President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged leaders to focus on wealth creation as a key driver for lifting Ugandans out of poverty.
Addressing leaders in the Busoga sub-region at Mayuge District Playground, Mayuge District on Thursday, 23rd January 2025, the President emphasised that prioritising household incomes is critical to transforming lives even amidst infrastructure development challenges.
This meeting was part of President Museveni’s ongoing 4-day wealth creation and Parish Development Model (PDM) performance assessment tour in the Busoga sub-region.
“You, the leaders, should emphasise wealth creation because it will reach every home. We, the freedom fighters, have ensured peace. So, even if there are infrastructural issues, you already have peace. Start preaching about household incomes, because this is what I did in the cattle corridor, and it worked,” he emphasised.
“To make our people get out of poverty, putting them in other issues is not correct. Focus on wealth creation. Once you deal with wealth creation in every home, other developments will follow.”
He further drew a parallel between his advice and biblical teachings.
“Right from the 1960s, we have been guiding you on this path. As Jesus said, ‘Seek first the kingdom of heaven, and the rest shall be added unto you.’ Similarly, seek first homestead incomes, and the rest of roads, infrastructure, and other developments will follow.”
He reflected on Uganda’s progress, highlighting efforts such as Entandikwa, NAADS, and Operation Wealth Creation.
“In 2013, 32% of Ugandans were in the money economy, while 68% were outside it. We involved the army, under Operation Wealth Creation, which pushed the figure to 65%. However, we now face challenges in sustaining this momentum. This is why I appeal to you the leaders to talk about wealth and jobs first and foremost, after peace,” he said.
Practical Examples of Success:
President Museveni also cited practical examples of individuals who have achieved success through government programs.
“Take the case of Mukasa in Luuka District, he had nothing but received Shs 1m. He didn’t even own land, he hired it from a neighbor and grew passion fruits. From one harvest, he earned Shs 600,000 and can now harvest four times a year. He has since bought two boats and started growing onions and vegetables. His transformation is a testimony to what household income generation can do,” the President shared.
“Another example was Kazibwe from here in Jinja, a former science teacher who leveraged a cow from the NAADS program to build a thriving farm. Kazibwe now sells 80 litres of milk a day. He has coffee and cocoa plantations, and all his children are university graduates. He has even purchased a 40-acre farm,” President Museveni revealed.
President Museveni thus reiterated that Uganda’s progress depends on empowering households to generate income.
“The big problem you have is that there are so many things to do. But if you don’t prioritise homes, you will not progress. Homestead incomes must come first. Once all homesteads have income, everything else will fall into place.”
On her part, the Vice President of Uganda, H.E Jessica Alupo, expressed gratitude to the people of Busoga for their warm welcome to the President during his wealth creation tour in the region.
She emphasised the importance of the tours, held under the theme “Securing Your Future Through Wealth Creation and Shared Prosperity.”
“Our people in Busoga have already embraced the programmes articulated during these tours,” the Vice President remarked, highlighting the region’s progress in implementing key initiatives aimed at fostering economic empowerment and prosperity.
Capt. Mike Mukula, the Vice Chairperson of NRM- Eastern Region, also commended President Museveni for his tireless efforts in transforming Uganda into a peaceful and progressive nation.
“You have worked so hard to transform this country. Uganda is now peaceful, from the north to the south, and from the east to the west. This peace is even expanding to our neighbouring countries,” Capt. Mukula said.
The meeting was also attended by Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, the Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, the State Minister for Investment and Privatisation, Hon Evelyn Anite, Ms. Jane Barekye, the State House Comptroller, Hon. Richard Todwong, the Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement, NRM CEC members, Members of Parliament, Resident District Commissioners, religious leaders, among others.
