President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has revealed a government plan to establish a bank in every parish across Uganda under the Parish Development Model (PDM), in a bid to improve financial access for rural communities and bolster grassroots economic development.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, May 20, during the President’s ongoing three-day wealth creation tour of the Greater Luwero sub-region. The tour aims to assess the implementation of the PDM and other poverty alleviation programmes.
While in Wobulenzi town, Museveni emphasized the need for accessible financial services to support agriculture and enterprise at the household level.
“Each parish will eventually have its own financial institution to support farmers and entrepreneurs with low-interest credit. This is how we build the economy from the bottom up,” the President said.
Museveni visited the farm of Nakayenga Damalie, a PDM beneficiary involved in piggery and poultry.
Located in Kyikoma Village, Wobulenzi Central Ward, the farm received Shs20 million funding from the President to expand her ventures.
The President later proceeded to Sekamuli Parish in Bamunanika Sub-county, where he visited Baiga Mariam, a model farmer managing 12 dairy cows, 500 poultry birds, 30 goats, and five acres of coffee and cocoa.
She received Shs12 million, a double-cabin pickup truck, and a pledge for a solar-powered water source.While at her farm, Museveni supported the area LCI Chairperson with Shs10Million to buy a tricycle, Shs1Million each to 10 PDM beneficiaries and Shs5 each to two clergymen.
In Nakaseke District, Museveni toured the farm of Nalubowa Idah, a small-scale piggery and poultry farmer in Nsereko Zone, Nakaseke Town Council.
She was granted Shs25 million in additional funding, while 10 PDM beneficiaries in the area received Shs1 million each.
The area LCI chairperson was supported with Shs10 million to acquire a tricycle for community work, and Mr. Fred Nyanzi, another PDM farmer specialising in poultry and dairy, received Shs10 million.
In response to farmer concerns about rising livestock theft in the region, Museveni directed security agencies to intensify patrols and enforcement measures.
“We will not tolerate criminal activity that undermines the livelihoods of our people. Livestock thieves must be dealt with decisively,” Museveni warned.
President Museveni is scheduled to hold a media briefing today, Wednesday, at the Luwero State Lodge, and later address a meeting of Greater Luwero leaders in Luwero Town to further discuss the progress and challenges surrounding PDM implementation.
The Parish Development Model remains the cornerstone of the government’s strategy to transition millions of Ugandans into the money economy, targeting household-level production and market access.
