President Museveni Promises Government Will Cover Bank Charges for PDM Beneficiaries

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni assured Ugandans that the government would pay all bank charges deducted from Parish Development Model (PDM) payouts, ensuring that the full allocated amount of one million shillings reaches beneficiaries without any deductions.

This promise is seen as a crucial step towards improving the livelihoods of Ugandans and boosting their engagement in the money economy.

PDM, a government initiative aimed at eradicating poverty by providing financial support to parishes, has become a cornerstone of the country’s socio-economic transformation efforts. However, the President highlighted that despite the positive intent of the model, some beneficiaries were facing challenges due to bank charges, which were reducing the effectiveness of the program.

His statement also followed concerns by the locals of Mubende Greater Area who turned up in large numbers for the 39th National Resistance Movement (NRM) Victory Day celebrations held at the National Teachers’ College Grounds in Mubende District.

To address this, President Museveni announced that the government would cover all bank charges to ensure the recipients receive the intended amount.

“The government will pay all bank charges deducted from the PDM Pay Out so that you receive the full one million shillings, minus any deductions,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of delivering on promises to those who depend on these funds for their livelihoods.

He explained that this way 100 families from each parish will fully receive the their 1 million as promised by the NRM government to boost household incomes.

The President also urged local leaders to ensure the proper management of the PDM funds, warning that any leaders involved in misappropriating the funds would face legal consequences.

“We must stop working for the stomach only, and transform from subsistence agriculture to commercial agriculture,” he asserted.

He stressed that the PDM was designed to help citizens join the money economy, which would result in economic diversification and increased productivity.

Beyond his focus on PDM, Museveni took the opportunity to reflect on the country’s economic progress over the years. He noted that when Uganda gained independence, only 9 percent of the population was involved in the money economy, while the remaining 91 percent were engaged in subsistence agriculture, working primarily for survival.

This small money economy, the President explained, collapsed due to poor leadership under previous regimes, such as that of Idi Amin, which led to essential commodity shortages, rampant speculation, and an unregulated black market that caused inflation and economic instability.

The arrival of the NRM government, according to President Museveni, marked a turning point. Under the NRM’s leadership, significant efforts were made to revive and expand key sectors, including coffee, cotton, tea, and tourism, through initiatives like Operation Wealth Creation.

Diversification, value addition, and the promotion of a knowledge-based economy, focusing on technological innovation, have played pivotal roles in driving the country’s development. He pointed to the introduction of innovations like the Kayoola bus and the production of vaccines as examples of Uganda’s progress in embracing a knowledge-driven economy.

However, despite these achievements, Museveni expressed concern that 68 percent of the population, according to the 2013 census, still lives in poverty. To address this issue, he reiterated his call for Ugandans to shift from subsistence to commercial agriculture. He also stressed the importance of effective planning and monitoring by local leaders to ensure that the benefits of the PDM reach every individual.

“We need to transform from subsistence agriculture to commercial agriculture. This is the only way to get out of poverty,” Museveni said.

He also challenged leaders to understand the demographics of their parishes, emphasizing that the revolving nature of the PDM funds requires careful planning to ensure that the dividends of growth are shared equally across communities.

In addition to the focus on economic empowerment, President Museveni promised continued infrastructural development in Mubende and other parts of the country. He emphasized the government’s commitment to road tarmacking, which is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate trade, and promote overall development in the region.

“Work hard to get out of poverty,” he urged the people, “always seek homestead incomes, and the rest will be added onto you.” he added

In recognition of outstanding contributions to Uganda’s transformation and liberation, medals were awarded to some citizens by Maj. Gen. George Igumba, the Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College, on behalf of President Museveni.

The celebrations were also marked by entertainment from the UPDF, Police, and Prisons bands, as well as local musicians. Additionally, a medical camp providing free eye treatment and minor surgeries was conducted from January 22nd to 24th, benefiting local residents.

The high-profile event was attended by several government officials, including First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni; Vice President, Hon. Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo; Prime Minister, Hon. Robinah Nabbanja; and various dignitaries, Members of Parliament, and local leaders from across the country.