President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern directive to Regional Police Commanders (RPCs), prohibiting the granting of police bonds to individuals accused of embezzling funds for the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programs.
Addressing the leaders of the Teso sub region at Kumi Municipal Grounds yesterday, Museveni emphasized the importance of safeguarding funds meant to uplift Uganda’s village economies.
This was during the second day of the ongoing Presidential wealth creation assessment tour in the Teso Sub-region which commenced on Monday, November 18, 2024.
“I have received reports from ISO about individuals stealing PDM money. Some were arrested but given police bonds,” the President stated.
“I now direct the RPCs, no more police bonds for anyone who has stolen PDM or Emyooga money. If you give a police bond, I will ‘bond’ you myself.”
President Museveni also warned that such leniency undermines efforts to defend the village economy and vowed to engage the Chief Justice to put an end to these practices.
“This money is for transforming communities. If someone steals it, refunding alone is not enough, you must refund and also go to jail. Was it given to you as a gift?” he asked rhetorically.
“PDM and Emyooga funds are critical to Uganda’s development and must be protected at all costs. No one should play games with this money. We are transforming lives, and we won’t allow anyone to derail that mission,” he also noted.
The President also criticised the practice of deducting bank charges from PDM funds before they reach beneficiaries.
“I demand that the Ministry of Finance covers all bank charges. Recipients must receive their full amount, no deductions, no additions,” he declared.
On the other hand, President Museveni reiterated the need to change societal attitudes, which he referred to as “the problem of sleep.”
Drawing from his own experiences, he recounted how exposure to global history in the 1960s inspired him to challenge the belief that Africa’s challenges were insurmountable.
“The problem of Africa is sleep. It’s amazing how people can be so unaware of their potential. In the 1960s, some people told me that Banyankole could never change,” he remarked.
“I disagreed, my own mother, who was a traditional woman, changed after joining Christianity. She learned to boil milk, iron clothes, and knit. If she could change, why can’t we?” he inquired.
President Museveni also addressed environmental conservation and sustainable development, particularly the misuse of wetlands for rice farming.
He called for a shift towards fish farming as an alternative that benefits both the environment and the economy.
“I visited Limoto Wetland Restoration Center in Pallisa and found that when people stopped growing rice in the swamp and adopted fish farming, their income grew significantly. One family now earns Sh62 million annually from fishponds, compared to Sh1 million from rice farming,” President Museveni said.
He explained that fishponds located at the edges of wetlands not only protect the environment but also provide a sustainable source of income.
“This approach restores the swamp, secures water for irrigation, and helps families get out of poverty,” he added.
The President expressed satisfaction with the impact of PDM in many parts of Uganda, noting that the initiative has enabled people to invest in livestock, poultry, and other income-generating activities.
President Museveni assured the public of continued support for PDM, with Sh100 million allocated annually per parish.
Additionally, he revealed plans to use centres like Serere to breed animals and multiply foundation seeds through zonal centres to further boost agricultural productivity.
