PDM funds not for paying bride price — Nabbanja
"I bring you greetings from President Yoweri Museveni. Today is not just a thanksgiving ceremony. Through the 'Tukolere Nsawo Initiative', you are embracing the vision and approach of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government," Nabbanja said.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (middle) joined by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi (left) to cut a tape as she was commissioning new wards at Butebo Health Centre IV on October 3rd. Looking on is Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza (right), the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development and Patrick Godfrey Wakida (2nd right), the Kabweri County Member of Parliament. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)
BUTEBO - Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has warned beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds against diverting the money to pay bride price and organise parties, saying the money is for investment meant to pull households out of poverty into the money economy.
Nabbanja was speaking during the thanksgiving ceremony for the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, on Saturday (October 3) at Petete Primary School in Butebo District.
During the event, Nabbanja also launched the 'Tukolere Nsawo Initiative' and Dr. Musenero Mini Industrial Park.
"I bring you greetings from President Yoweri Museveni. Today is not just a thanksgiving ceremony. Through the 'Tukolere Nsawo Initiative', you are embracing the vision and approach of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government," Nabbanja said.
She added, "As the President has consistently advised us, working for the stomach is no longer sustainable. Everyone should participate in the money economy."
The Prime Minister commended Butebo District for performing well under PDM, noting that its coverage is the second-highest in the entire Bukedi sub-region.
"I am pleased to note that Butebo has performed well under the Parish Development Model. Your PDM coverage is the second-highest in the entire Bukedi sub-region, and I commend the district leadership for this achievement," she said.
However, she emphasised three key messages on proper use of PDM funds. "PDM funds are not meant for consumption; they are capital for investment. Do not use PDM funds to organise parties or pay bride price," Nabbanja warned.
"To the SACCO leaders, remember that PDM funds belong to the parish and are intended to benefit its people. The Government will not tolerate misuse of the PDM funds," she said.
Nabbanja linked the PDM message to the newly launched 'Tukolere Nsawo Initiative' and Dr. Musenero Mini Industrial Park, saying they will drive value addition and wealth creation.
"I commend Dr. Musenero for the Mini Industrial Park. The park will promote value addition to matooke, coffee, cocoa and other products prioritised in the Bukedi Strategic Plan for Accelerated Wealth Creation," she said.
The Bukedi Strategic Plan for Accelerated Wealth Creation, which Musenero guided as Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, was launched by President Museveni in August 2024.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi (2nd left), Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (2nd right) and Minister Phiona Nyamutoro (right) at Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza's thanksgiving ceremony at Petete Primary School playground in Butebo district on October 3rd. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)
To ensure the park succeeds, Nabbanja directed the Uganda Investment Authority to guide its development to attract investors.
She also directed the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries to support farmers who will supply produce to the park.
"I have been informed that these facilities are not yet operational because staff and equipment have not been provided. As I commission these facilities, I direct the Ministry of Health and Butebo District Local Government to ensure that they are equipped and staffed," she said.
She thanked President Museveni for appointing Dr. Musenero as Minister of Energy and Mineral Development and for granting Butebo district status in 2017.
"Many of you know Dr. Musenero as a doctor, who stood on the front line when pandemics like COVID-19 threatened our country," Nabbanja said.
On her part, Musenero said the industrial park aims at creating youth employment and promoting value addition on various food crops in Butebo and Bukedi sub-region.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Ephraim Kamuntu, assured local investors that security is available and calm and urged residents to find a way of resolving conflicts in Butebo.
He asked Butebo district leaders, who included the district NRM chairperson, to ensure that there is harmony in the district.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara said he will schedule another day to go to Butebo for his Anti-Corruption campaign in order to bring the corrupt to book.
“Today, I did not come to arrest the corrupt; I came to attend the thanksgiving of my sister Dr. Musenero. So, the anti-corruption campaign will be for another day,” Barugahara said.
The ceremony was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, district leaders, and religious and cultural leaders.