President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern directive to Regional Police Commanders (RPCs), prohibiting the granting of police bond to individuals accused of embezzling funds for the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programs.
The President Tuesday was addressing the leaders of the Teso sub region at Kumi Municipal Grounds. He emphasised the importance of safeguarding funds meant to uplift Uganda’s village economies.
This was during the second day of the ongoing Presidential wealth creation assessment tour in the Teso Sub-region which commenced on Monday, November 18th,2024.
“I have received reports from ISO about individuals stealing PDM money. Some were arrested but given police bonds,” the President stated.
“I now direct the RPCs, no more police bonds for anyone who has stolen PDM or Emyooga money. If you give a police bond, I will ‘bond’ you myself.”
President Museveni also warned that such leniency undermines efforts to defend the village economy and vowed to engage the Chief Justice to put an end to these practices.
“This money is for transforming communities. If someone steals it, refunding alone is not enough, you must refund and also go to jail. Was it given to you as a gift?” he asked rhetorically.
“PDM and Emyooga funds are critical to Uganda’s development and must be protected at all costs. No one should play games with this money. We are transforming lives, and we won’t allow anyone to derail that mission,” he also noted.
The President also criticised the practice of deducting bank charges from PDM funds before they reach beneficiaries.
“I demand that the Ministry of Finance covers all bank charges. Recipients must receive their full amount, no deductions, no additions,” he declared.
President Museveni assured the public of continued support for PDM, with UGX100 million allocated annually per parish.
The Vice President also highlighted the government’s initiatives, such as Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model, as transformative tools helping Ugandans transition into the money economy.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among expressed gratitude to the President for his unwavering commitment to the development of Teso Subregion, highlighting his efforts in empowering the area through government initiatives such as the PDM.
