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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today held an interactive session with journalists from the Tooro subregion at the State Lodge in Fort Portal. The discussion focused primarily on the Parish Development Model (PDM) and its role in transforming Uganda’s economy.

Describing himself as a “preacher of economic transformation,” President Museveni reiterated that the PDM is a strategic initiative aimed at eradicating poverty and improving household incomes. “I come as a preacher to spread the gospel and assess those who have chosen to live by it,” he said, emphasizing his continued advocacy for socio-economic development.

The President expressed concern over mismanagement of PDM funds and warned that those found guilty of misappropriating public resources should face the law. “Thieves of PDM should be jailed and serve as laborers—that way, they can still contribute to the government,” he asserted. He called upon journalists to play an active role in exposing any corruption related to the implementation of PDM.

During the engagement, journalists raised concerns about the lack of clarity and proper sensitization in the implementation of the program. One journalist noted that although the PDM was well-designed, beneficiaries were not initially guided on selecting viable enterprises for investment.

In response, President Museveni explained the original strategy, noting that the initial Shs 1 million allocation was based on coffee farming, where 250 seedlings per acre cost Shs 180,000—leaving the remainder for other inputs. However, to ensure inclusivity, the program later adopted a broader model involving four sectors with seven activities implemented on four acres or less. He emphasized that enterprise selection was guided by market availability and potential for high returns, key to achieving PDM’s poverty alleviation goals.

President Museveni urged journalists to support the cause of national development through responsible and patriotic reporting. He stressed the importance of aligning media efforts with the government’s agenda of mindset change and socio-economic transformation at the parish level.

To enhance transparency and accountability, the President proposed that journalists nominate one representative per district to be attached to the Presidential Press Unit (PPU) to monitor the progress of the PDM on the ground.

As a show of support, President Museveni donated Shs 100 million to the journalists’ SACCO and also contributed a van to ease their transport needs.

On a separate matter, the President addressed the ongoing land dispute in the Kyaka II Refugee Settlement in Kyegegwa District. He assured the journalists that the matter would be resolved through the issuance of land titles to the occupants. “They took government land, but we have decided to let them stay since the area is not environmentally sensitive. I will write to formalize it,” he said.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, who echoed the President’s call for media engagement in national development.