President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed Regional Police Commanders (RPCs) to deny police bond to individuals accused of embezzling funds from the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programs.
Speaking at Kumi Municipal Grounds during a wealth creation assessment tour in Teso Subregion, Museveni condemned the misuse of funds meant to uplift rural communities. “I have received reports from ISO about individuals stealing PDM money. Some were arrested but given police bonds. No more police bonds for anyone who has stolen PDM or Emyooga money. If you give a bond, I will ‘bond’ you myself,” he warned.
Museveni emphasized that offenders must face strict consequences to deter corruption. “Refunding stolen money is not enough. You must refund and also go to jail. This money was not given to you as a gift,” he said.
The President also criticized banks for deducting charges from PDM funds before they reach beneficiaries, directing the Ministry of Finance to cover all such costs. “Recipients must receive their full amount without deductions,” he stated.
On environmental conservation, Museveni urged communities to replace rice farming in wetlands with fish farming, citing its higher income potential and ecological benefits. He highlighted the success of the Limoto Wetland Restoration Center in Pallisa, where families earn more from fishponds than from rice farming.
Vice President Jessica Alupo praised the President’s leadership, describing his regional tours as instrumental in mobilizing Ugandans for economic transformation. “Through PDM and other initiatives, many Ugandans are transitioning into the money economy,” she said.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among commended Museveni for prioritizing accountability in poverty alleviation programs. She called for the establishment of livestock breeding centers in Teso to boost agricultural productivity.
Other leaders, including Capt. Mike Mukula and several ministers, lauded Museveni’s transformative leadership. Mukula credited the President with restoring peace in Teso, enabling development initiatives to thrive.
The Teso visit is part of a broader effort to ensure the success of government programs aimed at economic empowerment and poverty alleviation across Uganda.