The Deputy Director General of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Colonel Emmy Katabazi, announced that the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM) seeks to eliminate the peasant class and poverty in Uganda.
He shared these remarks on December 4, 2024,during a lecture for officers at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi.
Col Katabazi emphasized that the PDM aims to lift Ugandans out of poverty and improve their living conditions.
“The Parish Development Model is designed to get Ugandans out of poverty. It is encouraging to see that people are embracing this program and are determined to develop,” he stated.
The program aims to support 30 youths for every 100 people in each parish. Additionally, he reiterated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s directive regarding the punishment for district officials who steal PDM funds: such individuals will not be granted bail, must serve time in prison, and are required to repay the stolen money.
Col Katabazi also raised concerns about environmental issues related to eucalyptus trees. He mentioned that planting these trees in wetlands is harmful, as they dry up these areas by using a large amount of water.
“The major problem in Kigezi is not the swamps but the eucalyptus trees. They can release up to 200 liters of water into the air each day. That’s why you won’t see eucalyptus trees planted in the UK,” he explained, highlighting the negative impact of these trees on the local environment.
The Parish Development Model is part of the government’s efforts to improve service delivery and livelihoods for rural communities in Uganda.
