During the 39th Liberation Day celebrations in Mubende District, President Yoweri Museveni issued a directive to banks, instructing them to stop deducting charges from the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds. He emphasized that beneficiaries must receive the full Shs1 million allocated to them without any deductions.
The President expressed his dissatisfaction upon learning that banks were deducting a portion of the funds intended for Ugandans. Tasking Mubende’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Peter Ruhweeza, to account for PDM utilization, Museveni sought clarity on whether beneficiaries had received their full entitlements.
“The government has invested heavily in boosting the economy through the Parish Development Model. I want an explanation as to why our people are not receiving the full amount,” the President demanded.
Ruhweeza reported that Mubende District had received Shs16.4 billion, which had been transferred to Parish SACCOs for distribution. However, he admitted that banks were deducting funds, although he did not disclose the exact figures.
When the PDM focal person for Mubende, Fred Kisaakye, was called upon to provide details, he revealed that banks were deducting Shs4,000 per transaction under an initiative labeled “WEENDI.” This left beneficiaries with Shs996,000 instead of the full Shs1 million.
This explanation angered locals, who accused officials of dishonesty. In response, President Museveni ordered an immediate investigation into the matter, directing his security team to record complaints from the public.
“These deductions are illegal, and I want them stopped immediately. The government will cover any charges so that beneficiaries receive their full amount,” Museveni asserted, drawing cheers from the crowd.
The President reassured residents that he remains committed to improving their livelihoods, promising to return to Mubende to provide further guidance on poverty eradication.
The Parish Development Model, designed to empower Ugandans economically, is central to the government’s efforts to transform rural communities. President Museveni’s firm stance on ensuring its full implementation underscores his dedication to addressing grassroots concerns.
As investigations continue, the directive to halt deductions is expected to restore confidence in the program, ensuring that funds reach the intended beneficiaries without interference.
