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President Museveni has directed Regional Police Commanders to deny bond to those accused of embezzling funds from government programs like PDM and Emyooga, emphasizing strict consequences for corruption.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has instructed Regional Police Commanders (RPCs) to deny police bond to individuals accused of embezzling funds from the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programs.

Speaking at Kumi Municipal Grounds during a wealth creation assessment tour in the Teso Subregion, President Museveni condemned the misuse of funds intended to uplift rural communities. “I have received reports from the Internal Security Organization (ISO) about individuals misappropriating PDM funds. Some have been arrested but subsequently released on police bonds. Going forward, no police bonds should be granted to those implicated in stealing PDM or Emyooga funds. If you issue a bond, I will ‘bond’ you myself,” he warned.

The President underscored the necessity for strict consequences to deter corruption. “Refunding stolen money is insufficient. You must both refund the funds and face imprisonment. This money was not given to you as a gift,” he stated firmly.

Additionally, President Museveni criticized banks for deducting charges from PDM funds before they reach the beneficiaries, directing the Ministry of Finance to absorb all such costs. “Beneficiaries must receive their full entitlement without deductions,” he emphasized.

On the subject of environmental conservation, President Museveni urged communities to replace rice farming in wetlands with fish farming, noting its higher income potential and environmental benefits. He highlighted the success of the Limoto Wetland Restoration Center in Pallisa, where families earn more from fish farming than rice cultivation.

Vice President Jessica Alupo praised the President’s leadership, describing his regional tours as pivotal in mobilizing Ugandans toward economic transformation. “Through PDM and similar initiatives, many Ugandans are integrating into the money economy,” she said.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among commended President Museveni for his commitment to accountability in poverty alleviation programs and advocated for the establishment of livestock breeding centers in Teso to enhance agricultural productivity.

Other leaders, including Capt. Mike Mukula and several ministers, lauded President Museveni’s transformative leadership. Capt. Mukula credited the President with restoring peace in Teso, facilitating the success of development initiatives.

The Teso visit forms part of a broader effort to ensure the effectiveness of government programs focused on economic empowerment and poverty alleviation throughout Uganda.