President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the people of Rubirizi District for wisely utilising the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to improve their livelihoods.
“I want to thank the people of this area for making good use of the PDM money. We shall continue adding more funds every year. The money belongs to you through your Parish SACCO,” President Museveni stated during the launch of his performance assessment zonal tour on wealth creation and the PDM in Ankole subregion.
During his visit to the farm of Mrs. Tumusiime Desirata, a PDM beneficiary in Kizurugo Village, Rubirizi District, the President reiterated that he has been advocating for wealth creation since the 1960s. He emphasised that those who have heeded his message have reaped significant benefits.
“When we came into power from the bush, we picked up from where we had stopped. In our 1996 NRM Manifesto, we proposed that homes with at least four acres should allocate land strategically—one acre for coffee, another for fruit farming, a third for dairy pasture, and the fourth for food crops. Additionally, households could engage in poultry, piggery, or fish farming in their backyards,” he explained.
He further emphasised that the PDM was introduced to empower communities to manage funds at the parish level, ensuring productive and self-sustaining development.
Addressing Leadership and Development in Africa
President Museveni attributed Africa’s underdevelopment to poor leadership, likening politicians to medical doctors who must diagnose problems accurately to prescribe the right solutions.
“A politician is like a doctor; if he misdiagnoses the patient, he will prescribe the wrong treatment, which could be fatal. That is Africa’s challenge—bad leaders who offer poor advice and misguided solutions,” he remarked.
He also cautioned the people of Ankole against politics of identity-based on tribe and religion, urging them to focus on unity and development.
Support for PDM Beneficiaries
In support of her enterprise, President Museveni contributed UGX 10 million to Mrs. Tumusiime to expand her farm.
Mrs Tumusiime expressed gratitude, stating that since receiving UGX 1 million from the PDM fund in May 2023, she has invested in pig farming, which has since grown and diversified her income.
“All I have today, Your Excellency, is because of your support,” she said.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, commended the President for initiating several poverty alleviation programs, particularly the PDM, which has significantly improved the welfare of Ugandans. He highlighted that Ankole had greatly benefited from the program and urged leaders to personally supervise its implementation to ensure its success.
Visit to Sheema District
After Rubirizi, President Museveni proceeded to Karyango Cell, Kagongi Parish in Kyangyenyi Sub-county, Sheema District, where he toured Pamoja Mixed Farm, owned by Ms. Abenawe Honest Bamanyisha.
A retired civil servant, Ms. Abenawe began farming in 2016 with two acres dedicated to banana plantations and two heifers for milk production.
Over time, she expanded her farm to include a six-acre banana plantation, zero-grazing for 20 heifers, a coffee plantation, and fishponds. She now employs 30 workers.
Expressing gratitude for the President’s continuous advocacy for wealth creation, Ms. Abenawe encouraged Ugandans to embrace commercial farming to improve household incomes.
In recognition of her efforts, President Museveni pledged 10 heifers and a Canter truck to support her enterprise.
Infrastructure and Development Requests
Sheema North Member of Parliament, Hon. Naome Kibaaju, requested government intervention in tarmacking the Bwizibwera-Nyakambu-Kabwohe-Kitagata-Rukungiri road, upgrading Kitagata Hospital to a regional facility, and extending electricity to rural areas.
The events were attended by government ministers, Members of Parliament, and other key stakeholders.
