Kwania district Sets National Record in PDM as RDC Arikwanga cautions against politicking on the program

Kwania, Uganda: Richard Arikwanga Noon, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kwania, has issued a strong admonition to leaders of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the district, urging them to refrain from politicizing government programs to ensure the effective implementation of the NRM manifestos.  

Since its establishment in 1986, the NRM government, led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has launched various poverty alleviation initiatives for its citizens. These programs include Etandikwa, Emyooga, the Youth Livelihoods Program (YLP), the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP), and the recently introduced Parish Development Model (PDM).  

During his regular radio talk show on 91.8 Atedero F.M., a local station in Kwania, RDC Arikwanga expressed his concerns regarding the politicization of government programs, particularly the PDM, by some senior NRM leaders.  

“The PDM is a government initiative aimed at lifting poor households out of absolute poverty, primarily at the parish level, which serves as the lowest economic planning unit. I have traveled throughout the district to monitor the implementation of the PDM and other government programs, and I have observed that some NRM leaders are attempting to restrict PDM cash distribution to only NRM supporters. This is inappropriate, as the PDM is intended for all households, regardless of political affiliation,” he stated.  

He further emphasized, “We should not treat politics as a matter of life and death. This is why the government collaborates with opposition figures, such as Hon. Nobert Mao from the Democratic Party and the Hon. Minister for Gender, Labor, and Social Development. Government programs are designed for everyone.”  

Kwania's Performance in Local Government Assessment  

In the recent Local Government Performance Assessment Report, Kwania was ranked 13th out of 149 districts in the country for the 2022/2023 period. Previously, Kwania, along with Kalaki, Ntoroko, and Kapelebyong, was among the ten districts that performed poorly, while Isingiro, Kihura, Ibanda, Kamwenge, and Mayuga were recognized as top performers.  

The assessment, conducted by the Office of the Prime Minister on service delivery, has brought a sense of optimism to the district's leaders. 

On his side, Geoffrey Eling Owera, the leader of government business in Kwania District, has stated that the district has performed better this year compared to previous years due to the recruitment of additional staff, particularly in the heads of departments that were previously lacking. "We made significant efforts.

In the education sector, Kwania emerged as the top-performing district in rural schools within the Lango region. Across all sectors, we strived to address the staffing gaps that had been a challenge in prior financial years," he remarked in a recent telephone interview. According to RDC Arikwanga, the district's success can be attributed to effective teamwork.

"The Local Government Performance Report for the 2024/2025 financial year ranked Kwania 13th out of 149 districts, a testament to our collaborative efforts. I have heard some NRM leaders claim that I am working for UPC, which is untrue; I am collaborating with everyone because we must coexist for effective service delivery," he stated. He further noted, "I was assigned to Kwania three years ago following Canon Ogwang Odyero and Salim Komakech.Upon my arrival, I adopted a holistic approach, ensuring I maintained strong interpersonal relationships with the CAO, the LCV Chairman, and all stakeholders, as I cannot operate in isolation."

James Okol, the Kwania District Youth Male Councillor, attributes the district's success to the strong working relationship and competence of RDC Arikwanga, encouraging PDM beneficiaries to fully engage with the program.

"For those who have already received funds, I urge you to utilize the money wisely. The NRM government has introduced several poverty alleviation initiatives, such as Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Program (YLP), and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP). Please make the most of these programs and support NRM in the 2026 general elections," he advised.

Additionally, Catharine Akello, the Kwania District Principal Commercial Officer, cautioned PDM SACCO leaders, Parish Development Officers, and Parish Chiefs against role conflicts. "Starting next year, Parish Chiefs will receive Shs 500,000 for operational expenses, so there should be no further collection of funds from PDM beneficiaries.

"We must avoid conflicts within the SACCO; everyone should fulfill their roles to foster SACCO development," she emphasized. In the 2024/2025 financial year, Kwania, with 49 PDM SACCOs, received Shs 4.9 billion in PDM funds. "

Kwaina District was created out Apac District, it's a home district of the former Prime Minister of Uganda, George K Ayebo.