By:
Kyanika Rehema
Regional Coordinator – Busoga
Office of the National Chairman (ONC)
A notable story is that of Ms. Namagembe Teopister, a resident of Bunalwenyi Village, Makuutu Sub-county, Bugweri District, who received UGX 1 million through the Parish Development Model. Her journey stands as a shining example of how strategic government interventions are empowering ordinary Ugandans to build sustainable businesses and improve household incomes.
Before benefiting from PDM, Ms. Namagembe operated a small retail shop with a capital base of approximately UGX 500,000. However, her business growth was constrained by limited infrastructure, particularly the absence of a freezer, which restricted her ability to stock and sell cold beverages.
Upon receiving the PDM funds, she invested in the purchase of a freezer, a decision that significantly transformed her business. The investment enabled her to diversify her products and begin selling sodas, bottled water, passion fruit juice, pineapple juice, and other beverages that attracted more customers and boosted daily sales.
Today, Ms. Namagembe’s business has expanded remarkably, with her capital growing from UGX 500,000 to UGX 5.5 million. The increased earnings have enabled her to educate her children, meet household needs, and improve the welfare of her family. What began as a modest village shop has evolved into a thriving enterprise and a source of economic stability.
The beneficiary expressed profound gratitude to H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for initiating the Parish Development Model, which she described as a life-changing intervention that has enabled her to realize her business ambitions. She also appreciated Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo and the Office of the National Chairman for consistently engaging with beneficiaries and ensuring that government programs reach and positively impact grassroots communities.
CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED
Despite her success, Ms. Namagembe highlighted a number of challenges affecting business growth:
- Fluctuating market prices that impact profitability and planning.
- Seasonal weather changes, particularly cold periods that reduce demand for chilled beverages and affect sales volumes.
RECOMMENDATIONS
To strengthen the impact of the Parish Development Model and support successful entrepreneurs, the beneficiary recommends:
- Continuous monitoring and follow-up support to guide beneficiaries and ensure sustained business growth.
- Additional funding opportunities for progressive beneficiaries with expansion plans and the capacity to create more wealth and employment opportunities.