The Government of Uganda has stepped up efforts to protect public funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM), with Minister Balaam Barugahara issuing a strong warning to individuals who illegally benefited from the program. The minister has given those who extorted beneficiaries, misappropriated funds, or abused their positions to access PDM money a period of 21 days, equivalent to three weeks, to return the money.
According to the warning, anyone who took money from beneficiaries for personal gain must refund it within the given period. The directive also targets individuals who diverted PDM funds from their intended purpose and those who used their authority or influence to unlawfully access the money. Minister Balaam stressed that failure to return the funds within 21 days could result in legal action and prosecution.
The warning comes at a time when the government is increasing efforts to recover lost PDM funds and strengthen accountability in local governments. Authorities are concerned that misuse of the money undermines the goals of the Parish Development Model, which was created to improve household incomes and fight poverty across the country. Every shilling allocated to the program is intended to support ordinary Ugandans and promote economic development at the grassroots level.
Many citizens have welcomed the minister’s message, saying it demonstrates the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring that public resources benefit the people they are meant to serve. Others believe the move will act as a warning to those who may be tempted to misuse government programs in the future.
As the 21-day deadline approaches, individuals implicated in the misuse of PDM funds are being urged to comply with the directive and return the money. The government has made it clear that protecting PDM funds is a national priority and that those who violate the law will be held accountable. The message is simple and direct: the money belongs to the people, and it must be used for the purpose for which it was intended.
