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 today at Kumi Municipal Grounds during the ongoing Presidential wealth creation assessment tour, Museveni emphasized safeguarding funds intended to uplift Uganda’s village economies. The tour, which started on November 18, 2024, focuses on assessing progress in implementing government programs.
“I have received reports from ISO about individuals stealing PDM money. Some were arrested but given police bonds,” the President said. “I now direct RPCs: no more police bonds for anyone who has stolen PDM or Emyooga money. If you give a bond, I will ‘bond’ you myself.”
Museveni stressed that merely refunding stolen funds is insufficient, warning perpetrators of strict penalties, including imprisonment. He vowed to engage the Chief Justice to address leniency in handling such cases.
Protecting Development Funds
The President also criticized banks for deducting charges from PDM funds meant for beneficiaries. He demanded that the Ministry of Finance cover all transaction costs, ensuring recipients receive their full entitlement.
“This money is for transforming communities, not for games. No deductions, no additions—recipients must get every coin,” he declared.
Museveni further highlighted the misuse of wetlands for rice farming, urging communities to adopt fish farming instead. He cited examples like the Limoto Wetland Restoration Center in Pallisa, where families shifted from rice farming to fish farming, increasing their annual income from UGX 1 million to UGX 62 million.
“Fishponds restore wetlands, secure water for irrigation, and provide sustainable income. This is a better way to fight poverty while protecting the environment,” Museveni explained.
Changing Mindsets and Promoting Economic Growth
The President attributed Africa’s struggles to a “problem of sleep”—a metaphor for complacency and underutilization of potential. He recounted personal experiences from the 1960s that inspired him to challenge societal norms and strive for change.
“If my mother, a traditional woman, could change after joining Christianity—learning to boil milk, iron clothes, and knit—then we can all change,” he said.
He also urged Ugandans to focus on commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT as key drivers of wealth creation. Highlighting the success of the manufacturing sector, which now employs 1.2 million people, and the services sector, employing over 4 million, Museveni emphasized Uganda’s potential in leveraging these industries for economic transformation.
Collaborative Efforts in Teso
Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo praised Museveni’s regional tours for mobilizing communities to embrace wealth creation initiatives. She urged leaders to adopt the “ekibalo” concept to integrate subsistence farmers into the money economy, ensuring no one is left behind.
“As leaders, we must help lift the remaining 39% of Ugandans still trapped in subsistence farming,” Alupo stated.
Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Among commended the President’s commitment to accountability and urged the establishment of breeding centers in Teso to enhance livestock production.
“We thank you for prioritizing Teso and its development through PDM and other empowerment programs,” she said.
Capt. Mike Mukula, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, lauded Museveni’s leadership in restoring peace and stability in Teso, crediting him for the region’s progress.
“Teso once faced insecurity, but you solved it. Your leadership has brought remarkable peace and stability to Uganda,” Mukula said.
The event was attended by senior government officials, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and other dignitaries.
Looking Ahead
President Museveni reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting PDM, with UGX 100 million allocated annually per parish. He also revealed plans to boost agricultural productivity through breeding centers and zonal seed multiplication centers.
“Uganda’s journey to prosperity requires unity and focus. We must reject divisive politics and embrace shared interests to transform our nation,” Museveni concluded.
