Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday, July 20, 2025, pledged over Shs160 million to Kampala-based journalists and urged the media fraternity to use their platforms to champion the success of the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other national development programmes aimed at fighting poverty.
The President made the remarks while meeting journalists at State Lodge Nakasero in a special engagement focused on the progress of the PDM, the welfare of media practitioners, and ongoing government efforts to drive Uganda’s transformation through wealth creation.
Of the Shs160m, Museveni donated Shs100 million to the Kampala Journalists SACCO, an additional Shs60 million to support land acquisition for the group’s development, and offered a transport van to ease the journalists’ logistical challenges.
He praised the media’s role in shaping public awareness, encouraging journalists to amplify the government’s message on PDM and its impact on ordinary Ugandans transitioning from subsistence to the money economy.
“The Parish Development Model has succeeded where others failed because funds are sent directly to the beneficiaries’ accounts, eliminating corruption and leakages,” Museveni said, adding that media houses have a duty to sensitize Ugandans and hold leaders accountable for effective implementation.
Museveni expressed concern that some local leaders had sidelined journalists in efforts to popularize government initiatives, warning that such negligence undermines the success of programmes like PDM.
He further directed the inclusion of Kampala’s informal sector, including street vendors and micro-business operators, under the PDM commerce category provided they possess valid National IDs. He emphasized that PDM is a tool for socioeconomic empowerment designed to fund viable business ideas without discrimination over land tenure.
On land reform, Museveni reiterated his government’s commitment to resolving long-standing disputes through accelerated compensation of Mailo landowners, especially in Buganda, to secure tenants’ rights.
The President also tasked NRM flag bearers in Kampala and a presidential audit team to intensify monitoring of PDM funds, warning that some committees continue to underreport allocations and beneficiaries.
On taxation concerns, Museveni clarified that higher levies are only targeted at luxury goods and imports to protect Uganda’s domestic industries, a policy he said has stabilized the local currency.
Museveni announced plans to boost PDM allocations for Kampala’s informal sector, including Shs1 billion per SACCO for ghetto-based groups, and pledged to push Cabinet to increase funding for urban communities.
Journalists thanked the President for his continued support towards the media’s welfare and for recognizing their role in advancing the government’s poverty alleviation agenda.
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