President Yoweri Museveni has called for an investigation into allegations that officials managing the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Mubende District have been illegally deducting portions of funds allocated to beneficiaries.
The directive was issued during the 39th National Resistance Army/Movement (NRA/M) Liberation Day celebrations, held yesterday at Mubende National Teachers College.
Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, the President arrived at the venue at 11:26 a.m. to a warm reception from the gathered crowd.
In his address, the President paid tribute to the significant contributions made by the people of the Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori region during the five-year NRA/M bush war (1981-1986).
He expressed his gratitude to the residents of Mubende, Kassanda, Bukuya, Kyamusisi, Muwanga, Kakumiro, and Kagadi for their unwavering support during the struggle.
The President recounted the critical role played by Mubende in the conflict, including its proximity to Kabamba Military Barracks, which was the target of the NRA’s first attack on February 6, 1981.
He also reflected on the region’s development since then, noting the remarkable transformation of Mubende from a single street into a bustling town with significant infrastructure improvements, including the bypass leading to Fort Portal.
Investigation into PDM Allegations
During the event, President Museveni addressed reports of irregularities in the disbursement of funds under the PDM.
He summoned Mubende district officials to provide an update on the program’s progress.
The crowd expressed disapproval when asked if deductions had been made from the funds intended for beneficiaries, responding with a unanimous “yes.”
Mubende Chief Administrative Officer Peter Ruhweza informed the President that the district had received UGX 16.4 billion, which had been distributed to 16,000 households.
However, President Museveni pressed for clarity on how the funds were disbursed, asking whether the full amount was being transferred to beneficiaries or if deductions were being made.
Ruhweza explained that funds were sent to Savings and Credit Co-operative Organization (SACCO) accounts at the parish level, in line with Cabinet-approved guidelines.
While he denied any unauthorized deductions, he acknowledged that bank charges were incurred during withdrawals.
Fred Kisakye, the district’s PDM focal officer, elaborated that UGX 4,000 was deducted per withdrawal through PostBank’s Wendi system, but clarified that the Ministry of Finance had directed banks to cease these charges, with the government taking responsibility for the fees.
President Museveni expressed concern over the unauthorized deductions and instructed State House Police Officer Susan Kasingye to register complaints from affected residents for further investigation.
He emphasized that officials implicated in the probe, including Ruhweza and Kisakye, would be summoned if necessary.
The Parish Development Model
The President reiterated the government’s commitment to the PDM initiative, which was introduced in 2022 to address allegations of favoritism in the distribution of resources.
The program focuses on promoting agricultural activities such as coffee cultivation, fruit farming, livestock rearing, poultry, and fishing in wetlands, among other ventures.
Testimonies from Beneficiaries
Several beneficiaries shared success stories of how the PDM program had transformed their livelihoods. Edward Mukasa, a bricklayer from Busoga, reported earning UGX 700,000 from his first harvest of passion fruits grown on leased land, which he used to purchase livestock.
Florence Nabutono from Budaka described how her piggery business, established in 1993, has flourished, allowing her to invest in hybrid pigs and significantly increase her income.
Transport State Minister Fred Byamukama also shared his experience, revealing that his poultry business, comprising 25,000 chickens, generates a monthly gross profit of UGX 118 million and an annual net profit of UGX 660 million.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Vice President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who joined in celebrating the achievements of the PDM and honoring the contributions of individuals to Uganda’s liberation and development.
