BY OUR REPORTER
Soroti District – The Parish Development Model (PDM) continues to transform livelihoods across Uganda by empowering households to engage in productive income-generating enterprises. One such success story is that of Mr. Omakira Egayu Stephen, a resident of Aputon Village, Awoja Parish, Aukot Sub-county, Soroti District, whose life has significantly improved after benefiting from the programme.
Mr. Omakira received PDM funds in 2023 under the livestock enterprise. With the financial support, he ventured into poultry farming, rearing Sasso and Kuroiler chickens. Through proper management and dedication, the poultry enterprise quickly became profitable, providing him with a steady source of income.
Rather than stopping there, Mr. Omakira strategically reinvested the proceeds from his poultry business into piggery, expanding his farming operations and diversifying his income streams. As his earnings continued to grow, he also established a citrus orchard, creating a thriving mixed farming enterprise that now includes poultry, piggery, and citrus production.
The increased income has enabled him to improve his farm infrastructure by fencing part of his land, enhancing security, better managing livestock, and protecting his citrus plantation. With improved farm management practices, the citrus orchard has begun producing encouraging yields, further boosting household income.
Today, the combined proceeds from poultry, piggery, and citrus farming comfortably meet both the operational costs of the farm and the needs of his family. The transformation has enhanced his household’s financial stability while demonstrating the value of investing in diversified agriculture.
Speaking about his journey, Mr. Omakira expressed gratitude to the Government for the support provided through the Parish Development Model.
“The Parish Development Model changed my life. What started as a poultry project has grown into a mixed farming enterprise. I now earn enough to sustain my business and provide for my family’s needs.”
He further appealed to the Government to expand the programme so that more households can benefit from similar opportunities.
“Many people in our community are hardworking and ready to transform their lives. Expanding PDM to reach more beneficiaries will increase household incomes, create employment opportunities, improve food security, and accelerate local economic development.”
Mr. Omakira’s success illustrates the impact of the Parish Development Model in empowering households to move from subsistence to commercial production. By providing start-up capital for viable enterprises, the programme continues to promote wealth creation, enhance food security, and stimulate job creation across communities, including the Teso Sub-region.
His journey stands as a testament to how strategic investment, hard work, and effective utilization of government support can transform lives and contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic development.