President Yoweri Museveni has stressed the vital role of Local Council (LC) leaders in overseeing government programs, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM), during a meeting with journalists from the Bukedi sub-region at the Mbale State Lodge.
In his address, the president underscored the importance of grassroots accountability and reminded Ugandans that local leaders are entrusted with serving the people’s interests, ensuring the effective use of government funds.
Museveni, who is currently on a performance assessment tour of the PDM in Bukedi, urged local leaders to remain vigilant in monitoring the proper implementation of these initiatives.
Addressing concerns about the misappropriation of PDM funds, the president emphasized that such issues could be minimized if communities chose leaders who are committed to transparency and accountability.
He pointed out that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government established the LC system to empower communities to elect representatives focused on local needs, contrasting this with relying solely on public service officials who may not have strong local ties.
Museveni specifically called on LC3 and LC5 chairpersons to take an active role in safeguarding government resources.
The president also addressed environmental challenges in the region, particularly the encroachment on wetlands. Acknowledging that some residents may have been misled into farming in wetland areas, Museveni announced that the government would compensate affected communities. Those resettled along the edges of swamps will be encouraged to shift from rice farming to fish farming, a practice that preserves wetland ecosystems and supports sustainable water use through irrigation.
The president expressed confidence that this new approach would both restore wetlands and enhance local livelihoods.
Furthermore, Museveni called on cultural leaders to respect the boundaries of their roles and avoid interference in government affairs, warning that such actions could create conflicts between cultural institutions and the state.
Looking ahead, the president promised to increase funding for the PDM as tax revenue rises, ensuring more communities can access economic opportunities.
He also highlighted several success stories from PDM beneficiaries and emphasized the need for greater media coverage to inspire other communities by showcasing these achievements.
