Summary:
“I have heard of people stealing this PDM money. Why don’t you report these thieves? Each parish is receiving Shs 100 million, and that money is meant to rescue you from moneylenders,” President Museveni stated.
RWAMPARA: President Yoweri Museveni has urged Ugandans to expose individuals misappropriating 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, and that money is meant to rescue you from moneylenders,” the President stated.
He made these remarks on Thursday while addressing a public rally at Mwizi Secondary School playgrounds in Rwampara East, Mbarara District. The rally was part of his three-day performance assessment tour on wealth creation and the PDM in the Ankole subregion.
“That money is yours; protect it at all costs. Thieves who are granted police bonds will not be tolerated. Officers who abet such corruption will be dealt with accordingly,” he warned.
President Museveni explained the contrast between PDM’s revolving fund and exploitative loan schemes, noting that while moneylenders charge exorbitant interest, the PDM offers affordable financing.
“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 explained.
The President also warned against misusing PDM funds for unproductive activities such as alcoholism.
“Those who take PDM money and use it for drinking alcohol will be imprisoned 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 need to distinguish between development and wealth creation, arguing that infrastructure alone does not eliminate poverty.
“Many people talk about 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 encouraged the public to embrace the “Four Acre Model” for sustainable income: one acre for coffee, another for fruit crops like citrus and mangoes, one for pasture for livestock, and the fourth for food crops.
Addressing school dropouts, Museveni criticized headteachers charging extra fees in Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE and USE) schools.
“Government schools are free. Let the rich go to private schools, but leave learners in government schools to study for free,” he said.
To support those who drop out, the President highlighted the Zonal Presidential Skilling Hub project, which provides free education, food, accommodation, and other support services.
Reflecting on past efforts, Museveni noted the evolution from Entandikwa, NAADS, and Operation Wealth Creation to the current PDM initiative.
“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 Dr. Florence Muranga from Bushenyi as an example of success, highlighting her ability to harvest 53 tonnes of bananas per acre annually through irrigation, compared to the district’s average of 5 tonnes per acre.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance and NRM Vice Chairperson for western Uganda, commended the President for his commitment to poverty eradication and economic transformation.
“I take this opportunity to welcome you to Ankole and 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 continued support from leaders in advancing government programs aimed at improving Ugandans’ livelihoods.
“As leaders, we are proud of you and fully behind you in this mission,” he added.
