President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to hold accountable those misappropriating funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM), emphasizing that the initiative is intended to uplift vulnerable communities and integrate them into the money economy.
Speaking at a public rally at Mwizi Secondary School playgrounds, President Museveni expressed concern over reports of fund embezzlement and urged citizens to report culprits.
“I have heard about individuals stealing PDM money. Why don’t you expose these thieves? Each parish receives Shs 100 million to free you from exploitative moneylenders,” he stated.
The rally marked part of the President’s three-day tour in the Ankole subregion, assessing progress in wealth creation and PDM implementation.
Crackdown on Corruption in PDM
President Museveni underscored the need to safeguard the funds, warning that law enforcement officers who facilitate financial crimes through lenient bail terms would face repercussions.
“That money belongs to you—protect it. Officers granting bail to financial criminals will not be tolerated,” he warned.
PDM vs. Loan Sharks
Comparing PDM to exploitative loan schemes, Museveni illustrated the program’s benefits.
“Moneylenders give you Shs 1 million and demand Shs 200,000 monthly. By year-end, you’ve paid Shs 4.5 million for a Shs 1 million loan. Under PDM, you receive Shs 1 million and repay only Shs 1.2 million after two years. Each year, the parish receives Shs 100 million, ensuring sustainability,” he explained.
He also cautioned against misusing the funds on non-productive activities like alcoholism.
“Anyone wasting PDM funds on alcohol will face 12 months in prison, where they will contribute to national productivity by planting maize and cotton,” he declared.
Balancing Development and Wealth Creation
Highlighting the distinction between infrastructure development and wealth generation, Museveni stressed that roads and electricity alone do not eliminate poverty.
“Development—roads, electricity, schools, and hospitals—is important, but without wealth, people living along those roads will remain poor,” he noted.
To encourage sustainable income generation, he promoted the Four Acre Model, where one acre is allocated to coffee, another to fruit crops, one to livestock pasture, and the last to food crops.
Addressing School Dropouts & Skilling Initiatives
On education, President Museveni reaffirmed that government-funded schools under Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE and USE) should remain free.
“Some headteachers impose illegal fees, frustrating our efforts. Government schools are free—let those who can afford it go to private schools, but allow others to study without charges,” he emphasized.
To support school dropouts, he highlighted the establishment of Zonal Presidential Skilling Hubs, offering free education, accommodation, and meals to equip youth with vocational skills.
From Entandikwa to PDM: Uganda’s Economic Transformation
Tracing Uganda’s poverty alleviation efforts, Museveni highlighted the evolution from the Entandikwa scheme, NAADS, and Operation Wealth Creation to the current PDM framework.
“We have allocated approximately Shs 1.5 trillion to PDM and Emyooga. While this could have gone to roads, we prioritized empowering the poor to participate in the money economy,” he said.
He cited the success of Dr. Florence Muranga from Bushenyi, who, through irrigation, produces 53 tonnes of bananas per acre annually, far surpassing the district’s average of 5 tonnes.
Leaders Applaud Museveni’s Commitment to Economic Growth
Minister for ICT and National Guidance Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, also the NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, praised President Museveni’s efforts in economic transformation.
“I welcome you to Ankole and commend your dedication to poverty eradication. Ugandans appreciate the peace, development, and economic progress you have championed,” he said.
The event was attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, government ministers, MPs, and NRM Central Executive Committee members.
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