President Museveni has warned parish chiefs and ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders accused of frustrating or misusing Parish Development Model (PDM) funds that they face arrest, removal from office, and forced refunds, as the government tightens oversight of the poverty-alleviation programme.
Speaking on Monday during Uganda's 40th Liberation Day celebrations at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, Museveni said some parish officials had already been arrested for allegedly sabotaging the programme for personal gain.
"Go and be members of the parish SACCO. Any parish chief who does not cooperate with this programme should be arrested. Some parish chiefs have already been arrested because of selfishness," Museveni said.
The President also issued a stern warning to NRM members implicated in the diversion of PDM funds, saying they would be removed from leadership positions and compelled to refund the money, reiterating the government's zero-tolerance policy on corruption.
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The Liberation Day ceremony, held under the theme "Tribute to Our Patriots Who Ushered in the Fundamental Change," marked four decades since the National Resistance Movement/Army took power and drew senior government officials, military commanders, religious and cultural leaders, and members of the public.
Museveni said Uganda's economy is growing at about seven percent, attributing the performance to deliberate policies aimed at strengthening domestic production.
He noted that locally produced goods now account for nearly 75 percent of supermarket stock, compared to almost total reliance on imports in the past.
Reflecting on the Parish Development Model, Museveni said it was introduced after it was established that by 2019, about 39 percent of households were still outside the money economy.
While most beneficiaries had put the funds to productive use, he acknowledged cases of misuse.
He stressed that access to PDM funds must be inclusive and transparent, with decisions taken during full parish meetings involving all eligible residents above 18 years.
The President also announced plans to amend PDM guidelines to increase funding, particularly in urban areas, where allocations of between Shs 400 million and Shs 500 million are planned.
Museveni said government is pursuing inclusive growth through targeted interventions for unemployed graduates and vulnerable groups, alongside investments in infrastructure, education, and health.
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He reaffirmed agro-industrialisation, tourism, and value addition as key sectors for job creation and income growth.
Commenting on the recent elections, Museveni expressed concern over low voter turnout among his supporters, saying millions failed to vote despite his victory.
