President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, to urgently resolve allegations of mismanagement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in Kyenjojo District.
The directive came on Tuesday during the President’s campaign rally in Kyenjojo, where he concluded his tour of the Rwenzori sub-region. He said government had received reports that some leaders were diverting PDM funds and distributing them to relatives instead of supporting the intended beneficiaries.
“I have heard that some people are stealing PDM funds and giving them to their relatives. I will send my auditor to investigate. I’ve also directed Minister Magyezi to intervene and ensure that funds are distributed fairly and transparently,” Museveni said.
He warned that individuals demanding kickbacks from beneficiaries would be prosecuted. “If people are demanding Shs 200,000 when giving out Shs 1 million, they are committing a crime and will be arrested. If the committee is not performing well, call a meeting and remove them,” he added.
Museveni reminded residents that PDM funds are meant to empower all Ugandans aged 18 and above engaging in income-generating activities. He urged citizens to guard the program against corruption and ensure money reaches the poor.
The President also highlighted the government’s broader plan to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and expand access to electricity. He cited industrial parks in Mbale and Namanve as examples of government investments generating employment, and promised that the Kyenjojo–Kamwenge road would soon be upgraded. He further noted progress on the Mubende–Fort Portal road.
In addition, Museveni encouraged farmers in Kyenjojo to diversify into coffee, piggery, poultry, and fish farming to boost household incomes.
District NRM Chairman Nkonge Edward Rwamwaro said PDM funds had already transformed many lives in Kyenjojo. “We have 31 sub-counties and 892 villages in the district, and all parishes are receiving PDM funds, with a total of Shs 51 billion already disbursed. These funds have greatly improved the lives of our people, especially farmers and livestock keepers,” he said.
He also urged increased youth participation in the programme. “Thirty percent of the funds are earmarked for youth, another 30% for women, and 10% for persons with disabilities. The support has been transformative, and the women, youth, and elderly in Kyenjojo are truly appreciative,” he added.
Rwamwaro praised the district’s skilling hub, which has already trained more than 170 young people, saying it is helping residents build sustainable livelihoods.
