'Why don’t you report these thieves?'
“That money is yours, protect it at all costs," urged Museveni.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education & Sports, Janet Museveni arriving at Mwizi Secondary School in Rwampara East, Mbarara district. (PPU photos)
By Admin .
Journalists @New Vision
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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has rallied Ugandans to expose suspects of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds theft.
“I have heard of people stealing this PDM money, why don’t you report these thieves? Each parish is receiving sh100 million. That money is meant to rescue you from moneylenders," he said on Thursday (February 27).
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressing a public rally at Mwizi Secondary School in Rwampara East, Mbarara district. 
He said this while addressing a public rally at Mwizi Secondary School in Rwampara East, Mbarara district.
He was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education & Sports, Janet Museveni.
The rally was part of his three-day presidential performance assessment tour on wealth creation and PDM in Ankole subregion.
“That money is yours, protect it at all costs," urged Museveni.
"Thieves who are given bonds by Police officers will not be tolerated, those officers will be dealt with accordingly."
The President further warned people who misuse PDM money for unproductive activities.
“Those who take PDM money and use it for drinking alcohol, we shall imprison them for 12 months. They will work for the government in prison by planting maize and cotton, and the government will earn from their labour."
Museveni also underscored the need for Ugandans to understand the distinction between development and wealth creation.
“Many people talk about development, roads, electricity, schools, and hospitals and yes, we are aware of those, but there is another word: wealth. Development without wealth means you will have a good road but still find poor people living along it,” he told the rally.
Here, he reiterated his 'four acre model' approach for land owners to sustain their income.
In this model, one acre can be used for coffee, another acre for fruit crops like citrus and mangoes, one acre for pasture for livestock and the fourth acre for food crops.
'Govt schools are free'
On the issue of school dropouts in UPE and USE schools, Museveni said: “Our vision was for every sub-county to have a primary and secondary school, but some headteachers are frustrating this by charging extra fees.
“Government schools are free, let the rich go to private schools, but leave learners in government schools to study for free.”
To support learners who have dropped out, the President highlighted that he initiated the Zonal Presidential Skilling Hub project across the country.
“We are rescuing those who leave school by putting them in skilling hubs. They get free education, food, accommodation, and other support services."
Reflecting on the government’s longstanding efforts to fight poverty, Museveni noted the transition from Entandikwa, NAADS, and Operation Wealth Creation to the current PDM programme.
“We have spent about sh1.5 trillion on PDM and Emyooga. We could have used this money for roads, but we chose to give it to the poor so they can engage in the money economy."
He cited the success story of Dr Florence Muranga from Bushenyi, who, through irrigation, harvests 53 tonnes of bananas per acre annually — a stark contrast to the five tonnes other farmers in the district produce.
On his part, ICT and national guidance minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi commended the President for his relentless efforts in fighting poverty and transforming Uganda’s economy.
“Ugandans are grateful for the peace and development you have fostered, as well as your renewed fight against poverty,” said Baryomunsi, who is also the NRM vice-chairperson for western Uganda.
He assured the President of the leaders’ support in advancing government programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of Ugandans.
“As leaders, we are proud of you and fully behind you in this mission."