Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has called on citizens to reject complacency and take advantage of financial opportunities to accelerate the country’s fight against poverty.
Addressing residents, Museveni emphasized the need for collective effort, warning that many Ugandans have become too comfortable with poverty. "I felt the need to visit because I’ve heard that some of you have resigned yourselves to hardship," he said, as quoted by Ugandan dailies.
Museveni announced plans to enhance funding for the Parish Development Model (PDM) program to support economic empowerment. Currently, each beneficiary receives Ugsh. 1 million, but future increments will depend on how effectively the targeted 36% of households utilize the funds.
He praised Ms. Tumusiime Deziranta, highlighting success stories, who invested her PDM funds in livestock farming, successfully rearing pigs and goats. "Poverty may be your burden, but it pains me to see it. If you continue using the funds wisely, we will increase the amount," the president assured.
Museveni also commended Rubirizi District for its responsible management of PDM funds and its efforts to combat corruption. "Many Ugandans have never held a million shillings in their hands. You are fortunate here not to face corruption issues," he noted.
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The government plans to allocate Shs500 million per parish over five years, benefiting 500 families by year three and increasing to Shs800 million through SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperatives).
Additionally, he cautioned against land fragmentation, urging families to maintain land ownership collectively to maximize agricultural productivity.
Launched in February 2022, the PDM initiative aims to improve grassroots service delivery and uplift subsistence farmers, especially in districts like Rubirizi.
Museveni’s regional tour includes stops in Sheema and Ibanda, where he continues engaging with PDM beneficiaries.
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