Sheema – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer used his campaign rally in Sheema District on Tuesday to issue one of his strongest warnings yet to officials and individuals stealing Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, vowing to order arrests for all those implicated in embezzling money meant for the poorest households.
Speaking to thousands of supporters who packed Kabwohe Playground, Museveni said he had received reports that some intended beneficiaries had not received the mandatory Shs1m under the programme. He condemned the abuse of PDM funds as an attack on Uganda’s wealth-creation agenda.
“Those stealing PDM money will be arrested,” President Museveni warned, stressing that the programme is designed to uplift households still trapped in subsistence production.
Sheema District and Municipality have so far received Shs24.9 billion for the 74 parishes. Of this, Shs21.47 billion—85.9%—has reached 22,062 households, which represents only 37.8% of the total number of households.
The remaining 62.2% (36,312 households) have not yet benefited, partly due to mismanagement that the President vowed to crack down on.
Defending NRM’s legacy and pledging more development
Although the battle against corruption—especially in PDM—dominated his message, President Museveni also defended the NRM’s record on peace, unity, development, and wealth creation. He was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni.
He reminded supporters that peace enjoyed today is a product of NRM’s elimination of sectarian politics and establishment of a national, patriotic army. He recalled scenes from his PDM tours where Ugandans freely socialised late into the night in village centres.
“People were enjoying themselves at 9 pm, drinking and happy. That is what they call peace,” he said. “But unfortunately, many did not know where the peace came from. It came from the good leadership of the NRM.”
Museveni argued that prior to 1986, tribal and religious divisions had made Uganda ungovernable. He said the NRM’s unity agenda enabled long-term stability and solidified Uganda’s political landscape.
Infrastructure commitments: “Oil money will build your roads”
The President announced new infrastructure pledges for Sheema, revealing that oil revenues expected next year will fund major road upgrades. He said government will tarmac the road network from Buzibwera – Nyakambu – Busiika – Nyakashaka – Nyakabiriizi up to Kabwohe – Bugongi and Kitagata.
“These roads will be worked on in the next term of office because we shall have more money from the oil,” he assured.
He also highlighted improved electricity and water access in the district. Out of 619 villages, 487 (79%) have safe water sources, though 132 remain uncovered—gaps he pledged to close as resources grow.
Education and health services have expanded, with 133 government primary schools, 17 secondary schools, and health facilities in nearly all sub-counties. Museveni announced a new HCIII for Masheruka and possible consideration of a district hospital.
Museveni used the rally to clarify on the difference between public development and household wealth creation. He said roads, schools, and electricity constitute government-led development, while wealth must come from individuals through productive work.
“That’s why we told you to differentiate between development and wealth,” he said, urging Ugandans to use public infrastructure for commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT.
He showcased Ugandans who used small resources to build thriving enterprises—such as George Matongo of Nakaseke, who sells 900 litres of milk daily, and Johnson Basangwa, a poultry farmer earning Shs 20 million per day.
The President reaffirmed the 4-acre model and promised new crop-specific financing for tea, cocoa, and other commercial crops.
Jobs and skilling: Private sector as the job engine
Museveni emphasized that government jobs—about 480,000—are far fewer than private-sector opportunities. He cited industrial parks like Mbale as examples of high job concentration.
He praised Presidential Skilling Hubs for creating young entrepreneurs, giving testimonies of Ritah Nimusiima and Kakuru Polly from Sheema who now run successful tailoring and hairdressing businesses.
NRM leaders rally support
First Lady Maama Janet thanked residents for their strong support and urged them to turn out in large numbers to vote for President Museveni and all NRM candidates.
NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong described the rally as a “classroom,” saying the President was not just campaigning but teaching citizens about national transformation.
