President Museveni Begins PDM Assessment Tour in Ankole, Calls for Action Against Extortionists

Rubirizi, Uganda | February 25, 2025 — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commenced his assessment tour of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in the Ankole sub-region, aiming to evaluate the impact of the initiative in transforming rural livelihoods. The President’s first stop was in Rubirizi District, where he visited Mrs. Deziranta Tumusiime, a 64-year-old farmer whose success story exemplifies the effectiveness of PDM in fighting poverty.

Mrs. Tumusiime, a PDM beneficiary, received UGX 1 million in 2023, which she invested in piggery and goat rearing. Today, her farm’s net worth has grown beyond UGX 5 million, showcasing the power of strategic investment in agriculture. President Museveni commended her progress, recalling how, in 2008, all 2,500 homes in the area were in poverty, except for one man called Kateeba. However, he noted that PDM is making a difference, with more farmers steadily improving their livelihoods.

"It is good to see that people have woken up. In the 1960s, only 10% of the population participated in the money economy, while 90% remained asleep. Now, 68% are engaged in the money economy," President Museveni remarked.

Scenic Stop in Bushenyi District

On his way to Sheema District, the President made a brief stop at a viewing point in Bushenyi District to appreciate the Maramagambo Impenetrable Forest, one of the largest forests in Eastern Africa. The forest, located on the northern boundary of Queen Elizabeth National Park, is a vital ecological hub supporting Uganda’s biodiversity.

Visit to Ibanda District

The day's activities concluded in Ibanda District, where the President visited Mrs. Ahimbisibwe Harriet, another farmer benefiting from the PDM. He lauded the progress being made under the program and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that all Ugandans fully embrace commercial agriculture as a pathway out of poverty.

Crackdown on PDM Extortionists

While celebrating the gains of the PDM, President Museveni issued a stern warning against cases of extortion in the disbursement of PDM funds. He instructed leaders to investigate and apprehend individuals who are illegally taking money meant to uplift rural farmers.

"The leaders should investigate the cases of extortion of PDM money. We shall definitely lock up the thieves," he warned.

The PDM, launched in 2022, is the government’s flagship wealth creation program, targeting households still engaged in subsistence farming. It provides low-interest funding to rural farmers to boost commercial agriculture and drive Uganda towards a middle-income status.

As the PDM assessment tour continues across Ankole, President Museveni is expected to engage more beneficiaries and stakeholders to reinforce the government’s commitment to eliminating poverty and ensuring the program’s funds are utilized effectively.