President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed all unqualified recipients of the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to return the money immediately. He issued the directive during a public rally at Maluku Sports Grounds in Mbale City, part of his regional performance assessment tour on the PDM and wealth creation in the Bugisu sub-region.
“Some civil servants and wealthy individuals, ‘the bagagga,’ wrongly benefited from the PDM. They must pay back immediately because they took what does not belong to them,” Museveni declared.
The President condemned officials who misused funds, revealing that some beneficiaries received as little as Shs200,000 instead of the mandated Shs1 million. He warned that such individuals would face prosecution. “We are going to arrest those who knocked off money because they are thieves,” he said.
To address concerns, Museveni announced that banks would no longer deduct charges from beneficiaries’ Shs1 million. “The government will cover all bank charges to ensure beneficiaries receive the full amount,” he assured.
Highlighting the program’s importance, Museveni urged Ugandans to safeguard the PDM funds. He emphasized that the initiative is key to fighting poverty and boosting livelihoods. “This is your money. By year five, each parish will have accumulated Shs800 million, including returns from initial borrowers. Guard it properly,” he said.
On disaster management, Museveni called for resettling residents from steep, landslide-prone areas of Bugisu. “Living on steep slopes is dangerous. The government will support your relocation to safer areas,” he promised. He also proposed projects such as tourism, beekeeping, and forest preservation for these areas.
Addressing housing challenges, Museveni pledged government intervention to improve standards. “We will involve the Ministry of Housing to help you transition to using cement blocks for more durable housing,” he said.
The President also criticized those undermining Universal Primary Education (UPE). He argued that UPE must be effectively implemented to ensure education for all Ugandan children. “Failing to implement UPE is a mistake. We must stop charging fees so children can stay in school,” he stated.
Museveni encouraged residents to adopt NRM’s wealth creation strategies, particularly intensive agriculture for small landowners. “Those who listened are doing well. Select high-return enterprises for better incomes,” he advised.
During the event, the President launched the Ghetto Structure SACCOs in Mbale, and NRM supporters, including the “Yellow Girls,” endorsed him as the party’s sole candidate for the 2026 elections.
Vice President Jessica Alupo and other dignitaries, including cultural and religious leaders, attended the rally. Alupo urged Bugisu residents to continue supporting the NRM and Museveni for Uganda’s development.