By Mulengera Reporters
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, has uncovered shocking problems in the handling of Parish Development Model (PDM) money in Gomba District, raising fears that billions meant for poor villagers are being misused.
The issue came to light after local NRM leaders failed to give clear information about how the funds are shared. The National Chairperson for Greater Mpigi, Daniel Mwesigye, openly told the President that many people are not receiving the money because leaders are not mobilizing communities properly. He said that in the six months he has served in the position, he has seen many irregularities and poor leadership.
NRM Gomba District Chairperson Geoffrey Kiviiri admitted that about Shs17 billion has already been sent to beneficiaries through SACCO accounts. However, he revealed that many residents are still missing out. Gomba District has nine sub-counties, but some large areas have very few people receiving PDM funds. In some parishes, only about 100 people out of 400 are benefiting, even though the program is meant to help everyone.
After listening carefully to complaints, President Museveni quickly realized that something was wrong. He ordered a special investigation into the disbursement and management of PDM funds in Gomba District to find out where the money is going and who is responsible.
The directive was made after Museveni met supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) at his country home in Kisozi. During the meeting, residents spoke openly about corruption, poor leadership, and economic challenges affecting their lives.
The President said many beneficiaries of government programs fear to speak out when leaders misuse funds. He warned that this silence allows corruption to grow and hurts ordinary people.
While addressing a rally at Nsambwe Primary School playgrounds in Gomba District, Museveni urged residents to closely monitor PDM and other government programs. He told them to attend committee meetings, demand accountability, and remove corrupt officials wherever evidence is found.
Museveni described the Parish Development Model as an inheritance given to citizens by the NRM government. He stressed that the money must be protected so that families can create wealth. He also warned elected leaders and Resident District Commissioners in Gomba District to explain why they have failed to stop corruption and mismanagement.
On farming, the President advised cattle keepers to stop free-range grazing and adopt zero-grazing methods to improve production and income. He cited successful farmers who are already benefiting from modern farming practices.
He also promised to expand tarmac roads in the area during his next term, mentioning key roads such as Kifampa–Bugomola–Kyamulibwa–Villa Maria and Kanoni–Manyi–Mityana–Ssekanyonyi–Busunju.
Museveni criticized opposition legislators for failing to understand the government’s step-by-step approach to development, saying this misunderstanding has slowed service delivery. He urged residents to trust the NRM development plan.
On security, the President issued a strong warning to individuals planning to cause disorder, saying Uganda’s peace and stability will not be disturbed. He emphasized unity and non-sectarian politics as the foundation of national peace.
He also outlined the NRM’s plan to create jobs through commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and skills training.
Meanwhile, First National Vice Chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo warned NRM supporters against backing independent candidates, saying it confuses party members. Second National Vice Chairperson Anita Among warned leaders to stop internal conflicts. NRM Buganda Vice Chairperson Haruna Kasoro raised concerns about land disputes in Gomba District and promised to seek solutions.
As investigations begin, residents of Gomba are waiting anxiously to learn the truth about the missing PDM money and who will be held responsible. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
