From A Serial Alcohol Consumer To A Serious Goat Farmer: How PDM Transformed Eceru Simon’s Life In Kapelebyong
SWIFT DAILY NEWS
By Frank Kamuntu
Kapelebyong: A remarkable success story emerging from Kapelebyong District is highlighting the transformative impact of the Parish Development Model (PDM), with one beneficiary turning a Shs 1 million investment into a thriving livestock enterprise and a new lease on life.
During ongoing field monitoring exercises by the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) across the Teso sub-region, officials encountered the inspiring journey of Mr. Eceru Simon, a resident of Akolikeje Cell, Oderai Ward in Kapelebyong Town Council.
According to Mr. Francis Okiror, the ONC District Coordinator for Kapelebyong, Mr. Eceru’s transformation began in 2023 when he received PDM funds through his Parish SACCO. Prior to joining the program, Eceru was widely known in the community for excessive alcohol consumption, with many describing him as a habitual drinker.
However, his life took a different direction after receiving the PDM support. Rather than spending the funds on consumption, Eceru invested the Shs 1 million in seven goats and embraced the mindset change training that accompanies the government’s poverty alleviation initiative.
Three years later, the results are evident. The initial seven goats have multiplied into a herd of 50, making Eceru a successful livestock farmer and a model beneficiary within the district.
Speaking during the monitoring visit, Eceru credited the mindset change component of the program for helping him rethink his priorities and focus on wealth creation.
“The PDM mindset training opened my eyes,” he said. “I left alcohol and chose goats. Now I have assets and peace.”
Despite currently living with a physical disability, Eceru says he has no intention of returning to his former lifestyle and is encouraging other PDM beneficiaries to consider goat rearing as a profitable and fast-growing enterprise.
His success has also benefited the wider community. The LC1 Chairperson of Akolikeje Cell commended Eceru for allowing fellow farmers to use his breeding he-goat free of charge, helping improve livestock breeds and increase household incomes across the area.
Community leaders say such acts of cooperation are creating a ripple effect that extends the benefits of PDM beyond individual households.
Mr. Okiror described Eceru’s story as a clear demonstration of how the Parish Development Model can transform lives when beneficiaries invest productively and embrace a change in mindset.
“PDM monitoring in Kapelebyong is showing real transformation,” he said. “Eceru Simon moved from alcohol dependency to asset ownership. His journey reflects the wealth creation and mindset change that the Parish Development Model seeks to promote.”
As monitoring continues across the region, stories like Eceru’s are providing tangible evidence of the impact that strategic investment, discipline and community support can have in the fight against poverty.
