EDITOR
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cautioned the public against diverting Parish Development Model (PDM) funds for personal social needs, urging beneficiaries to use them strictly for income-generating activities to combat poverty.
The President issued the warning on Tuesday, February 13, during his visit to Kazindiro Cell, Eastern Ward, Nyamirama Town Council in Kanungu District, where he met PDM beneficiary Kenneth Ayesigwa. He reiterated that PDM funds should not be spent on medical bills, school fees, or weddings but rather be invested in sustainable economic ventures.
Museveni explained that once poverty is reduced among households, the government may consider funding social needs at the parish level. He also emphasized the importance of the 1996 Four-Acre Presidential Initiative, which encourages smallholder farmers to engage in productive activities such as coffee and fruit farming, poultry, and livestock rearing.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, praised the PDM program, noting that it has strengthened family bonds by promoting joint economic initiatives.
During the visit, Kanungu Woman MP Patience Nkunda requested the government to establish a technical school or industrial hub in the district. She highlighted the difficulty of accessing vocational training facilities in Kabale District and urged the government to bring such services closer to the people of Kanungu.
Kenneth Ayesigwa, one of the PDM beneficiaries, shared his success story with the President. He revealed that he had invested UGX 1,000,000 in a restaurant, piggery, and a calf. Over 13 months, his investment yielded more than UGX 12,000,000 in profits, demonstrating the potential of the PDM initiative in transforming livelihoods.
President Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the PDM achieves its goal of economic empowerment for Ugandans, urging more beneficiaries to follow Ayesigwa’s example in utilizing funds wisely for sustainable development.
