By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party presidential candidate, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, is considering the establishment of an independent Youth Parish Wealth Fund, separate from the Parish Development Model (PDM), following concerns raised by young people over access to PDM resources.
The proposal follows complaints from youths who say they face stiff competition with other beneficiary groups under the current PDM framework, limiting their share of the funds. Gen. Museveni said the NRM government’s wealth creation programs are intended to benefit all youths at the parish level and noted that adjustments to the administration of the PDM are being considered in his next term of office.
He made the remarks while addressing an NRM presidential campaign rally in Kawempe Division, Kampala Capital City.
During the same rally, Gen. Museveni directed the PDM Secretariat and the Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, to review the election of contested PDM committee leaders in Kawempe Division and take appropriate action. The directive includes apprehending committee members accused of stealing PDM funds, dismissing irregularly elected leaders, and addressing complaints related to the operationalization of the PDM in the area.
Gen. Museveni acknowledged that while the PDM initiative has registered notable success stories across the country, gaps in its administration must be addressed to ensure its full effectiveness.
He further guided youths and residents of Kawempe Division to tap into wealth and job opportunities in agricultural value chains, manufacturing, artisanship, and the services sector. The NRM presidential candidate highlighted several success stories as examples for aspiring wealth creators, emphasizing proper enterprise selection, including peri-urban agriculture, as a viable pathway to economic empowerment.
The First Lady, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni, urged youths in Kawempe Division to play an active role in shaping Uganda’s future by engaging in constructive and productive activities. She reminded them of the progress made under the NRM government and rallied voters to support NRM flag bearers at all levels to ensure continued service delivery, socio-economic transformation, and development.
NRM First National Vice Chairperson, Alhaji Moses Kigongo, called on party cadres in Kawempe Division to intensify grassroots mobilization to secure victory for all NRM candidates in the forthcoming general elections.
Meanwhile, the NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Anita Among, highlighted several planned and ongoing development initiatives for Kawempe Division, particularly in health services and road infrastructure, among other sectors.
