President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on local leaders to conduct a parish-by-parish assessment of households that have transitioned into the money economy under the Parish Development Model (PDM), emphasising the urgent need to move from policy rhetoric to measurable results.
Addressing leaders from Mpigi, Butambala, and Gomba districts during a meeting at Gombe Secondary School in Butambala, the President challenged them to go beyond distributing funds and ensure that lives are being transformed.
“Go parish by parish and find out how many households have moved out of poverty. This is the real challenge. We must stop operating on assumptions,” President Museveni said, during his ongoing PDM assessment tour across Greater Mpigi.
“This is a War for Evidence”
According to President Museveni, success under the PDM should be defined not by money sent out, but by families engaged in income-generating activities and integrated into Uganda’s formal economy. “Our mission is not about giving out money. It’s about transforming lives. Leaders must return to their people, walk with them, and track real progress. This is now a war for evidence,” he added.
He likened the task to the Biblical story of the lost sheep: “We must look for the households still stuck in poverty and bring them along. This is not a political campaign—it is a rescue mission.”
The President cautioned against making unrealistic promises, stressing that development is a phased process. “Those who claim they can solve everything at once are liars. Even God took six days to create the world,” he said.
Education, Health, and National Progress
Highlighting NRM’s achievements, Museveni cited major strides in education since independence.
“In 1961, Uganda had just six A-Level schools. Today, Greater Mpigi alone has 27 government A-Level schools. That’s a big achievement,” he said, urging leaders to educate the public about such milestones.
He also emphasised preventive healthcare, pointing out that most illnesses are avoidable through hygiene, immunisation, and lifestyle discipline.
“I’ve been with you for 40 years—have you ever heard that Museveni is sick? Most diseases are preventable. Girls as young as nine can be protected from cervical cancer.”
Secure Land and Smart Succession
On land matters, the President took a firm stand against illegal evictions of bibanja tenants, vowing to protect their rights under the law.
“The Land Act is clear—no one should evict a kibanja holder. A new law will soon mandate payment of obusulu (ground rent) through sub-county offices to block landlords from rejecting payments and harassing tenants.”
He also advised families to avoid breaking up land after the death of the household head.
“Don’t fragment property. Run the land as a family company—sell produce, deduct expenses, and share profits. That way, families stay united and land remains productive.”
Citing the example of Prof. Florence Muranga, who boosted banana yields through irrigation and fertilisers, Museveni emphasised modern agricultural practices.
He also reaffirmed plans to establish a Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Greater Mpigi to equip youth with vocational skills.
The President ordered the immediate deployment of canine police units in Gomba to combat livestock theft and announced plans to upgrade the Mpigi–Nakawuka–Kasanje–Kisubi road.
Grassroots Testimonies of Transformation
In a speech on behalf of local leaders, Gomba District LC5 Chairperson Geoffrey Kiviiri praised Museveni’s clear and sustained efforts to lift Ugandans out of poverty.
“Mr. President, you have shifted the ground beneath our feet,” said Kiviiri, pointing to the Parish Development Model, NAADS, Emyooga, and Youth Livelihood Programme as game-changing initiatives.
He revealed that 65% of the region’s population—over 672,000 people—has joined the money economy, and praised PDM as a standout success with billions injected into local SACCOs.
“The funds are working—they are building businesses and restoring dignity,” he added, though he acknowledged weaker performance from Emyooga and urged proper loan recovery to ensure continuity.
Kiviiri also praised the Presidential Industrial Hubs, noting that 243 youth from the region have graduated with practical skills, transforming their lives from unemployment to productivity.
Call for a Return to NRM’s Core Values
In a powerful address, Alhajji Moses Kigongo, First National Vice Chairman of the NRM, called for a return to the party’s founding values of discipline, humility, and integrity. “Let money not change you. The NRM was known for good manners and integrity—today, too many have become liars,” he warned.
Kigongo urged leaders to reconcile internally and reduce divisions during elections. “Why should six people stand for one position in one party? Reconcile. Decide together. We need unity, not chaos,” he said.
The event was also attended by Hon. Matia Kasaija, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Hon. Evelyn Anite, Hon. Rose Namayanja, religious leaders, and hundreds of community representatives.