President Yoweri Museveni has directed Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi to urgently resolve complaints surrounding the distribution and management of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in Kyenjojo District.
The directive follows reports of mismanagement, extortion, and selective allocation of the funds, which were designed to support wealth creation among youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
While campaigning in Kyenjojo on Tuesday, Museveni told thousands of supporters that he had received disturbing accounts of officials diverting funds to relatives and demanding kickbacks from beneficiaries.
“I have heard that some people are stealing PDM funds and giving them to their relatives. I will send my auditor to investigate. I’ve also directed Minister Magyezi to intervene and ensure funds are distributed fairly and transparently,” Museveni said.
He warned that those found guilty of misappropriation would be prosecuted. “If people are demanding Shs200,000 when giving out Shs1 million, they are committing a crime and will be arrested. If a committee is not performing well, call a meeting and remove them.”
Museveni reaffirmed that PDM funds are available to all Ugandans aged 18 and above seeking to engage in productive ventures, urging citizens to safeguard the initiative and ensure it benefits intended groups.
The President also outlined the NRM government’s broader development agenda, highlighting job creation, industrial parks such as Mbale and Namanve, and upcoming infrastructure upgrades in Kyenjojo, including improved roads and expanded electricity access.
He encouraged residents to diversify agricultural activities—coffee, piggery, poultry, and fish farming—and announced plans to upgrade the Kyenjojo–Kamwenge road while work on the Mubende–Fort Portal road continues.
District NRM Chairman Nkonge Edward Rwamwaro welcomed the President’s intervention, noting that Kyenjojo has already received Shs51 billion in PDM funds across its 31 sub-counties and 892 villages.
“The impact is visible. Farmers and livestock keepers have benefited greatly,” he said. Rwamwaro added that 30% of the funds are reserved for youth, 30% for women, and 10% for persons with disabilities, urging more young people to tap into the program.
He further praised the district’s skilling hub, which has already graduated over 170 learners, calling it a key step toward empowering communities and building sustainable livelihoods.