President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed that suspects arrested for mismanaging funds meant for the Parish Development Model (PDM) activities should not be released on police bond.
He made the directive on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, while addressing the district leaders in the Teso sub-region during a meeting held at Kumi Booma Grounds in Kumi Municipality. It was meant to discuss wealth creation strategies within the region.
“Those who have been stealing PDM cash here, I got a report from ISO about those who stole money; I have their names; some were arrested and given bond; I now direct the Regional Police Commander not to give them bond,” President Museveni said.
President Museveni said, “I don’t want to hear that police bond has been given to anyone arrested for stealing PDM or EMYOOGA funds. If you give police bond, I will bond you yourself. No police bond for PDM thieves.”
“I’m now speaking here as the Commander in Chief of the original NRA. Please don’t play around. This practice that he stole money and refunded it; therefore, he should be free; that won’t work; you must refund and go to jail,” President Museveni said.
He pledged to discuss with the Chief Justice the possibility of stopping the court from allowing bail to suspects arrested over the same.
The President also directed the Ministry of Finance to ensure that the bank stops deducting charges from the Shs1 million given to PDM beneficiaries.
According to the President, the bank charges should be paid by the Ministry but not the PDM beneficiary.
“I’m very happy that most of our people have now touched Shs1 million, which they had never had before. Some PDM beneficiaries have now started businesses; others are into produce, so we shall discuss in cabinet to add more money,” Museveni said.
President Museveni is currently touring the Teso sub region to assess the implementation of PDM and wealth creation activities.
