President Museveni Urges Ugandans to Root Out Corruption in PDM Committees

KAGADI, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to take decisive action against corrupt members of the Parish Development Model (PDM) committees, emphasizing that the initiative is a vital tool for poverty alleviation and economic empowerment. Speaking at a public rally held at Kahunde Playground in Isunga Sub-County, Kagadi District, the President stressed that citizens must not tolerate anyone undermining the program designed to integrate grassroots communities into the money economy.

“You should own the PDM initiative right from its administration to its reach and take on whoever attempts to mess up the initiative because this is a unique program intended to enrich you at the grassroots,” Museveni declared. The rally was part of his ongoing Presidential performance assessment tour focused on wealth creation and the PDM in the Bunyoro Sub-region.

In addition to his remarks on the PDM, President Museveni outlined plans to strengthen access to education across Uganda. He announced that the government would intensify efforts to establish a free primary school in every parish and a free secondary school in every sub-county, aiming to eliminate barriers to education for vulnerable children. “Free education is the ultimate solution to the high rate of school dropout,” he said, urging the people of Bunyoro to report any government schools charging fees to the authorities.

The President also highlighted the extension of free education to tertiary levels through Presidential Skilling Hubs and public universities, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring educational opportunities for all.

Museveni reiterated the government’s dedication to improving infrastructure, including road construction, water supply, electricity distribution, and healthcare services, alongside socio-economic empowerment programs. He encouraged the people of Bunyoro to adopt modern farming techniques, such as irrigation, to boost agricultural productivity and enhance food security.

Addressing the contentious issue of land evictions, the President ordered district authorities in Bunyoro to report landlords illegally displacing tenants. He reaffirmed that tenant and landlord rights are protected under Uganda’s Constitution and subsequent land laws, ensuring that tenants can utilize their land for wealth creation without fear of unlawful eviction.

During the rally, President Museveni issued several directives to address local needs. He instructed the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, to initiate the establishment of a new police station at Isumba Sub-County headquarters in Kagadi, as residents requested. He also tasked her with fulfilling his pledge of Shs300 million to Birembo War veterans, alongside other donations to the Bunyoro Sub-region.

In a boost to healthcare services, the President handed over a fully equipped Class B ambulance to Kagadi District Hospital, supplementing existing medical resources in the area. Additionally, he renewed his call for the conservation of wetlands, emphasizing their importance to environmental sustainability.

Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja expressed her appreciation to President Museveni for his unwavering support to the people of Bunyoro and the region’s infrastructure development. She praised his leadership in driving initiatives that uplift communities and improve living standards.

President Museveni’s address in Kagadi underscored his administration’s focus on grassroots empowerment, education, and accountability. By tasking Ugandans with rooting out corruption in the PDM and ensuring the success of government programs, he reinforced the importance of collective responsibility in achieving national development goals. As the Presidential tour continues, the people of Bunyoro and beyond are left with a clear message: active participation and vigilance are key to unlocking the promise of a prosperous future.