NGO trains over 120 Ugandan farmers in financial literacy

FARMERS | TRAINING | SMU

MPIGI - Over 120 Ugandan farmers have been trained financial literacy, mindset change and how to use and benefit from the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The two-week training, that ended on Saturday, was conducted at the National Leadership Centre (NFLC) in Kampiringisa-Mpigi district and attracted farmers from six districts; Mityana, Kayunga, Wakiso, Bugiri, Bugweri and Rukungiri.

The Saemaul Undong model in Uganda started in 2009 with an aim of transforming local communities, but the local Saemaul training at National Farmers Leadership Center Kampiringisa started in 2021 after local down.

The training aimed at encouraging Ugandan communities to work together, promote inclusive and sustainable development and improve the quality of life for their inhabitants based on the spirits of diligence, self-help and cooperation.

Speaking at the closure of the two-week workshop, Kwon Min Jung, the General Director SMU International Bureau, applauded Ugandans for embracing the SMU, saying the initiative has potential to improve the quality of life through inclusive and sustainable rural development.

Farmers after their two-week training.

She noted that they will continue supporting Ugandan villages and also train them in S. Korea since COVID-19 had made it practically impossible.

Kwon Min, accompanied by Kim Min Jung from the Ministry of Interior and Safety in South Korea, among other staff said SMU was recognized by UNESCO as one of the best practices that helped S Korea to become a developed.

"The village model that transformed Korea in the early 1970s, first trained communities through mindset change for them to appreciate opportunities around them, therefore, follow its historical approach in order to keep its meaning in the development arena,’’ said Kwon Min jung.

Dr Stephen Kayongo advised Ugandans to embrace PDM which is the same model as Saemaul Undong.

Dr. Kayongo, the SMU International Coordinator hailed the team from Korea for the assistance given to them to prepare for the the training. 

"You go and practice what you have learnt here for the two weeks and be role models to your villages as you train more,’’ he advised.

Dr. Ian Kyeyune, the President Uganda SMU lauded the work of the Korean Government in Uganda for empowering youth in the villages and transforming their communities.

Officials tour some of the the farmers' gardens in Mpingi district. (All Photos by Ramadhan Abbey)

"We also laud the Government of Uganda for introducing the Parish Development Model (PDM) that is helping people from parish level to increase on their household incomes and joining the money economy, thank you,‘’ Kyeyune noted.

 He noted that PDM, introduced by government is to alleviate poverty in the country.

In February President Yoweri Museveni launched the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a strategy to reach homesteads that are still in subsistence economy to support them join the money economy.

According to program, each parish is supposed to get sh17m in the current financial year to start the implementation of the Programme and according to the plan, the parishes will each receive sh100m, effect the next financial year.

 What others say 

Stephen Isabirye, the coordinator Saemaul Undong in Kayunga testified how SMU training transformed the villages in the Kayunga district. He, however, commended the work done by SMU Korea in funding the training.

Isabirye added that the training was fruitful because for any development to take place, you first change your mindset towards what to do.

Harriet Nantumbwe from Katereke Model Village in Wakiso district learnt how record keeping is key in the day to day running of business.