President Yoweri Museveni has instructed Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi to swiftly investigate complaints of mismanagement and unfair distribution of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in Kyenjojo District. The directive comes after reports surfaced alleging corruption and biased allocation of the money meant to boost household incomes—especially for youth, women, and people with disabilities.

Speaking on Tuesday during a campaign stop in Kyenjojo at the tail end of his Rwenzori region tour, Museveni told a large crowd that PDM funds were created to uplift communities and fight poverty at the lowest levels of society.

“I’m told some people are stealing PDM money and giving it to their relatives. I’m sending my auditor to investigate. I have also directed Magyezi to ensure the funds are shared fairly,” Museveni said, emphasizing that the money must benefit all eligible Ugandans—not serve as a tool for exploitation.

He cautioned that anyone caught siphoning the funds would face prosecution. “If someone asks for Shs 200,000 out of Shs 1 million being given out, they are committing a crime and will be arrested. And if the committee is failing, call a meeting and replace them,” he warned.

Museveni reminded citizens that all Ugandans aged 18 and above can access PDM funds as long as they intend to invest in productive ventures. He urged communities to safeguard the initiative to ensure it truly benefits intended groups.

The President also highlighted the broader economic progress under the NRM government—citing job creation, infrastructure upgrades, and industrialization as ongoing priorities. He pointed to industrial parks in Mbale and Namanve as successful examples employing thousands of people. He further assured Kyenjojo residents that road improvements and expanded electricity access are in the pipeline.

Museveni encouraged locals to diversify agriculture and take advantage of government support for enterprises such as coffee, poultry, piggery, and fish farming. He also pledged that the Kyenjojo–Kamwenge road will soon be upgraded and noted ongoing improvements on the Mubende–Fort Portal route.

Following the President’s remarks, District NRM Chairperson Nkonge Edward Rwamwaro applauded the impact of the PDM program in Kyenjojo. He said the district’s 31 sub-counties and 892 villages have all received funding, with Shs 51 billion already released—money he says has boosted farmers and livestock producers significantly.

Rwamwaro thanked the government for increasing PDM allocations and encouraged continued participation across the community. He emphasized that 30% of the funds go to youth, another 30% to women, and 10% to persons with disabilities, adding that the support has been life-changing for many.

He also hailed the district’s skilling hub, which has already graduated more than 170 youths, calling it a key pillar in building sustainable livelihoods for residents.