In a bold move that underscores the urgency of inclusivity, President Museveni has issued a stern warning to parish and sub-county chiefs in the Bukedi Sub-region: exclude youth, women, or persons with disabilities from accessing Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, and you’ll lose your job. This comes amidst growing public concern over the implementation of the PDM, a flagship wealth-creation program launched in 2022, which has faced allegations of mismanagement and favoritism in some areas. But here's where it gets controversial: while the government aims to ensure equitable distribution, the question remains—how effectively can local leaders enforce these mandates without oversight? Is this a sustainable solution, or just a temporary fix? Let’s dive deeper.
Addressing a campaign rally in Pallisa District, Museveni was unequivocal: 30% of the 100 million shillings allocated to each parish is earmarked for youth, another 30% for women, and 10% for persons with disabilities. “I don’t want to hear that story again,” he emphasized. “If any group is denied their share, I’ll hold the parish chief accountable, and they’ll be dismissed alongside the sub-county chiefs.” This zero-tolerance stance reflects the government’s commitment to transparency, but it also raises a critical question: Are local leaders equipped with the tools and training to implement these directives fairly?
The PDM, designed to provide seed capital for household enterprises and agricultural productivity, has already disbursed shs27.7 billion to Pallisa District’s 90 parishes, reaching over 27,000 households. Yet, the program’s success hinges on more than just funding. Museveni stressed the importance of personal enterprise, drawing a clear distinction between “development” and “wealth creation.” “Development benefits everyone, but wealth is personal—it’s what sustains your household,” he explained. This perspective aligns with the government’s long-term poverty alleviation efforts, including programs like Entandikwa, NAADS, and Emyooga.
And this is the part most people miss: Museveni highlighted success stories that challenge the notion that government jobs are the only path to prosperity. Farmers like Joseph Ijala, who earns over shs6 million daily from poultry and dairy farming, and Fred Byamukama, whose four-acre farm generates shs700 million annually and employs 26 people, exemplify the potential of personal enterprise. “With only 480,000 government jobs for millions of Ugandans, household-level productivity is the key to job creation,” Museveni noted.
The President also announced plans to expand the PDM’s reach, including specialized funds for local leaders, religious institutions, fishermen, and unemployed university graduates. Additionally, he called for industrial expansion in Pallisa, urging leaders to allocate more land for an industrial park. “You’ve given me very little land—I need at least a square mile,” he said, pointing to the Sino-Uganda Industrial Park in Mbale as a model for job creation.
In a surprising twist, Museveni advocated for agricultural diversification, suggesting fish farming over rice cultivation in swampy areas. “Fish farming is incredibly lucrative. My farm in Lira yields shs100 million annually from ponds alone,” he revealed, promising government support for pond construction. This advice, while practical, may spark debate among farmers accustomed to traditional crops. Could this shift disrupt existing agricultural practices, or is it a necessary evolution?
Museveni also celebrated the NRM government’s 40-year legacy of restoring peace and rebuilding infrastructure in insurgency-affected regions. “Pallisa, once plagued by cattle rustlers and conflict, is now stable thanks to the institutions we’ve built,” he said. However, he criticized local authorities for neglecting rural road maintenance, noting, “They only graded this road because I was coming. We’ve provided funds—the RDC and LC5 must ensure accountability.”
In education and healthcare, Museveni pledged to ensure every parish has a primary school and every sub-county a secondary school, while upgrading health centers in Obutete, Kaukura, and Limoto. Speaker of Parliament Anita Among praised the President’s transformative infrastructure projects, particularly the Tirinyi-Pallisa-Kumi road, now hailed as eastern Uganda’s best.
As the rally concluded, Pallisa District Chairperson Derrick Orone vowed, “We’ll give you above 90% in the upcoming election,” drawing cheers from supporters. But the question lingers: With such high expectations, can the government deliver on its promises, or will challenges like mismanagement and favoritism persist?
What do you think? Is Museveni’s approach to inclusivity and wealth creation the right path for Uganda, or are there deeper systemic issues that need addressing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
