President Yoweri Museveni has pledged over Shs160 million to Kampala-based journalists, urging the media to play a frontline role in mobilizing Ugandans around the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other government-led anti-poverty programmes.
Speaking on Sunday, July 20, 2025, during a special meeting with journalists at State Lodge Nakasero, Museveni emphasized the need for stronger media involvement in shaping public understanding of national development strategies.
The President committed Shs100 million to the Kampala Journalists SACCO, an additional Shs60 million to support land acquisition for their development agenda, and offered a transport van to ease fieldwork and logistical challenges.
Museveni commended the press for its influence in shaping public discourse and challenged journalists to use their platforms to highlight the successes of PDM, especially in helping Ugandans move from subsistence to the money economy.
“The Parish Development Model has succeeded where others failed because funds are sent directly to the beneficiaries’ accounts, eliminating corruption and leakages,” Museveni said. He added that media houses have a civic duty to educate Ugandans and hold leaders accountable for proper implementation.
He expressed concern that some local leaders were excluding journalists from government mobilization efforts, a move he warned could sabotage public understanding and support for key programmes like PDM.
Expanding on PDM’s scope, Museveni directed that Kampala’s informal sector — including street vendors and micro-businesses — be included under the commerce category, provided participants possess valid National IDs.
He also reaffirmed government commitment to resolving Uganda’s land challenges, particularly the Mailo system in Buganda. He said expedited compensation for Mailo landowners would help secure tenant rights.
On accountability, Museveni ordered NRM flag bearers in Kampala and a presidential audit team to increase oversight of PDM funds, revealing that some committees continue to underreport disbursements and beneficiaries.
Addressing taxation concerns, Museveni reassured the public that recent tax hikes are targeted only at luxury goods and imports, saying this approach was protecting local industries and strengthening the shilling.
The President further revealed that ghetto-based groups in Kampala will soon receive Shs1 billion per SACCO under an expanded PDM initiative. He promised to rally Cabinet to increase funding for informal and urban communities.
Journalists in attendance applauded the President for the financial support and for recognizing their role in advancing Uganda’s transformation agenda through information dissemination and public engagement.
