching the Parish Development Model (PDM). During the 78th United Nations Day celebrations in Gulu City, UN Resident Coordinator Susan Ngongi Namondo highlighted the PDM as a program that has the potential to lift Ugandans out of poverty and support the nation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

The United Nations agencies in Uganda have extended appreciation to President Yoweri Museveni’s government for initiating the Parish Development Model.

Speaking during the 78th UN Day celebrations in Gulu City, the UN Resident Coordinator Susan Ngongi Namondo singled out the PDM as a program that will not only push Ugandans out of the clutches of poverty but also support the country in achieving the sustainable development goals of 2030.

In Gulu City, the celebrations to mark the 78th anniversary of the United Nations saw local dancers showcase their talents as well as enterprises exhibiting their products. The Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja momentarily joined in the traditional dance.

It’s during this time that the UN country coordinator Susan Ngongi Namondo expressed appreciation to the government of Uganda and President Yoweri Museveni for initiating the Parish Development Model, “PDM if really well implemented can really deliver a lot of good” she commended.

The UN country coordinator also extended further support to see that the Parish Development Model is a success in Uganda.

The Parish Development Model is an initiative of President Yoweri Museveni to uplift 39 per cent of Ugandans out of poverty, the UN agencies see the PDM as a potential vehicle to align Uganda to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2023 and Vision 2040.

Dmitry Pozhidaev, the Head of the United Nations Capital Development Fund in Uganda, together with the Senior Economic Adviser and Head of the strategy and Policy Unit at the United Nations Development Program for Uganda and Rwanda Thangavel Palanivel, said they see the Parish Development with the potential to economically uplift the country.

“You (government) really need to provide technical assistance to people at the parish level to design and implement productive activities”, according to Dmitry Pozhidaev this will help the PDM to achieve its targets.

However, the government of President Yoweri Museveni is also encouraged to develop the capacity of the people who implement the Parish Development Model.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja graced the UN Day celebrations as the chief guest and expressed the government’s willingness to create a strong working relationship with the United Nations. The Prime Minister echoed “Let me use this opportunity to call on the UN family to work with us more closely this time around”.

Among other elements of development that the United Nations called on the government of Uganda to focus on are the education and skilling of young people, averting the dangers of environmental destruction, creating awareness of climate change, and fighting the onslaught of non-communicable diseases.

The UN day is celebrated every 24th of October in reflection of the creation of the United Nations on the 24th of October 1945.

Uganda became the 110th member of the United Nations in 1962