President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on journalists across the country to take a frontline role in defending the Parish Development Model (PDM) and holding accountable those misusing the program meant to uplift the poor.
Speaking during a meeting with journalists from the Greater Mubende sub-region at State Lodge–Mubende, the President said the media must act as both educators and watchdogs in the implementation of the PDM.
“We brought PDM money to help the poor. How do leaders come in and take it? You must defend your people’s money. Use your media platforms to expose those who are not serving,” the President said, challenging the journalists to shine a spotlight on corruption at the grassroots.
The meeting was part of the President’s ongoing assessment tour of the PDM in Greater Mubende, which began on April 15.
Museveni emphasized that journalists must help the public understand how the PDM is supposed to work and sensitize them on the dangers of mismanagement.
“You journalists should explain how this program is supposed to work. Mobilize the people, expose the corrupt. This is your role in protecting national development,” he said.
The President also urged journalists to help citizens make informed electoral choices.
“Tell the people that some of these problems come from voting in the wrong leaders,” he added, pointing to reports that some parish chiefs and local officials were interfering with fund disbursement processes meant to be handled strictly through SACCOS.
The Parish Development Model is the government’s flagship program aimed at transitioning subsistence households into the money economy by channeling resources directly to community-level SACCOS.
President Museveni reiterated that the PDM is a tool for economic transformation and urged the media to protect it from sabotage and misuse.
“You are not just reporters. You are nation-builders. Help the people understand their rights and how this money is supposed to benefit them,” he concluded.
