President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to expose individuals stealing funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM), emphasizing that the money is meant to uplift the poor and integrate them into the money economy.
“I have heard of people stealing this PDM money, Why don’t you report these thieves? Each parish is receiving Shs 100 million. That money is meant to rescue you from moneylenders,”the President said.
He made the remarks today while addressing a public rally at Mwizi Secondary School playgrounds in Rwampara East, Mbarara District.
The rally was part of the 3-day presidential performance assessment tour on wealth creation and Parish Development Model (PDM) in Ankole subregion.
“That money is yours, protect it at all costs. Thieves who are given bonds by police officers will not be tolerated, those officers will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
He also explained the difference between PDM’s revolving fund and exploitative loan schemes.
“I was told moneylenders give you Shs 1 million, and every month you pay Shs 200,000. By the end of the year, you have paid Shs 4.5 million for someone who gave you only Shs 1 million. In PDM, we give you Shs 1 million, and after two years, you return Shs 1.2 million in a revolving cycle. Each year, the parish receives Shs 100 million, making a lasting impact,” he added.
President Museveni further warned that those who misuse PDM money for unproductive activities, such as alcoholism, would face serious consequences.
“Those who take PDM money and use it for drinking alcohol, we shall imprison them for 12 months. They will work for the government in prison by planting maize and cotton, and the government will earn from their labor,” he stated.
The President also underscored the need for Ugandans to understand the distinction between development and wealth creation, explaining that while infrastructure is important, it does not automatically eliminate poverty.
“Many people talk about development, roads, electricity, schools, and hospitals and yes, we are aware of those, But there is another word: wealth. Development without wealth means you will have a good road, but still find poor people living along it,” he said.
He stressed that wealth is built at an individual level, encouraging the public to embrace the “Four Acre Model” for sustainable income where one acre is for coffee, another acre for fruit crops like citrus and mangoes, one acre for pasture for livestock and the fourth acre for food crops.
President Museveni also addressed the issue of school dropouts due to fees charged in Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE and USE) schools.
“Our vision was for every sub-county to have a primary and secondary school, but some headteachers are frustrating this by charging extra fees,” he said.
“Government schools are free, let the rich go to private schools, but leave learners in government schools to study for free.”
To support those who have dropped out, the President highlighted that he initiated the Zonal Presidential Skilling Hub project across the country.
“We are rescuing those who leave school by putting them in skilling hubs. They get free education, food, accommodation, and other support services,” he added.
Reflecting on the government’s long-standing efforts to fight poverty, President Museveni noted the transition from Entandikwa, NAADS, and Operation Wealth Creation to the current PDM program.
“We have spent about Shs 1.5 trillion on PDM and Emyooga. We could have used this money for roads, but we chose to give it to the poor so they can engage in the money economy,” he said.
He cited the success story of Dr. Florence Muranga from Bushenyi, who, through irrigation, harvests 53 tonnes of bananas per acre annually — a stark contrast to the 5 tonnes other farmers in the district produce.
On his part, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance and also NRM Vice Chairperson for western Uganda, commended the President for his relentless efforts in fighting poverty and transforming Uganda’s economy.
He praised the President for his leadership in ensuring peace, development and economic renewal.
“I take this opportunity to welcome you to Ankole and to thank you for your tireless drive for poverty alleviation, Ugandans are grateful for the peace and development you have fostered, as well as your renewed fight against poverty,” Dr. Baryomunsi said.
He assured the President of the leaders’ support in advancing government programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of Ugandans.
“As leaders, we are proud of you and fully behind you in this mission,” he added.
The rally was also attended by the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Ministers, Members of Parliament, NRM CEC members, among others.
