The locals and their leaders in Karamoja subregion have said they have no banks and good network for electronic money transfers to receive Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
They are now demanding for consideration as a special case by distribution of cash to each beneficiary.
This demand comes at a time when some districts in the region have started disbursing the PDM funds to beneficiaries using the Post Bank Mobile Van or mobile money.
But districts like Amuda, Karenga, Nakapiripirit and Nabilatuk have no good network, something that is hindering cash transfer through mobile money.
In Nabilatuk district, beneficiaries have been issued ATM cards but the banking infrastructure in South Karamoja is so limited.
Therefore, Sylvia Awas, the Nabilatuk district woman member of parliament, says even to those who may access a bank, might forget their ATM PINs.
“Some people will end up entrusting others with their ATM cards and the PINs, putting their funds at risk of being withdrawn without their knowledge.
Awas called on the government to revise the fund disbursement approach and consider providing cash payments to avoid frustrations.
Esther Anyakun, the Nakapiripirit district woman member of parliament and State Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees suggested that the bank van should travel to the villages to facilitate cash transactions since beneficiaries may not have the resources to travel to urban areas with banking services.
Anyakun also pointed out the limited number of mobile money outlets in urban areas, with some lacking the capacity to transact large amounts of money. She emphasized that electronic money transfers may be more feasible once network connectivity improves.
