FROM ALCOHOL TO 50 GOATS: How PDM Changed Eceru Simon’s ’s Life in Kapelebyong 

PDM field monitoring by ONC is exposing powerful mindset change stories across Teso. In Kapelybong District, the journey of Mr. Eceru Simon from Akolikeje Cell, Oderai Ward, Kapelebyong Town Council is sending a message of hope to all Ugandans: poverty is only your friend if you can’t do anything about it.

According to Mr. Francis Okiror, the ONC District Coordinator for Kapelybong, Mr. Eceru’s transformation began in 2023 when he received PDM funds through his Parish SACCO. Before PDM, Mr. Eceru was known locally as a “daily drinking officer” whose perfume was always alcohol.

That changed with PDM. Mr. Eceru invested the Shs 1 million in 7 goats. He also embraced the mindset change training attached to PDM beneficiaries. Today, that investment has multiplied. He now keeps 50 goats on his farm.

Mr. Eceru, who is currently lame, says he never wants to see a bottle of alcohol in his compound again. “PDM mindset training opened my eyes,” he told Mr. Okiror during monitoring. “I left alcohol and chose goats. Now I have assets and peace.” He is encouraging the next PDM beneficiaries to engage in goat keeping as a fast-multiplying enterprise.

His impact extends beyond his home. The LC1 Chairperson of Akolikeje Cell thanked Mr. Eceru for supporting the community by freely giving his he-goat to mate community goats. This has improved livestock breeds and incomes for neighbors.

“PDM monitoring in Kapelybong shows real transformation,” Mr. Okiror said. “Eceru Simon moved from alcohol to 50 goats. From dependency to asset ownership. This is wealth creation plus mindset change that H.E President Museveni envisioned.”