President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned that all officials and individuals stealing Parish Development Model (PDM) money will be arrested, as he intensified his campaign in Sheema District.
Addressing thousands of supporters at Kabwohe Playground, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer said he had received disturbing reports that some intended beneficiaries had not received the Shs1 million meant to transition poor households into the money economy. He said theft of PDM funds undermines the government’s wealth-creation agenda.
“Those stealing PDM money will be arrested,” President Museveni said. He emphasized that the programme is designed to uplift communities still stuck in subsistence production.
Sheema District and Municipality have so far received Shs24.9 billion for 74 parishes. Only Shs21.47 billion — 85.9% — has reached 22,062 households, representing 37.8% of all households eligible. The remaining 36,312 households (62.2%) have not yet benefited, partly due to mismanagement that the President vowed to address.
Museveni said the NRM government has delivered the peace and unity that allow Ugandans to work freely and prosper. He said the stability witnessed today emerged from defeating sectarian politics and building a strong national army after 1986.
“People were enjoying themselves at 9 pm, drinking and happy. That is what they call peace,” he said. “But unfortunately, many did not know where the peace came from. It came from the good leadership of the NRM.”
The President promised major road upgrades funded by oil revenues expected next year. He said government will tarmac the Buzibwera – Nyakambu – Busiika – Nyakashaka – Nyakabiriizi – Kabwohe – Bugongi – Kitagata road network. “These roads will be worked on in the next term of office because we shall have more money from the oil,” he assured.
Museveni also noted improved access to electricity and water in Sheema, while pledging to cover the remaining gaps. He said the district has 133 government primary schools, 17 secondary schools, and health facilities in almost all sub-counties. He announced a new Health Centre III for Masheruka and a possible district hospital.
The President reminded residents to take advantage of available infrastructure to generate wealth at household level through commercial agriculture, services, ICT, and manufacturing. He highlighted success stories of Ugandans running profitable farming and enterprise ventures and affirmed continued support through the four-acre model and crop financing.
He said most jobs are created in the private sector and encouraged youth to use opportunities in skilling hubs, which he said are already producing entrepreneurs.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, thanked Sheema residents for supporting the NRM and urged them to turn up in large numbers and vote for the party’s candidates.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong praised the President for using campaign platforms to educate citizens on national development, saying the rally was “a classroom” for transformation.
