President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced that the government will establish a borehole in every village across Uganda to address widespread concerns from farmers over water shortages affecting livestock, poultry, and other Parish Development Model (PDM) enterprises.
Speaking to journalists from Greater Mukono at the State Lodge in Nakasero, President Museveni said that access to water had emerged as a critical issue during his ongoing wealth creation tours across the country.
“This intervention will ensure that PDM beneficiaries have reliable access to water for their enterprises—whether poultry, livestock, or others,” he said, emphasising the government’s commitment to resolving barriers hampering the success of the PDM initiative.
The President reiterated that the PDM is specifically designed to uplift smallholder farmers—those with less than four acres of land—by encouraging intensive, high-yielding agricultural practices.
The recommended activities under the Four Acre Model include coffee, fruits, pasture for zero-grazing animals, food crops for home consumption, backyard poultry, piggery (for non-Muslims), and fish farming along wetland edges. Additional crops like cocoa, avocado, and palm oil are being considered for integration.
On security concerns, especially the rising theft of cattle and poultry, President Museveni warned that culprits will be tracked and arrested using surveillance systems and digital number plates.
He encouraged communities to preserve crime scenes and form voluntary night patrol teams to enhance local security and deter both theft and mob justice.
Responding to reports that some beneficiaries received less than the promised UGX 1 million, the President assured the public that top-up payments will be made. However, he cautioned that any PDM officials or commercial officers found guilty of siphoning funds will face arrest and prosecution.
“Theft of public funds will not be tolerated. If it is established that someone deliberately stole money meant for PDM beneficiaries, they will be arrested,” he warned.
Launched in February 2022, the Parish Development Model is Uganda’s flagship anti-poverty programme aimed at transitioning subsistence households into the money economy by channelling development resources directly to the parish level.
The President’s remarks reflect renewed efforts to bolster the implementation of the PDM and address concerns undermining its impact in rural communities.