Museveni announces plan to increase PDM funding

KYANKWANZI - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tuesday, visited Kyankwanzi District as part of his ongoing assessment of the Parish Development Model (PDM), Uganda’s flagship initiative aimed at eradicating household poverty through commercial agriculture and financial inclusion.

During his visit to Bugomolwa Parish in Nkandwa Sub-county, earlier Tuesday (April 15th), President Museveni, who emphasised the importance of responsible utilisation of PDM funds, announced plans to increase annual funding from sh100 million to sh200 million after the 2026 upcoming elections.

He explained that the enhancement aims at reaching more households and enhancing economic development.

According to Uganda's Electoral Commission (EC) roadmap, nominations for presidential and parliamentary elections will be conducted between September 17 and October 3, 2025.

Campaigns will commence in the second week of October 2025, with the polling for presidential and parliamentary elections to be held on January 12th 2026.

On Tuesday, while addressing the local community and some cabinet ministers among officials in his entourage, Museveni said, “If we are sending Shs. 100 million to each parish per year means each homestead gets sh1 million, touching 100 homesteads. In the third year, those who first received the funds will return them, and in five years, we will have reached 1,500 homesteads,” President Museveni stated.

According to a release from the Presidential Press Unit (PPU), Museveni highlighted the benefits of the PDM over high-interest loans from moneylenders, noting that the program’s funds remain within the community and accrue a modest 6% interest over two years.

President Museveni also addressed concerns about water scarcity, pledging to provide water tanks to assist farmers in irrigating their crops during dry seasons.

Furthermore, he warned against corruption and mismanagement of PDM funds, urging locals to report any misconduct.

He assured the community of his commitment to investigating and addressing such issues to ensure the program’s success.

The occasion was attended by area leaders and community members.

Expressing gratitude, Mr. Matovu thanked President Museveni for the PDM support, noting the significant improvement in his family’s standard of living.

While interacting with PDM beneficiaries, President Museveni met Mr. Matovu Patrick, who has successfully utilised the program’s support to improve his family’s livelihood.

Mr. Matovu received sh980,000 through the PDM, some of which he used to buy 40 chicks at  sh600,000. He reported that sh100,000 was spent on chicken feeds while he used another sh100,000 for iron sheets to construct a shelter. 

After six months, he earned sh450,000 after selling some of his kroiler chicken, he supplemented this with sh400,000 from coffee sales to purchase a bull. 

Currently, Mr. Matovu earns sh40,000 per month from egg sales. He utilises cow dung and chicken droppings as fertilisers for his coffee and banana plantations, enhancing crop quality and yield.

Expressing gratitude, Mr. Matovu thanked President Museveni for the PDM support, noting the significant improvement in his family’s standard of living.

In recognition of Mr. Matovu’s efforts, President Museveni provided additional support, including sh10 million to purchase three dairy cows and sh9 million for tuk tuk tricycle for the farm errands, including ferrying merchandise. 

The President also extended sh6 million to the LC1 Chairman for a motorcycle and sh1 million to each PDM beneficiary who attended the event.