President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Ugandans to take an active role in protecting Parish Development Model (PDM) funds from thieves.
“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,” he said.
The President emphasized that the PDM funds are crucial for uplifting the poor and integrating them into the money economy.
“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 warned.
Museveni also explained the difference between PDM’s revolving fund and exploitative loan schemes, highlighting the benefits of the PDM program.
“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.
The President 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.
Museveni emphasized the importance of understanding 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.
The President encouraged Ugandans to adopt the “Four Acre Model” for sustainable income, which involves allocating one acre for coffee, another for fruit crops, one for pasture, and the fourth for food crops.
He also addressed the issue of school dropouts due to fees charged in Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE and USE) schools, emphasizing that government schools are free.
“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.
To support those who have dropped out, Museveni highlighted the Zonal Presidential Skilling Hub project, which provides free education, food, accommodation, and other support services.
“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.
The President reflected on the government’s long-standing efforts to fight poverty, noting 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.
Museveni cited the success story of Dr. Florence Muranga from Bushenyi, who harvests 53 tonnes of bananas per acre annually through irrigation.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, commended Museveni for his relentless efforts in fighting poverty and transforming Uganda’s economy.
“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.
