Mbarara – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to expose individuals misappropriating funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM), emphasising that the initiative is designed 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 receives Shs 100 million, and that money is meant to rescue you from moneylenders,” the President stated 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 PDM implementation in the Ankole subregion.
The President urged citizens to safeguard the funds, warning that corrupt police officers who grant bail to financial criminals would also face consequences.
“That money is yours—protect it at all costs. Thieves who get police bonds will not be tolerated. Those officers will be dealt with accordingly,” he cautioned.
PDM vs. Exploitative Loan Schemes
President Museveni further differentiated PDM’s revolving fund from predatory loan schemes.
“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 only gave you Shs 1 million. In PDM, we give you Shs 1 million, and after two years, you return only Shs 1.2 million in a revolving cycle. Each year, the parish receives Shs 100 million, ensuring a lasting impact,” he explained.
He also issued a stern warning to those misusing PDM funds for unproductive activities such as alcoholism.
“Anyone who takes PDM money and wastes it on alcohol will face imprisonment for 12 months. While in prison, they will work for the government by planting maize and cotton, generating revenue for the country,” he declared.
Development vs. Wealth Creation
The President emphasised the distinction between development and wealth creation, arguing that infrastructure alone does not eliminate poverty.
“Many people talk about development—roads, electricity, schools, hospitals—and yes, we are addressing those. But there’s another critical issue: wealth. Development without wealth means you will have good roads, but the people living along them will remain poor,” he explained.
To promote sustainable income generation, President Museveni encouraged citizens to adopt the “Four Acre Model,” in which one acre is dedicated to coffee, one acre is used for fruit crops like citrus and mangoes, one acre is reserved for pasture for livestock, and one acre is for food crops.
Addressing School Dropouts & Skilling Initiatives
On the issue of school dropouts due to fees in Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE and USE) schools, the President reaffirmed that government institutions should remain 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. “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 drop out, he highlighted his initiative to establish Zonal Presidential Skilling Hubs across Uganda. “We are rescuing school dropouts by placing them in skilling hubs, where they receive free education, food, accommodation, and other support services,” he added.
From Entandikwa to PDM
Reflecting on Uganda’s journey in poverty alleviation, President Museveni noted the transition from the Entandikwa scheme, NAADS, and Operation Wealth Creation to the current PDM framework.
“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 stated.
He cited the success of Dr Florence Muranga from Bushenyi, who, through irrigation, produces 53 tonnes of bananas per acre annually—far exceeding the district average of 5 tonnes.
Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for ICT and National Guidance and NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, commended President Museveni for his unwavering commitment to fighting poverty and transforming Uganda’s economy.
“I take this opportunity to welcome you to Ankole and to thank you for your relentless efforts to alleviate poverty. Ugandans appreciate the peace, development, and economic renewal you have championed,” Dr Baryomunsi said, assuring the President of the leaders’ support in advancing government programmes.
The rally was attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, government ministers, Members of Parliament, and NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, among others.