No police bond for stolen PDM and Emyooga money – Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to law enforcement and community leaders as he continues his nationwide tour to promote agricultural development and poverty alleviation. Addressing the misuse of funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga initiatives, the president declared an unwavering stance on corruption, vowing to hold both offenders and those who shield them accountable.

“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,” Museveni stated emphatically. His message was clear: refunding stolen money alone is not enough; offenders must face the full weight of the law.

“This money is for transforming communities. Was it given to you as a gift? No one should play games with this money. We are transforming lives, and we won’t allow anyone to derail that mission,” he added.

The PDM and Emyooga initiatives represent cornerstone programs of Uganda’s development agenda. Launched to eradicate household poverty, PDM shifts the focus of development planning to the parish level, aiming to empower local communities.

The model provides funds directly to Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), enabling households to access affordable credit for income-generating activities like agriculture, trade, and small businesses.

Complementing PDM is the Emyooga program, which targets specific groups such as farmers, artisans, and market vendors by providing seed capital through SACCOs. Together, these programs are designed to bridge the income inequality gap, reduce reliance on subsistence farming, and propel Uganda toward a middle-income economy.

However, their success hinges on strict accountability. Recent reports of embezzlement and mismanagement of these funds have raised concerns, prompting Museveni’s tough rhetoric. “PDM and Emyooga funds are critical to Uganda’s development and must be protected at all costs,” he emphasized during his speech.

The president’s directive underscores the government’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption within these programs. Officials who fail to act against fund mismanagement now face the prospect of personal consequences. The warning is particularly directed at Regional Police Commanders (RPCs) and other law enforcement personnel who have been accused of leniency or complicity in such cases.

By linking these funds to Uganda’s broader development goals, Museveni has framed their protection as a national priority. He noted that these initiatives are not mere handouts but strategic tools to uplift millions of Ugandans out of poverty. Mismanagement, he warned, not only derails individual livelihoods but also jeopardizes the country’s progress.

As Museveni continues his tour, he is also promoting best practices in agricultural production, urging Ugandans to embrace modern farming techniques and maximize the impact of the PDM and Emyooga programs. Through these efforts, the government aims to ensure that communities understand the value of these funds and hold leaders accountable for their proper use.

While the president’s tough stance is likely to deter fund mismanagement, it also serves as a rallying call to communities. By taking ownership of these initiatives, beneficiaries can work collectively to achieve sustainable economic transformation.

Museveni’s message is resounding: Uganda’s development is a collective mission, and corruption will not be tolerated. As PDM and Emyooga continue to evolve, they hold the promise of reshaping Uganda’s socio-economic landscape—provided their integrity remains intact.