NANSANA, WAKISO District: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is also the National Resistance Movement Party Presidential candidate has described funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM) as “sweeter” than money borrowed from money lenders, noting that PDM funds come with no exploitative interest rates and are aimed at lifting households out of poverty.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate made the remarks while addressing a campaign rally held under heavy rain at the Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute playgrounds in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District.
President Museveni revealed that Wakiso District has so far received over Shs 52 billion under the PDM program, benefiting more than 47,000 households. He expressed satisfaction that despite the district having many more homesteads, those that received the funds are already registering positive results.
“Even though Wakiso has more than 47,000 homesteads, I am happy that those who received the funds are doing well,” Museveni said.
He assured residents that any cases of unfair distribution would be addressed.
“If there is unfairness in the distribution of PDM funds, we shall sort it out and make it fair going forward. We can forensically investigate the process and solve the problem,” he added.
The President warned that anyone found deducting money from beneficiaries commits a crime and will be punished accordingly.
Museveni urged residents of Wakiso to remain focused on eradicating poverty at the household level, noting that since 1997 the NRM government has prioritized putting money into people’s homes. He highlighted government programs such as Entandikwa, NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation, Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Programme, and now Parish Development Model, saying they have had a positive impact on citizens who embraced them.
The President commended residents of Nansana Municipality and Wakiso District for their strong uptake of the PDM initiative and pledged to increase funding for the program. He explained that PDM funds are designed to reach households at the grassroots and provide startup capital for wealth creation.
Museveni encouraged residents to actively participate in parish SACCO meetings to ensure transparency and successful implementation of the PDM initiative, which he described as a landmark wealth creation program.
He also outlined the NRM’s long-term wealth creation strategy from 1997 to date and called on voters in Nansana Municipality and Wakiso District to support the NRM in the forthcoming general elections for continued socio-economic transformation.The President further guided residents on selecting viable enterprises within the four key wealth and job creation sectors; Commercial and peri-urban agriculture (including poultry, dairy, fishing, and farming), Artisan and manufacturing industries, Services sector, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Museveni noted that these sectors have strong potential for both wealth and employment creation if implemented strategically, as outlined in the NRM wealth creation manual.
He urged voters to re-elect him and all NRM flag bearers to ensure continuity in wealth creation programs and job opportunities.
