The Parish Development Model Monitoring

NAC supported 30 youth council leaders (youth monitors) to conduct structured monitoring of Uganda' s Parish Development Model (PDM) across 30 parishes in Kampala, Mayuge, and Yumbe districts. Using standardised PDM monitoring tools integrated into the Youth Go Budget (YGB) application, the exercise assessed whether the PDM effectively reaches young people and identified key barriers limiting youth access to parish- level PDM funds.

The first PDM monitoring exercise was conducted over five days (10 th June -14 th June 2024 ) and attracted a total of 653 respondents (350 Males and 303 Females). These included 219 from Yumbe (117 males and 102 Females), 215 from Kampala (115 males and 100 Females), and 219  from Mayuge  (118 males and 101 Females).

Data collected on pro- youth budget priority needs in the sectors of agriculture, education, and health- using the YGB tools to influence pro- youth financing for the FY 2025/26 in the project districts- reached a total of 900 respondents (640 Females and 260 Males), aged 18 to 35 years, with 300 in Kampala (208 Females and 92 Males) , 300 in Mayuge (212 Females and 88 Males),  and 300 in Yumbe (220 females and 80 Males)  . Despite some districts facing network challenges with the tool, youth adapted by using paper- based tools.

The second exercise also took five days  (11 th May -15 th May 2025 ). This monitoring gathered 2,2168 responses (1,1152 males and 1,1016 females) on priority pro-youth budget needs in the sectors of agriculture, education, climate, and health.

The data were analysed to develop three youth- focused policy briefs- one for each district- that incorporated a clear youth perspective on PDM implementation. These briefs offered evidence- based recommendations to local governments to enhance transparency, access, and programme effectiveness.

The findings were formally presented during policy lobby meetings, community youth parliaments, and youth CSO market dialogues, thereby strengthening youth-led accountability and engagement with decision-makers.

As a direct result of this advocacy:

• 23 trained  youth  got the PDM funds in their respective groups: (14 in Yumbe, 5 from Mayuge, 4 from Kampala).
• The PDM budget allocation per parish doubled from 100 million to 200 million in the next financial year.
• In Kampala, a resolution was adopted to fully devolve KCCA budget management to the division level, increasing local accountability and responsiveness. KCCA Devolution.
• In Yumbe District, monitoring contributed to a notable increase in youth access to PDM funds, as confirmed by the office of the district production officer records in the Excel sheet below.