President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Sunday addressed a public rally at Sembabule Playground in Sembabule Town Council, Sembabule District, where he emphasised the urgent need for irrigation, pasture planting, and modern farming practices to boost agricultural productivity and stabilise markets.
Highlighting the importance of drought preparedness, President Museveni urged farmers to adopt irrigation and pasture planting to ensure year-round milk and food production.
“We must irrigate and plant pasture for our animals to survive the dry seasons. That way, Uganda will have a reliable supply of milk, coffee, and other products both locally and internationally,” he said.
For farmers with small land holdings, the President recommended the Four-Acre Model: “Use one acre for coffee, one for fruits, one for pasture, and one for food crops for your home,” he advised. “If you use your land properly, you can become rich even with a small piece. Those with bigger land can engage in extensive agriculture.”
President Museveni also commended Mawogola North MP, Hon. Shartsi Musherure Kutesa, for promoting the message of wealth creation among her constituents.
“That is what true leadership is about,” he said. “Not just politicking or giving voters handouts, but teaching them how to create lasting wealth.”
He expressed satisfaction at the progress made, observing: “On my way here, I saw coffee plantations and milk collection centres. It shows people have embraced the message. But we must complete the cycle by adopting irrigation and planting pasture for our animals.”
Hon. Musherure, speaking at the rally, thanked President Museveni for his visionary leadership, noting its transformative impact on the lives of Sembabule residents.
“Through programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, piped water, and expanded electricity coverage, you have changed many lives,” she said. “Challenges still exist, but we are confident they will be addressed under your leadership.”
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sam Kutesa, also praised the President, stating: “President Museveni has delivered peace, stability, and an environment necessary for prosperity.”
He called on the people of Sembabule to rally behind the President as the sole candidate in the forthcoming elections and to safeguard peace and unity during and after the electoral process.
Hon. Kutesa cautioned against divisions within the ruling party: “Internal bickering only weakens us and gives our adversaries a chance to infiltrate. We must stay united.”
Hon. Anifa Kawooya, MP for Mawogola West and State Minister for Health (General Duties), also expressed her gratitude to President Museveni for his focus on economic empowerment. “As leaders, we pledge to continue preaching the gospel of wealth creation and encouraging our communities to embrace government initiatives like PDM and Emyooga,” she said.
The rally was attended by government officials, religious leaders, local residents, and supporters from across Sembabule District.