By Karim Were
In Akolikeje Cell, Oderai Ward, Kapelebyong Town Council, one man’s journey is demonstrating how the Parish Development Model (PDM) is transforming lives beyond financial support.
Mr. Eceru Simon, a resident of Kapelebyong District, has emerged as a symbol of resilience, mindset transformation, and community empowerment after turning a UGX 1 million PDM investment into a thriving goat-rearing enterprise.
His remarkable story came to light during a monitoring visit by the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), led by Kapelebyong District Coordinator Mr. Francis Okiror, who continues to assess the impact of government wealth-creation initiatives at the grassroots level.
Before joining the programme, Mr. Eceru admits that alcohol consumption dominated much of his daily life, leaving little room for productive economic activity. However, after receiving PDM support in 2023 through his Parish SACCO, he made a decision that would alter the course of his future.
Instead of spending the funds on immediate consumption, he invested in seven goats and embraced the mindset change training that accompanies the Parish Development Model.
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Today, his herd has expanded to 50 goats, creating a sustainable source of income and positioning him among the most successful PDM beneficiaries in Kapelebyong District.
For Mr. Eceru, the transformation goes beyond livestock numbers. He credits the programme with helping him abandon alcohol, focus on long-term wealth creation, and regain a sense of purpose.
“PDM mindset training opened my eyes. I left alcohol and chose goats. Now I have assets and peace,” he said.
Living with a physical disability has not slowed his determination. Through hard work and consistency, he has built an enterprise that is not only improving his household income but also benefiting the wider community.
Local leaders say Mr. Eceru has become a valuable resource for fellow farmers by freely providing breeding services from his goats, helping improve livestock quality and productivity across the area.
The LC1 leadership of Akolikeje Cell has praised him for using his success to support others, describing him as a role model whose achievements reflect the true spirit of community development and self-reliance.
According to ONC Coordinator Mr. Francis Okiror, Mr. Eceru’s story highlights the broader objective of the Parish Development Model: empowering households through both financial inclusion and mindset transformation.
As more success stories continue to emerge across the country, Mr. Eceru’s journey serves as evidence that when opportunity is matched with determination, ordinary citizens can transform their lives and inspire entire communities.
