Billions at Risk: Museveni Demands Accountability Over PDM Money in Gomba

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, has unearthed alarming irregularities in the management of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in Gomba District, triggering serious concerns that billions of shillings meant to uplift poor villagers may be diverted or poorly handled.

The shocking revelations emerged after local NRM leaders failed to clearly explain how PDM money is distributed at the grassroots. What was expected to be a straightforward briefing instead exposed deep-rooted problems of poor leadership, weak mobilization, and possible corruption.

The National Chairperson for Greater Mpigi, Daniel Mwesigye, candidly told President Museveni that many intended beneficiaries are not accessing the funds. He attributed this failure to poor community mobilization and leadership gaps. Mwesigye said that during the six months he has served in his position, he has personally observed numerous irregularities, describing the situation as worrying and unacceptable for a program designed to fight poverty.

Adding to the concerns, NRM Gomba District Chairperson Geoffrey Kiviiri admitted that about Shs17 billion has already been disbursed through SACCO accounts to beneficiaries across the district. However, he acknowledged that many residents are still left out. Gomba District has nine sub-counties, yet some large areas have only a small number of beneficiaries. In several parishes, only about 100 people out of a possible 400 are accessing PDM funds, despite the program’s intention to benefit every household.

After listening attentively to the leaders and residents, President Museveni quickly concluded that something was seriously wrong. He immediately ordered a special investigation into the disbursement and management of PDM funds in Gomba District to establish where the money is going, how it is being used, and who should be held accountable.

The directive followed Museveni’s meeting with supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) at his country home in Kisozi. During the interaction, residents openly raised issues of corruption, weak leadership, and persistent economic hardships affecting their daily lives. Their candid testimonies reinforced the President’s concerns about the implementation of government programs at the local level.

President Museveni observed that many beneficiaries of government initiatives fear to speak out when leaders misuse public funds. He warned that such silence only gives room for corruption to flourish, ultimately hurting ordinary citizens who rely on these programs to improve their livelihoods.

Later, while addressing a massive rally at Nsambwe Primary School playgrounds in Gomba District, the President urged residents to actively monitor PDM and other government programs. He encouraged them to attend parish and committee meetings, demand accountability from leaders, and decisively remove corrupt officials wherever evidence of wrongdoing is found.

Museveni described the Parish Development Model as an “inheritance” given to citizens by the NRM government. He emphasized that the funds must be jealously protected so that families can invest in income-generating activities and build sustainable wealth. He also issued a stern warning to elected leaders and Resident District Commissioners in Gomba District, demanding explanations for their failure to curb corruption and mismanagement.

Turning to agriculture, the President advised cattle keepers to abandon free-range grazing and instead adopt zero-grazing methods to boost productivity and incomes. He cited examples of successful farmers who have embraced modern farming practices and are already reaping higher returns.

On infrastructure development, Museveni pledged to expand tarmac road networks in the area during his next term in office. He specifically mentioned key roads such as Kifampa–Bugomola–Kyamulibwa–Villa Maria and Kanoni–Manyi–Mityana–Ssekanyonyi–Busunju, saying improved roads would ease transport and stimulate local economic growth.

The President also criticized opposition legislators for failing to understand the government’s step-by-step development strategy. He argued that this misunderstanding has slowed service delivery in some areas and urged residents to continue trusting the NRM’s long-term development plan.

On matters of security, Museveni issued a firm warning to individuals planning to cause disorder, stressing that Uganda’s peace and stability will not be compromised. He reaffirmed that unity and non-sectarian politics remain the cornerstone of national peace.

He further outlined the NRM’s broader plan to create jobs through commercial agriculture, manufacturing, service industries, and skills development, saying these sectors are key to transforming Uganda’s economy.

Meanwhile, First National Vice Chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo cautioned NRM supporters against backing independent candidates, noting that such actions confuse party members and weaken unity. Second National Vice Chairperson Anita Among warned leaders to stop internal conflicts, saying infighting undermines service delivery. NRM Buganda Vice Chairperson Haruna Kasoro raised concerns over escalating land disputes in Gomba District and promised to pursue lasting solutions.