President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces (CIC), has issued a stern directive to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abbas Byakagaba. The President instructed that no police bond should be granted to individuals arrested for stealing Parish Development Model (PDM) properties such as cows, goats, hens, pigs, and other livestock.
According to sources inside State House, the President made this directive after receiving numerous complaints during his countrywide tours monitoring the progress of the PDM program. These complaints came directly from farmers who had fallen victim to rampant livestock thefts.
“Most of the PDM farmers whom the President has personally visited across the country have complained about the persistent theft of their animals by criminals. Police often arrest the suspects, only to release them later on bond after accepting bribes,” revealed a source who is part of the President’s entourage.
Farmers told the President that the suspects are sometimes released even after selling off the stolen animals, and no effort is made to recover them. One farmer in Fort Portal reportedly told the President, “Your Excellency, we get PDM money, buy animals, take care of them, then thieves come at night, break in and steal them. They later sell them cheaply. When we report to the police, the thieves are arrested but released on bond. We never recover our animals.”
Another distressed farmer added, “Mr. President, we repay the PDM loans but still lose our animals. This has pushed us back into poverty. We need your help, Mr. President.”
Angered by these reports, President Museveni immediately contacted the IGP and issued what sources say was a final warning regarding the theft of PDM animals. In response, the IGP reportedly instructed all District Police Commanders (DPCs), Regional Police Commanders (RPCs), and officers at sub-county level to tighten security around PDM projects and remain vigilant.
Recently, the State Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, also cautioned police officers during a pass-out ceremony at Kabalye. “Arrest petty thieves who interfere with PDM projects in the sub-counties where you are deployed,” he emphasized.
Police Spokesperson Kitumwa Rusoke, while addressing the media today at Naguru, confirmed the new directive. “There will be no police bond for anyone caught stealing PDM animals. When we arrest you, don’t expect to tell stories at the station. You will be taken straight to court to face justice,” he warned.
He further noted that police recently recovered stolen PDM bulls in the areas of Terego and Arua and impounded the vehicle used to transport them.
