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President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to police officers against granting bail to individuals accused of stealing livestock or misusing funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM). He stated that any officer found doing so risks dismissal from the force.

Speaking on May 12, 2025, during his visit to St. Peter’s Church of Uganda in Kasese Municipality, the President emphasized that colluding with such suspects amounts to sabotaging government programs. This visit marked the beginning of his tour of the Rwenzori sub-region to assess the on-ground impact of PDM.

“I banned the granting of bail to these suspects. Any Police officer who does so will be arrested,” Museveni warned, adding that such officers should be reported through their MPs to higher authorities, including the Prime Minister and Vice President.

“Once reported, both the officer and their District Police Commander will be arrested and dismissed. There are many Ugandans eager to serve—replacing them won’t be hard,” he stressed.

Support for Beneficiaries

The President made the remarks while visiting a poultry project run by Billa Peluce Muyinga, a visually impaired 65-year-old woman from Kizungu Cell, Kasese Municipality. Muyinga shared that the PDM’s sh1 million funding enabled her to start a poultry business, ending her dependence on begging. She initially purchased 200 chicks and, after success, increased to 250 in the second round.

Touched by her progress, President Museveni donated an additional sh20 million to support her business. However, Muyinga mentioned that she still struggles to afford specialised eye treatment at Mulago Hospital.

Kasese District Chairperson Erifaz Muhindi pledged to implement the President’s directive and ensure those misusing PDM funds face justice.

Calling on Religious and Cultural Leaders

While in Ntoroko District, Museveni challenged religious and cultural leaders to play a more active role in fighting poverty. He visited another PDM beneficiary, Steven Kisembo, 34, who expanded his livestock from four to 18 goats through the initiative.

According to the Presidential Press Unit, the President urged leaders to offer practical economic guidance alongside spiritual and cultural teachings.

“How can you be a leader and fail to guide your people on livelihoods?” he asked. “Poverty in a resource-rich country is a leadership failure—not just political but also spiritual and traditional.”

NRM’s Practical Approach

President Museveni reaffirmed that the NRM’s development message is based on experience, not theory. Recalling how he helped modernize agriculture in Ankole in the 1960s, he highlighted the Four-Acre Model introduced in 1996. This approach dedicates one acre each to coffee, fruits, pasture for livestock, and food crops.

“This model is sustainable, and we’ve supported it through initiatives like Entandikwa,” he explained.

Leadership as a Divine Duty

Describing his leadership as a divine calling, Museveni said, “I work for God. He entrusted me with this role, and I must use it to help the people, or else face His punishment.”

He urged local leaders to intensify PDM monitoring, promising that more support would be provided to boost the program’s effectiveness.

At the end of his visit, Museveni donated sh10 million to Kisembo to help him buy land and expand his goat project. Kisembo thanked the President, stating that PDM had significantly improved the livelihoods of many Ugandans.