Self-competence and preparedness in implementing the Parish Development Model in Uganda: Voices of Parish Chiefs and Community Development Officers
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of Development Studies
Abstract
To increase household incomes and improve the quality of life, the government of Uganda introduced the Parish Development Model (PDM)—a ―whole-of-government‖ approach aiming to transition communities from subsistence to market economies. This study examines the self-competence and preparedness of Parish Chiefs in implementing the PDM in Uganda’s rural districts of Kabale and Rubanda. Findings from qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with Parish Chiefs and Community Development Officers (CDOs), alongside documentary reviews, reveal critical gaps in technical knowledge, logistical support, governance structures, and collaboration mechanisms. Despite commitment to community mobilisation, many Parish Chiefs face inadequate training, limited facilitation, and weak reporting structures. The study concludes that equipping local implementers with multi-sectoral skills is pivotal to the success of PDM. This research contributes to SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and offers insights into local-level policy implementation in Africa’s rural contexts
Description
Keywords
Parish Development Model, Community Development, Rural Transformation, Local Governance, Africa, Uganda
Citation
Katusiimeh, M. W., & Wamara, C. K. (2025). Self-competence and preparedness in implementing the Parish Development Model in Uganda: Voices of Parish Chiefs and Community Development Officers. African Journal of Development Studies, 15(3), 217.