By Our Reporter
President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to Uganda Police Force (UPF) officers over the handling of suspects involved in the mismanagement of the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
While addressing officials during a recent engagement, Museveni made it clear that no officer should grant bail to individuals accused of stealing or misusing PDM resources.
“I will arrest any Police officer giving the suspected PDM thieves bail because I banned it,” Museveni declared, emphasizing that the PDM is a flagship program meant to uplift millions of Ugandans out of poverty, and anyone sabotaging it must face the full force of the law.
The Parish Development Model is a government initiative aimed at empowering households at the parish level through financial and agricultural support.
However, reports of mismanagement and embezzlement have emerged from various districts, raising public concern and threatening the credibility of the program.
Museveni’s statement reflects his growing frustration with the slow pace of justice and the perceived leniency shown to suspects involved in high-profile corruption cases.
By banning bail for suspected PDM fund thieves, the president is seeking to send a strong message against impunity within public institutions.
Legal experts, however, have raised concerns about the president’s directive, noting that the right to bail is protected under Uganda’s Constitution. Human rights advocates caution that bypassing judicial independence may set a dangerous precedent.
Nonetheless, Museveni has maintained a firm stance, arguing that national development programs cannot be undermined by a few corrupt individuals, especially those entrusted with public funds.
His comments have placed police officers and judicial actors under intense scrutiny, as the government intensifies its crackdown on corruption in the PDM and beyond.
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