President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed concern over widespread reports of mismanagement and theft of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in Mukono District, allegedly involving parish officials and SACCO committee members.
Addressing a large campaign rally at St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Naggalama Grounds, in Mukono District on Friday, January 2, 2026, President Museveni said that while the government has ensured the timely release of PDM funds to grassroots communities, some local leaders are diverting money intended for household wealth creation.
“The money is there. I am sending it, and it is reaching the villages, but some people are diverting it,” the President said.
He urged residents to take responsibility by actively participating in parish SACCO meetings and holding their leaders accountable, warning that irregularly constituted committees are acting illegally.
“You are the ones who elect these leaders. If SACCO leaders elected themselves without a general meeting, that is illegal and easy to verify,” he said.
President Museveni revealed that the PDM National Coordinator, Hon. Galabuzi Ssozi, would be dispatched to Mukono to investigate whether PDM committees were lawfully elected and operating within the law.
He also criticised what he described as apathy among sections of the youth, accusing some of prioritising leisure over civic engagement. “You may find that a general meeting was called, but you didn’t bother to attend, especially you, the youths,” he said.
“I also need the vibe, but first I work, I study, I defend the country. After those three, then I can have the vibe,” he added, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.
The President warned that disengagement from leadership and accountability processes could undermine the country’s future. “We, the elderly, shall go to heaven. You will remain here in your country. So, you must know how to defend it,” he said.
Official figures show that Mukono District and Mukono Municipality, comprising 97 parishes, have cumulatively received Shs34.59 billion under the PDM programme, with Shs28.52 billion (82.4 percent) disbursed to 31,248 beneficiary households.
Using the rally to highlight the NRM manifesto, President Museveni outlined what he described as seven key contributions of the ruling party to Uganda’s development, starting with peace.
“Peace is our first contribution. It comes from our ideology of non-sectarianism, which enabled us to build a strong national party that unites all Ugandans,” he said.
