President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated the government’s commitment to economic transformation through the Parish Development Model (PDM), warning that individuals found extorting beneficiaries under the programme will face harsh legal consequences.
While addressing a public rally on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Kichwamba Primary School playgrounds in Kitagwenda District, the President said acts that undermine the implementation of PDM will be dealt with decisively.
“Anyone sabotaging PDM efforts through extortion or corruption should be aggressively handled and face long-term imprisonment,” Museveni said.
He noted that the PDM, which allocates Shs100 million per parish annually, is a strategic initiative aimed at lifting millions of Ugandans out of poverty and ensuring household-level prosperity.
“The PDM is a key solution to getting our people out of poverty. Once fully implemented, it will deliver many Ugandan homesteads into economic prosperity,” the President added.
Museveni further stated that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) continues to promote “politics of interest,” focused on empowering all citizens regardless of religion or tribe.
He urged communities to take advantage of peace and stability to drive development at the grassroots.
“While infrastructure like roads and electricity is vital, financial stability must start at the household level,” he said.
He reaffirmed government’s focus on economic inclusion through enterprise and productivity.
Addressing concerns about school fees in public institutions, Museveni emphasized that no government-aided primary or secondary school should charge learners any extra fees, and that plans are underway to recruit more teachers and expand classroom infrastructure.
Earlier in the day, President Museveni met with 25 local journalists from Tooro sub region at the Presidential Lodge in Fort Portal, where he urged the media to champion wealth creation and development communication.
He cautioned against irresponsible reporting, while pledging support to strengthen local media operations.
The President donated Shs100 million, a media van, and offered media practitioners a chance to undergo patriotism training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) Kyankwanzi.
This event marked the conclusion of President Museveni’s four-day working tour of the Tooro sub-region, during which he assessed the performance of the PDM and other wealth creation programmes across Kamwenge, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, Kyegegwa, and Kitagwenda districts.
