President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has once again championed the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a transformative program aimed at uplifting Ugandans from poverty. While touring the Busoga sub-region, the President highlighted the initiative’s successes and castigated opposition groups, specifically the National Unity Platform (NUP), for misleading citizens about government programs.
“NUP has been telling people in Buganda not to accept coffee seedlings from the government, claiming they are bad seeds meant to keep them in poverty. Such lies and sabotage will destroy NUP. Mark my words soon, NUP will be finished,” Museveni declared.
He explained that PDM was designed to empower ordinary Ugandans at the grassroots by giving them direct access to funds and bypassing bureaucratic inefficiencies. Through PDM, each parish identifies beneficiaries who are directly funded to start income-generating activities.
“The Parish Committee identifies who qualifies, but the money goes straight to the farmers. There have been isolated cases of corruption, where individuals have attempted to cut off some money. However, I assure you we are addressing this, and anyone caught will face the law,” Museveni said.
The President shared the story of Ms. Tolofisa, a farmer in Namutumba District, as a testament to the program’s effectiveness. Ms. Tolofisa received Sh1 million through PDM and supplemented it with Sh250,000 of her savings to purchase a cow.
“My cow now gives me 10 liters of milk daily. I consume two liters at home and sell the rest. The income from the milk helps me support my family,” Tolofisa proudly stated.
Inspired by her determination, Museveni personally contributed Shs30 million to her. He allocated Shs12 million for two additional cows, Shs6 million for a motorcycle, and Shs12 million to acquire more land for pasture.
“She is doing well, but as you’ve heard, her challenge is land for growing pasture. I am giving her this money to expand her efforts. This is what PDM is about empowering hardworking citizens to create sustainable livelihoods,” Museveni said.
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, applauded PDM’s success in Busoga. As the initiative’s overall coordinator in the sub-region, Kadaga noted that the model had been embraced by communities eager to escape poverty.
Busiki County MP, Hon. Akamba Paul, expressed gratitude to the President for spearheading projects that have transformed Namutumba District. He pointed to significant improvements in infrastructure, health services, and education as evidence of government commitment to the people.
“The people of Namutumba are hardworking, and they have embraced PDM wholeheartedly. Thank you, President Museveni, for this visionary program that is changing lives,” Hon. Akamba said.
Hon. Naigaga Mariam, the Namutumba District Woman MP, also commended the President for his unwavering support for Busoga, adding that initiatives like PDM were providing much-needed opportunities for rural households.
Museveni reiterated that PDM funds belong to the people and should be used solely for wealth creation. He promised to monitor the initiative closely to ensure its success, warning against those who attempt to misuse the funds.
“This money is your money. It will never come back to the government. Use it wisely. And for those who try to steal it, we are coming for you,” he warned.
He encouraged Ugandans to ignore opposition rhetoric and focus on programs that bring tangible benefits to their lives. “This is not about politics; it is about the future of our country. Those who oppose development are only destroying themselves,” he remarked.
The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, and the Minister of State for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Hon. Persis Namuganza.
With stories like Tolofisa’s proving the potential of PDM, Museveni’s government remains determined to expand the program to ensure every Ugandan has a chance to escape poverty and build a brighter future.
