Journalists Should Defend PDM, Says Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni has urged journalists to actively promote East African integration and support the Parish Development Model (PDM), emphasizing the critical role of the media in shaping public opinion and advancing national and regional development.

Speaking to journalists from Greater Mubende at the State Lodge in Mubende, the President stressed that media professionals should use their platforms to champion unity and socio-economic growth across East Africa.

The meeting was part of Museveni’s ongoing assessment tour of the PDM program in the region, which began on April 15.

“You journalists must be at the forefront of promoting regional integration,” Museveni said.

“Use radio and other media to educate the public. Those who still cling to regional identities like Buganda or Ankole are missing the bigger picture—Uganda alone is too small.” Museveni added.

He cited his personal experience as a cattle farmer from Ankole, noting that demand for his products comes from other parts of the country, especially urban centers like Kampala, not from fellow cattle keepers in his region.

“Our internal market is limited. That’s why regional integration is not just an economic necessity but also a political strategy. A larger East African market means better opportunities and higher returns,” he added.

On the topic of the Parish Development Model, President Museveni called on journalists to take on the role of watchdogs—educating the public, monitoring implementation, and exposing corruption.

“We introduced the PDM to uplift the poor. If leaders are diverting these funds, journalists must speak up. Use your platforms to expose wrongdoers and remind the people that poor leadership choices have consequences,” he said.

He emphasized that PDM funds are meant to move from the Ministry of Finance to banks, then directly to SACCOs, not through parish chiefs, who should only assist with mobilization.

“Explain to the public how the PDM works, expose the misuse of funds, and rally communities to hold corrupt individuals accountable,” Museveni urged.

Addressing economic concerns, the President noted that falling maize prices can only be resolved through long-term solutions such as value addition, subsidies, and regional trade.

“The maize price drop won’t be fixed overnight. We must add value—turn cassava into flour or ethanol. If Kenya weren’t restricting our maize, we’d have the demand. That’s another reason East African integration is vital,” he said.

Museveni also encouraged journalists to embrace the National Resistance Movement’s core pillars: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy.

“Your work isn’t just to report—it’s to build the nation. Love Uganda. Love Africa. Use your voice to uplift the people,” he added.

Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for ICT and National Guidance, provided clarity on the structure behind PDM’s implementation, underscoring the need for transparency and local ownership.

He said the PDM is governed by two key committees:

The SACCO Committee, made up of five elected community members, selects the beneficiaries.

The Parish Development Committee, chaired by the LC2 chairperson and including leaders from the Women and Youth councils, provides oversight.

Dr. Baryomunsi explained that funds are transferred directly to SACCO bank accounts, and only the designated signatories from the SACCO Committee can access the money.