KAMPALA— President Yoweri Museveni has criticized local leaders for failing to collaborate with journalists in disseminating information about the Parish Development Model (PDM).
While meeting with journalists from Kampala on July 20, 2025, at State Lodge Nakasero, the president emphasized the importance of involving the media in communicating government initiatives such as the PDM, other ongoing development programs, and matters concerning the welfare of journalists. He pledged to hold leaders accountable for their negligence in this area.
The dialogue offered an opportunity for journalists to voice their concerns, seek clarifications, and provide feedback on government interventions aimed at poverty alleviation.
President Museveni praised the progress made through the PDM, noting its success in shifting many Ugandans from subsistence living into the money economy. He highlighted the model’s superiority over past initiatives like NAADS and Operation Wealth Creation, which were plagued by irregularities. Unlike its predecessors, PDM funds are directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, minimizing the risk of corruption and misuse.
He reiterated that the PDM is a socio-economic empowerment initiative designed to financially support all viable entrepreneurial ideas from eligible Ugandans.
Inclusion of Street Vendors
The President also directed that street vendors and small-scale business operators in Kampala and other urban areas be included among PDM beneficiaries, especially under the commerce category. He assured the public that all beneficiaries can be tracked using their National IDs, countering concerns about potential loan defaults if recipients relocate.
Compensation for Mailo Land Owners
Addressing the historical land injustices in Buganda, President Museveni announced that the government is expediting the compensation process for original Mailo landowners. He explained that colonial-era land allocations ignored the rights of other rightful owners, leading to long-standing disputes that persist today. The compensation aims to grant land rights to tenants and promote equitable development.
Taxation and Economic Protection
On taxation, the president dismissed allegations of overburdening traders. He clarified that the higher taxes are mostly imposed on luxury goods and imports to protect local industries. This policy, he said, has played a role in stabilising the Ugandan shilling.
Support for Urban Poor and Journalists
President Museveni reaffirmed his support for urban communities, announcing that each SACCO in Kampala’s ghetto areas will now receive UGX 1 billion. He also promised to increase PDM funding for urban areas pending Cabinet approval.
In a show of solidarity with journalists, the president donated UGX 100 million to the Kampala Journalists SACCO, a van for their transportation needs, and an additional UGX 60 million to help them acquire land.
Journalists expressed appreciation for the President’s support and his ongoing countrywide efforts to promote the PDM. ICT State Minister Joyce Ssebugwawo acknowledged the financial struggles facing the media sector and lauded the President’s contributions, expressing optimism that the SACCO support would enhance journalists’ economic well-being.
