Rukiga – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has once again called upon the people of the Kigezi sub-region to embrace the National Resistance Movement (NRM) agenda of wealth creation to combat poverty and improve their livelihoods.
“I urge you to listen to the NRM message on wealth creation. When we came from the bush, we found most Ugandans in poverty. We said we do not want poverty in Uganda. I cannot be prosperous while my people are poor—I want all Ugandans to be prosperous,” President Museveni emphasised.
The President made these remarks while addressing a public rally in Rukiga District as part of his ongoing zonal tour assessing the performance of the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other wealth creation initiatives in the Kigezi sub-region.
NRM’s Development Interventions
Highlighting the government’s interventions since taking power, President Museveni outlined key programmes aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of Ugandans.
“We started with universal immunisation, which we successfully implemented. Then we introduced free education under Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) through the ‘Bonna Basome’ initiative. After that, we introduced ‘Bonna Bagagawale’ (Prosperity for All),” he said.
However, the President acknowledged that free education in government schools is being undermined by unauthorised fees, assuring residents that the government is working to address this issue.
Four-Acre Model and Sustainable Agriculture
President Museveni encouraged residents to adopt the four-acre model of farming to boost household incomes, explaining that: one acre should be dedicated to coffee, one acre should grow fruits, one acre should be reserved for pasture to support dairy farming and one acre should be used for food crops.
Additionally, backyard spaces can be utilised for poultry, piggery, and fish farming (especially for those near swamps).
He urged beneficiaries of PDM funds to invest in at least one of these enterprises, warning that those found mismanaging or stealing the funds would be arrested.
Sustainable Use of Wetlands
The President also called on the people of Rukiga to make better use of wetlands by engaging in fish farming and irrigation to increase agricultural productivity.
“You underutilise the dry land and misuse the wetlands. You can make good money in fish farming,” he advised.
He further emphasised the importance of engaging in four key sectors of the economy—commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT—as pathways to wealth creation and employment.
Land Management and Unity Against Sectarianism
Addressing land ownership, President Museveni cautioned against land fragmentation, advising families to set up joint enterprises on inherited land instead of subdividing it.
“The best approach is to develop lucrative businesses on the land and benefit through shared profits instead of dividing it among family members,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, condemned the spread of sectarianism in Kigezi, warning against individuals attempting to divide communities along religious or tribal lines.
“The NRM preaches unity and development for all. I call upon the people of Kigezi and Uganda at large to reject identity politics based on tribe or religion. We should elect leaders focused on development,” Dr. Baryomunsi urged.
Leaders Praise Government Initiatives
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, encouraged Kigezi residents to take full advantage of government programmes to improve their livelihoods.
“As a man, you should not waste your money on alcohol—invest it in developing yourself,” Tayebwa advised.
Rukiga County MP, Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for rolling out poverty alleviation programs like PDM and Emyooga, which have significantly improved the livelihoods of Ugandans.
“Your Excellency, we appreciate the wealth creation programmes. The people of Rukiga are truly grateful and have benefited immensely from PDM,” he said.
The rally was attended by NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and other local leaders.