President Yoweri Museveni has tasked leaders across the country with actively monitoring government wealth creation programmes and ensure that wananchi fully benefit from funds meant to eradicate poverty and create jobs.
The President made the remarks on Monday during the First Sitting of the First Session of the 12th Parliament, where legislators overwhelmingly elected Jacob Oboth Oboth as Speaker and Thomas Tayebwa as Deputy Speaker.
Addressing Members of Parliament shortly after the elections, President Museveni said the government has over the years introduced several programmes aimed at uplifting ordinary Ugandans from poverty, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and Operation Wealth Creation.
The President noted that every parish currently has access to at least sh800 million in revolving low-cost capital under the PDM programme and warned leaders against neglecting such initiatives.
“I will be very tough on leaders who want titles but do not want to help the people they lead. The money is already on the ground. Every leader must go back and monitor what is happening in the parishes and wards,” Museveni said.
He explained that the government plans to increase annual PDM allocations from sh100 million to sh200 million per parish, which he said will significantly boost household incomes if properly supervised.
President Museveni cited several testimonies from beneficiaries who have transformed their lives through PDM support, including women who had never owned property or handled substantial amounts of money before accessing the funds.
He emphasized that wealth creation remains the surest path to job creation and socio-economic transformation.
“When I see our young people going abroad to look for jobs yet Uganda has fertile land, good weather and opportunities, I know we must intensify implementation of these programmes,” he said.
The President also warned against corruption and diversion of government funds meant for infrastructure and community development projects.
In his acceptance speech, Speaker Oboth pledged to lead a transparent, accountable and corruption-free Parliament.
“Parliament must lead by example. Every Bill, motion and decision must respond directly to the needs of ordinary Ugandans,” Oboth said.
He also promised to strengthen Parliament’s oversight role and foster cooperation with the media to enhance public trust in the institution.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa thanked President Museveni, the NRM leadership and Members of Parliament for the confidence placed in him, pledging to continue supporting the legislative agenda of the ruling National Resistance Movement government.
The President further urged Ugandans to remain vigilant against Ebola by avoiding unnecessary handshakes and physical contact as the country continues monitoring the regional health situation.
Chief Justice Flavian Zeija presided over the ceremony which was also attended by NRM secretariat top leaders and the party Electoral Commission officials.