Africa-Press – Uganda. President Museveni has warned beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) against misusing funds, cautioning that those found guilty will face 10 months in prison and be required to repay the money through labor.
Speaking during a meeting with journalists at his residence in Rwakitura, Kiruhura District, on Friday, Museveni criticized individuals who divert PDM funds for personal use, such as drinking in bars.
“Drinking PDM money is wrong. We will arrest them and take them to government prisons, where they will work without pay until the lost funds are recovered through labor,” Museveni said.
The president emphasized that government funds must be accounted for, warning that misuse would not be tolerated. “You can’t take government money, drink it, and expect to go unpunished. You will pay through labor. A dog that steals pays with its back,” he added.
Museveni further revealed that Cabinet would soon finalize a decision requiring offenders to serve 10 months of labor in prison gardens to compensate for the misused Shs 1M.
“After being arrested, they will have to work for 10 months, after which they can return home,” he stated.
During the meeting, journalists raised concerns over fraudulent activities within the PDM program, including reports that some beneficiaries were receiving only half of the intended Shs 1M. In response, Museveni directed his team to investigate the claims.
“Issuing half of the PDM money instead of the full amount is wrong. If there was a misunderstanding, we can clarify, but if it was deliberate fraud, that is a different case,” he said.
He also called on the media to play a role in educating the public about the program and assured that those involved in PDM fraud would face serious consequences.
“The media should help us educate the people that they shouldn’t fear. Those committees are powerless. As for PDM fraudsters, I will write an executive order denying them police bond after arrest,” Museveni warned.
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