KAMPALA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed local authorities in Kampala’s five divisions to compile accurate data on the number of households in their jurisdictions to ensure equitable allocation of funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The directive was issued on Saturday, 19th July 2025, during his visit to Kyambogo Complex Parish in Nakawa Division, where he met PDM beneficiaries, including Ms. Mbabazi Lillian, a standout success story.
President Museveni stressed the need for a data-driven approach in PDM budgeting, noting that the current uniform allocation of UGX 100 million per parish annually is inadequate for urban centres with dense populations and high demand for financial support.
“This is the kibalo (calculation) I want in the town: to know how many parishes and how many homesteads are in each parish. When we plan, we shall give over one million, plus some additional funding, based on the number of homes in that parish,” said President Museveni.
He observed that urban parishes, particularly in Kampala, face overwhelming demand for PDM funds, and the current structure fails to cater effectively to eligible households.
Accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President toured the poultry enterprise of Ms. Mbabazi, who used her UGX 1 million PDM funding to build a thriving business.
Starting with 125 broiler chicks at UGX 350,000, she reinvested profits, eventually earning UGX 3.2 million from subsequent batches. She later transitioned to layer chicken farming, now collecting six trays of eggs daily.
Standing beside her husband, Mr. Samuel Rukundo, Mbabazi thanked the government for PDM:
“Now I have some achievement. My children go to school, and we’re doing well. I have UGX 3 million in savings and a small juice and chips business.”
However, she raised concerns over land ownership, as her current residence sits on Kyambogo University property, limiting expansion.
Touched by her story, President Museveni:
- Awarded her UGX 10 million to scale up her poultry business.
- Pledged to purchase two acres of land for her permanent settlement and farming.
“When I see Rukundo and Mbabazi implementing the four-acre model, I feel very happy,” he remarked.
Economic Transformation & PDM’s Impact
Reflecting on Uganda’s economic journey, President Museveni highlighted the challenge of shifting from subsistence farming to a money economy. In the 1960s, only 4% of households were monetised.
He cited the “3 Cs and 3 Ts”—cotton, copper, coffee, tobacco, tea, and tourism—as historical economic pillars. While some regions engaged in commercial farming, most Ugandans remained in subsistence agriculture.
To address this, he introduced the four-acre model, promoting diversified farming (coffee, fruits, dairy, poultry, and fish farming).
From OWC to PDM: A Shift in Strategy
The President recounted past initiatives—Entandikwa, NAADS, and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC)—which saw 61% monetisation by 2020. However, he criticised reported favouritism in OWC, leading to PDM’s direct fund disbursement.
“I heard soldiers were baali beegabira bokka (giving to relatives). I said, let the army step aside. If people misuse PDM funds, God will deal with them.”
Citing Kawempe Division, he noted UGX 6.6 billion disbursed over three years to 7,000 households, urging beneficiaries to use funds wisely.
“With PDM, you return UGX 1 million plus UGX 120,000 interest in two years—not UGX 5.8 million yearly to a moneylender.”
Grand Finale at Kololo
The Kyambogo event marked the penultimate stop of the President’s nationwide PDM sensitisation tour, concluding on Sunday, 20th July 2025, at Kololo Independence Grounds.
Key attendees included:
- Government Chief Whip, Hon. Hamson Denis Obua
- National PDM Coordinator, Hon. Denis Galabuzi Ssozi
- KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki
- Presidential Advisors Hajjat Sarah Kanyike & Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi
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