President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on journalists to play a leading role in promoting East African integration and safeguarding key government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Speaking during a meeting with journalists from the Greater Mubende region at the State Lodge in Mubende on Thursday, President Museveni emphasized the media’s vital role in shaping public discourse and advancing national and regional development.
The engagement was part of his ongoing Presidential Assessment Tour of the PDM, which began in Greater Mubende on April 15, 2025.
“You journalists should be at the forefront of promoting regional integration. Use your platforms especially radio to sensitize the public. Those still focused only on regions like Buganda or Ankole are making a mistake. Uganda alone is not enough,” the President said.
Drawing from personal experience, Museveni noted that although he is a cattle keeper from Ankole, it is consumers in urban areas like Kampala not fellow Banyankole who create the market for his milk and beef.
“We need the East African market. Internal markets are limited. This is not just about economics, it’s about politics too. Regional integration will help us secure better prices and expand opportunities,” he explained.
On the Parish Development Model, Museveni challenged journalists to act as watchdogs educating the public and exposing misuse of funds meant to uplift the poor.
“We brought PDM money to help the poor. How do leaders end up taking it? You must defend your people’s money. Use your platforms to name and shame those misusing public resources,” he urged.
He clarified that PDM funds are supposed to flow from the Ministry of Finance to banks and onward to SACCOs, with parish chiefs playing only a supportive, mobilization role.
“You should explain to the public how this program works. Mobilize the people and expose corruption. That’s your role in nation-building,” he said.
On broader economic matters, the President addressed recent concerns over falling maize prices, attributing the issue to a lack of value addition and limited market access.
“We can’t solve the price drop overnight. We need long-term solutions like turning cassava into posho or ethanol. If Kenya wasn’t blocking our maize, we’d have demand. That’s why we need East African integration,” he said.
He concluded by urging journalists to remain patriotic and support the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) core principles: Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Democracy.
“Your job is not just reporting it’s building the nation. Love Uganda, love Africa, and use your voice to uplift the people,” the President said.
During the meeting, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, outlined the structure of the PDM implementation committees and emphasized the importance of transparency and community involvement.
He explained that there are two key committees managing the funds:
The SACCO Committee – Formed by local residents, this five-member team is elected by the community and tasked with identifying and selecting PDM beneficiaries.
The Parish Development Committee – This supervisory body is chaired by the LC2 Chairperson and includes the Women’s Council and Youth Council Chairpersons.
“When funds are released, they go directly to the SACCO’s bank account. Only designated SACCO leaders, as authorized signatories, can access them. This system is designed to promote accountability and community ownership,” Dr. Baryomunsi explained.
