Embrace PDM for a better future, Balaam tells Arua vendors

ARUA - The State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, has rallied market vendors in Arua City to actively participate in government development programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), urging them to seize the opportunity to uplift their livelihoods and transform their communities.

During his Youth Wake-Up Mobilisation and Accountability Tour in the West Nile sub-region, Barugahara paid a courtesy visit to the Carnegie A1 Community Market in Ayivu Division, Arua City. 

He was met by hundreds of enthusiastic vendors, mostly women, who filled the air with cheer as he toured their stalls. However, their joy quickly turned to disappointment when he inquired whether they had received PDM funds.

In a loud chorus, the vendors replied that none of them had benefited from the program, despite having expressed interest and registered earlier.

Arua City has so far received sh16b under the PDM, which city authorities say has been disbursed to 54 PDM SACCOs.

The government launched the PDM in 2022 to improve household incomes and promote wealth creation, particularly among those at the grassroots.

The minister, visibly concerned, questioned why the funds had not reached ordinary market vendors. In response, Geoffrey Mugombya, the Ayivu Division Clerk, said that only five vendors from the market were beneficiaries of the program.

Residents of Ayivu division accompanying Balaam Barugahara, the minister of state for youth and children affairs to the Arua golf course for president Museveni’s campaigns in Arua city. This was after he inspected stalls in the new Carnegie A1 Community Market in Ayivu division Arua City. The minister is in West Nile for his Youth Wake Up Call Mobilisation and Accountability Tour. This was on October 13, 2025. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

Barugahara expressed deep disappointment at the revelation. “It is unfair to have only five out of over 2,000 vendors benefit from this program,” he said. “These are hardworking women who form the backbone of our families. They deserve support, not neglect.”

He ordered the town clerk’s office to register all market vendors immediately and ensure they are included among the next group of PDM beneficiaries.

He emphasised that the stalls the vendors occupy should be recognised as their business addresses, making them eligible for financial inclusion.

“All these vendors should receive PDM funds,” Barugahara insisted. “Women are the lifeline of every family. When you empower a woman, you support an entire household. They should get this money, invest it, and make more to support their children and communities.”

He cautioned the vendors against paying bribes to access the funds, assuring them that President Yoweri Museveni had sent the money to uplift ordinary Ugandans.

“You should not pay anyone to receive what rightfully belongs to you. Take the funds, invest wisely, and repay only sh1.15m after two years,” he advised.

The Arua City Town Clerk, David Kyasanku, pledged to take immediate action. “We shall register all vendors in organised groups and sensitise them to ensure proper use of the funds. Please form groups with people you trust and who are responsible,” he told the crowd.

The Carnegie A1 Community Market, a privately established facility, was constructed to provide women with safe working spaces and decent working conditions. 

One of the market directors, Joseph Amandua, explained that the market currently accommodates about 2,000 vendors, the majority of whom are women who previously operated on the streets.

“We built this market to protect women from the dangers of roadside vending,” Amandua said. “Many were exposed to accidents and harsh conditions. We wanted to give them a safe, organised environment where they can thrive.”

Balaam Barugahara (checked shirt), the minister of state for youth and children affairs dancing with the mayor of Ayivu division Arua city Marlon Avutia and other vendors of the new Carnegie A1 Community Market in Ayivu division Arua City. This was during his courtesy visit to the market during his Youth Wake Up Call Mobilisation and Accountability Tour in Arua City on October 13, 2025. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

He praised the government for maintaining peace and promoting private sector participation, which allowed the establishment of privately owned markets.

“Previously, only government could own markets, but under the new Market Act, private players can also invest in such infrastructure,” he noted.

Ayivu Division Mayor Marlon Avutia said the market has restored order in the city by reducing street vending.

However, he appealed for more government funding under the PDM to ensure more households benefit and rise above poverty.

“If all vendors in this market accessed PDM funds, they would expand their stalls, increase capital, and improve their livelihoods,” he said.

Among the vendors, there was a strong sense of relief and renewed hope after the minister’s directive. Perusi Ezatiru, one of the vendors, thanked the government and expressed joy that their cries had finally been heard. 

“This money will save us from exploitative moneylenders. We often borrow at high interest rates just to restock our businesses. PDM will bring us dignity and freedom,” she said.

Another vendor, Joyce Arima, urged the city authorities to relocate all street vendors into established markets so that all traders can share customers equally. 

“Most customers buy from roadside vendors because they are easily accessible, leaving us in the market with fewer buyers,” she lamented.

As Barugahara waved goodbye to the cheering crowd, the vendors’ faces reflected a mix of hope and determination.

For many, the PDM is more than just a government program, it is a promise of renewed opportunity and empowerment.