Parish-to-market model set for rollout as Acholi embraces poverty exit plan

KITGUM - The implementation of the Parish-to-Market Model (PMM), a Special Presidential Initiative aimed at transforming the socio-economic status of Acholi region, is set to resume fully in 2026 following wide endorsement by local stakeholders, government agencies and international bodies.

The model was authored by Prof. Ogenga Otunnu, the principal advisor, Senior presidential advisor, also Operation Wealth Creation chief co-ordinator Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho aka Salim Saleh and a key mobiliser for President Yoweri Museveni in northern Uganda. 

Proponents say the initiative offers a sustainable pathway out of poverty by harnessing Acholi’s key factors of production—fertile arable land and human capital.

President Museveni officially launched the PMM on February 24, 2023, at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu as part of his Special Presidential Initiatives. 

The model focuses on locally driven, tailored solutions that promote production and value addition, rather than reliance on handouts, which government officials say have entrenched dependency rather than eliminated poverty.

Mechanised agriculture and partnerships

At the core of the PMM is the promotion of large-scale, mechanised, climate-smart agriculture. Under the model, communities voluntarily offer land through public-private partnerships, with government facilitating the sourcing of investors to support large-scale production.

Otunnu says the initiative aims to transition Acholi from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, supported by modern machinery, irrigation and organised markets.

Early resistance and land fears

Despite its objectives, the initiative initially faced strong resistance, particularly from some politicians in Acholi, who alleged that the project was a ploy to grab land, accusing Gen. Salim Saleh of masterminding the scheme using Prof. Otunnu.

In exclusive interviews with New Vision Online on December 31, 2025, Otunnu acknowledged that community fears were legitimate, citing historical land grabbing that occurred when many Acholi were confined to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps during the war.

“There is documented evidence that land was grabbed while people were in IDP camps. That history created understandable suspicion,” Otunnu said.

He added that land advocacy has also been politicised, with some leaders using it as a tool for electoral mobilisation.

To address these concerns, Otunnu said the PMM places land security at its centre, requiring all participating land to be registered under customary land certification with all clan members listed as owners, preventing unilateral sale or misuse.

From post-war proposals to presidential project

Otunnu traced the roots of the PMM to the post-war period, when several proposals were submitted to government by Acholi elites to support recovery. Many received funding but failed due to mismanagement and personal enrichment, leaving communities without tangible benefits.

After returning from the United States, Otunnu was introduced to Gen. Saleh by Acholi elders who had already submitted ideas on poverty reduction. Saleh presented him with 37 different proposals, which Otunnu reviewed and found largely ineffective.

Drawing on his expertise in post-conflict reconstruction, Otunnu restructured the concepts and provided technical recommendations focused on long-term recovery, productivity and social transformation.

The refined proposal was taken to the Uganda Development Bank under an agricultural loan scheme, and later subjected to scrutiny by the National Planning Authority to ensure alignment with National Development Plan III. 

Consultations were also held with ministries responsible for agriculture, finance, trade, cooperatives, works and transport.

The concept was later presented to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, which expressed interest in adapting it for other African countries. President Museveni subsequently adopted it as a Special Presidential Initiative, with funding allocated under affirmative action.

Land, production and markets

Otunnu said the PMM is built around two fundamental questions: What the Acholi must do to escape poverty, and what resources they lack to do so.

The model prioritises full utilisation of land and effective deployment of human capital. Implementation begins with land registration and titling, funded by the World Bank and government. President Museveni has also pledged personal support should funds prove insufficient.

Under the model, each participating household is guaranteed at least two acres of land, tilled free of charge using tractors provided by investors. Communal idle land will be titled in the names of all clans and cannot be used as collateral in banks.

A portion of this land will be allocated to investors for commercial farming, while proceeds from joint ventures will be reinvested into community infrastructure such as schools and health facilities.

Rural farm service centres

To support farmers, rural farm service centres will be established in participating parishes. These centres will provide tractors, fertilisers, chemicals, storage facilities, drying silos and extension services.

Local youth will be trained to offer extension services, addressing gaps left by limited government staffing. Farmers will also receive market information and access to SACCO financing, enabling them to sell produce when prices are favourable.

Youth rehabilitation and skills development

The PMM includes a major youth transformation component targeting 10,000 youths from East and West Acholi. Two training centres will be established, offering three-year programmes focused on trauma healing, discipline, agricultural skills and productivity.

Participants will engage in practical farming, livestock rearing and agribusiness. Produce generated during training will be sold, with proceeds saved so that each graduate leaves with at least sh1 million as start-up capital.

The programme will integrate psychosocial support, combining modern approaches with traditional Acholi values taught by elders to preserve culture and social cohesion.

Growing local support

Otunnu said community acceptance improved significantly after religious and cultural leaders were involved in sensitisation efforts. So far, 32 clans in Agago have received certificates of customary land registration, while over 100 clans have expressed interest in joining the programme.

Leaders in Kitgum and Lamwo districts have also pledged support. President Museveni has directed the Office of the Prime Minister to submit monthly progress reports on the initiative.

Funding is currently sourced from private investors and allocations from the President’s Office, with calls for government to prioritise road improvements linking Agago, Lamwo and Orom in Kitgum to support production and market access.

Rwot Jude Ogik, the newly crowned chief of the Okol Chiefdom in Kitgum district, representing about 21,000 households across Kitgum and Lamwo, said the initiative has his full support.

“These programmes will reduce land conflicts among our people and promote commercial agriculture and mass production,” Rwot Ogik said.

With increasing buy-in from communities, cultural institutions, and religious leaders, proponents say the Parish-to-Market Model is now positioned for full-scale rollout in 2026, offering Acholi a long-awaited pathway to sustainable development.