President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on residents of Ntungamo District to stop cultivating in wetlands, citing it as a major cause of drought. He emphasised the need to respect environmental laws by vacating wetlands to restore ecological balance.
“We are working on a plan for water pumps and solar power, but I urge the people in this area to leave the wetlands,” the President said.
Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, President Museveni made these remarks while assessing the progress of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
During the visit, he toured the enterprise of Mrs Molly Orikiriza, a beneficiary of the initiative, in Nyanga II, Kyobwe Ward, Rwentobo, Rwahi Town Council, Ntungamo District.
To address water scarcity, the President assured residents that irrigation projects were underway.
“We have started irrigation in Bushenyi and plan to extend it across the country. Our banana plantations are already benefiting, and the results are evident,” he noted.
He cited the success of Dr Florence Muranga, a farmer from Bushenyi, who harvests 53 tonnes of bananas per acre annually—far surpassing the district’s average yield of five tonnes.
“This is the power of irrigation. We must move away from rain-fed agriculture,” he emphasised.
To further support farmers, President Museveni announced plans to introduce water pumps and solar-powered irrigation systems to ensure a consistent water supply.
Encouragement for PDM and Community Development
The President commended Ntungamo residents for embracing the PDM, urging them to leverage the initiative to boost household incomes.
“I appreciate you for waking up and adopting the Parish Development Model. This programme is crucial in helping our people transition into the money economy,” he said.
In her remarks, Maama Janet Museveni encouraged church leaders to promote values such as love for God, tithing, and supporting the PDM initiative.
She noted that the program has strengthened families by fostering responsibility and teamwork, which are key to building stable homes.
Mrs Orikiriza’s Success Story
Mrs Molly Orikiriza shared her transformation journey under the PDM initiative. In October 2023, she received Shs995,000 from the programme, adding Shs5,000 to make a total of Shs1 million, which she used to start a poultry business.
She initially bought 100 chickens and, after raising them for one and a half months, sold them at a profit of Shs900,000. Facing challenges in poultry farming, she switched to onion cultivation, investing in 3 kilograms of onion seedlings.
To expand her venture, she took a Shs2.5 million loan from a local SACCO, covering expenses such as weeding, spraying, and labour. Upon harvest, she sold 45 sacks of onions for Shs10.8 million, repaid her loan, and earned a profit of Shs6.74 million. With this, she completed her house and paid her children’s school fees.
Mrs Orikiriza reinvested in her business by purchasing 300 more chickens and 1.5 kilograms of onion seedlings, which are yet to be harvested. Despite poultry losses, she has already sold 100 chickens at Shs10,000 each, earning Shs1 million, and she currently has 175 chickens. She remains optimistic about her future.
Grateful for the PDM initiative, Mrs Orikiriza expressed her appreciation to President Museveni.
“I never imagined that uneducated people like me could ever access government funding,” she remarked.
Presidential Support for Local Farmers
Impressed by Mrs Orikiriza’s achievements, President Museveni extended additional support, offering her Shs5 million to expand onion farming and Shs10 million to purchase a tukutuku (motorbike) for transportation.
Other PDM beneficiaries also received financial assistance, with ten individuals each receiving Shs1 million.
In addition, the President pledged 300 iron sheets, cement, and Shs50 million to support the completion of a church in the area, reaffirming his commitment to community development.
The Parish Development Model is a government initiative aimed at transitioning rural households from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, increasing incomes, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods.
The event was attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries.
