Alice Nansubuga2026-09-022026-09-022026-06-01https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12311/3594UndergraduateThe Parish Development Model (PDM) is one of the key government programs introduced in Uganda in 2021. It aims at facilitating the transition of 39% of Ugandan households on subsistence farming into the money economy via entrepreneurship development, financial inclusion, and community planning. The government allocated 30% of the Parish Revolving Fund (PRF) to women, indicating the formal recognition of them role within the program. Nonetheless, this study demonstrates that in Kyabakadde Parish in Kyampisi Sub-county, Mukono District, women's participation in the PDM lags behind its intended impact. Based on the qualitative descriptive cross-sectional approach, the data collection involved 17 participants, among which there were women who benefited from the program, local council leaders, and a Community Development Officer. Data were collected using individual in-depth interviews and focus groups discussions in the period between March and early March 2026. The collected data were subjected to analysis based on thematic coding relative to the research objectives. The study findings indicate that a significant number of women in Kyabakadde parish have not benefited from the PDM funds despite completing the registration process, while those who have received funds have received an amount ranging from UGX 700,000 to 800,000 instead of the intended UGX 1,000,000 for each group of beneficiaries. The level of awareness of the PDM among women is relatively low, as most only had an understanding of the financial aspect of the programme, having no idea about planning and enterprise development processes. Though women participated in PDM meetings, their role was confined to being mere spectators, as their participation in decision-making was hindered by several factors, including lack of confidence, cultural constraints, and the process of organizing the meetings, which favoured men's voices. Conclusions drawn from the research indicate that although the PDM has provided platforms that support economic empowerment among women, there seems to be little understanding of the processes due to systemic problems and continued social injustices. Recommendations target the Government of Uganda, local leaders, NGOs, communities, and researchers in the future. The areas of concern include increased sensitisation of the 2 community, increased transparency in the allocation of funds, increased self-confidence among women, financial literacy, and good governance within the PDM.enDissertation