President Yoweri Museveni has directed the National Coordinator of the Parish Development Model (PDM), Dennis Galabuzi Ssozi, to investigate alleged misuse and mismanagement of PDM funds in Mukono District following complaints from residents.

The directive came after members of the public raised concerns that funds meant to support household income-generating activities were being diverted by some local leaders. The complaints emerged shortly after Museveni reiterated that government had already released PDM money to parishes to promote homestead-based wealth creation.

While addressing a public rally at Naggalama in Mukono, the President invited residents with evidence of corruption and irregularities to speak out. Fred Mulika, a resident of Nakifuma, told the President that some parish-level PDM officials demand bribes before including beneficiaries on programme lists, a practice he said has discouraged many households from participating.

In response, Museveni acknowledged that although PDM funds are reaching villages, some individuals entrusted with managing the programme are interfering with their proper use. He also placed part of the responsibility on voters, arguing that poor leadership choices undermine service delivery.

“You are the ones who elect your local leaders. Take more interest in the people you choose,” Museveni said while addressing the rally. He added that government would verify whether parish SACCO committees handling PDM funds were lawfully elected and accountable to the communities they serve.

Museveni tasked PDM Coordinator Dennis Galabuzi Ssozi to establish whether the committees managing the funds were duly constituted and operating transparently, warning that those found culpable would be dealt with according to the law.

Beyond the governance concerns, the President highlighted significant government investment in Mukono District across education, health, infrastructure, electricity, and water sectors. He said Mukono has 220 government-aided primary schools alongside 962 private ones, as well as 25 public secondary schools compared to 270 private secondary institutions.

In the health sector, Museveni noted that Mukono hosts a general hospital and 17 Health Centre IIIs. He said plans are underway to upgrade Kigogola and Kimenyedde Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs, and to improve infrastructure at Katosi and Namataba Health Centre IIIs to enhance service delivery.

On infrastructure, the President said several roads are being improved under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area–Urban Development Programme, including maintenance works along the Kampala–Jinja Highway and Katosi Road. He acknowledged the need for additional diversion routes to ease traffic congestion in Mukono and Kampala.

Museveni also outlined progress in electricity and water supply, citing the establishment of the Katosi Water Treatment Plant and mini solar-powered water projects in Kabembe, Kalagi, Nagojje, Banda, Mayangayanga, Misenyi, and Ntunda-Kyabazaala, with further expansion planned.

Mukono NRM Chairperson Hajji Haruna Ssemakula praised the President for upgrading Mukono General Hospital but appealed for further infrastructure improvements to enhance healthcare delivery. He also requested the establishment of a skilling hub in Mukono, noting that the Buganda Skilling Hub in Kayunga admits limited numbers, and urged government to revive the stalled Akon City project in the district.

Mukono North MP Ronald Kibuule called on government to diversify transport infrastructure by revitalising railway and water transport to reduce pressure from heavy commercial trucks on the Kampala–Jinja Highway. He said Lake Victoria presents an untapped opportunity to connect districts through water transport if more vessels are acquired.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among praised Museveni for promoting industrialisation, saying it has created employment opportunities for young people. She also observed that Mukono previously suffered from weak government representation after the ruling party lost parliamentary seats to the opposition.

Among further commended the President for authorising close to one billion shillings in medical treatment support for MP Betty Nambooze, despite what she described as persistent political attacks against him in the media.

NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja told residents that it would be difficult for the National Unity Platform to win the presidency, arguing that political success is weakened when a party fails to field candidates across all parliamentary positions. She said several opposition aspirants had withdrawn their candidatures in favour of NRM candidates, citing the ruling party’s numerical strength in Parliament and Cabinet as key to influencing development outcomes.

As the political tone intensified, State Minister Haruna Kasolo introduced NRM flag bearers in Mukono, after which President Museveni performed a symbolic handover of party flags. Museveni urged voters to support candidates he said would effectively represent government interests at all levels, particularly in monitoring public funds and ensuring accountability.