President Museveni has once again raised alarm over Uganda’s stubborn poverty levels, pointing fingers at weak leadership structures despite the country being rich in resources and supported by robust government wealth-creation programs.
During his mobilization tour of the Rwenzori sub-region on Monday, the President emphasized that Uganda’s continued poverty was inexcusable and largely a result of failed leadership across political, religious, and cultural institutions.
“People being poor in a country that has everything is a big mistake, and it’s largely a failure in leadership. I’m not just talking about political leaders, but also religious and cultural ones. These should be like parents to the people,” Museveni stated while addressing local leaders and residents.
The President’s strong remarks came as he spotlighted success stories under the Parish Development Model (PDM), a flagship government program designed to transform livelihoods at the grassroots.
One of the shining examples came from Kasese Municipality, where Museveni met Ms. Biira Pelucy, a visually impaired woman who has built a flourishing poultry business thanks to support from PDM.
“I visited Ms. Biira Pelucy in Kasese Municipality, who, despite being visually impaired, has transformed her life through the PDM by running a successful poultry business,” the President posted on X, formerly Twitter.
He noted that Biira recently earned shs7 million from her latest sale, hailing her dedication as proof that such programs can deliver results when embraced seriously.
“Her journey illustrates the government’s push for self-reliance and income generation,” he added.
Later in Ntoroko District, Museveni visited Mr. Steven Kisembo, a beneficiary who began with just four goats and now owns 18, attributing his progress to the PDM initiative.
Touring Kisembo’s goat shelter, Museveni cited him as another example of how targeted government interventions can elevate households.
While celebrating these successes, Museveni emphasized the need for active community participation and guidance from all levels of leadership to ensure such stories are not isolated cases.
“These funds belong to the people, and without active engagement, people risk missing opportunities and failing to get out of poverty,” he warned.
As the tour continues across the Rwenzori region, Museveni is expected to push for stronger mobilization by local leaders and a renewed commitment to economic empowerment programs like PDM, Emyooga, NAADS, and Entandikwa seen as key tools for breaking the cycle of poverty that still grips many Ugandans.
