President Museveni has cautioned politicians in the Ankole Subregion against engaging in deceptive politics, urging them instead to focus on wealth creation as a pathway to socio-economic transformation.
The President made these remarks while addressing leaders in the region at Kyamate in Ntungamo during his tour to assess the impact of the Parish Development Model (PDM) on local communities.
He emphasized that while infrastructure development, such as road construction, is essential, it does not automatically lead to economic growth if the people remain impoverished.
He called on leaders to guide their communities in utilizing government programs to create wealth, which he said is the foundation for sustainable development.
“The government disburses shs 1.5 trillion annually for the PDM, which amounts to shs 7 trillion over five years. If we had prioritized constructing tarmac roads first, wealth would not have followed. We would have roads but no economic prosperity for our people, which would derail our development priorities. Growth begins when we empower our people to create wealth,” President Museveni stated.
Wealth creation has been a consistent theme in the President’s speeches, as he continues to encourage Ugandans to take advantage of PDM funds for economic empowerment.
During his tour, the president and First Lady Janet Museveni visited Ms. Molly Owikiriza, a resident of Rwentobo in Ntungamo District, who has successfully embraced onion farming and poultry keeping. Museveni praised her efforts, describing her as a role model for how the PDM is transforming livelihoods.
“She is another shining example of how the PDM is changing lives,” he said, commending Owikiriza and her family for their determination to improve their living standards despite facing challenges.
During the visit, several farmers raised concerns about water shortages affecting agriculture in the region. In response, President Museveni highlighted the government’s ongoing irrigation initiatives, including a project in Bushenyi, and assured farmers of plans to expand similar projects across the country.
“On the issue of water scarcity affecting farming in the area, an irrigation project was initiated in Bushenyi, with plans to expand to other parts of the country. Irrigation efforts on banana plantations have already shown clear results, and this issue will also be tackled in Ntungamo, where I am told they grow a lot of onions,” he stated.
President Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that government programs, such as the PDM, reach and uplift all Ugandans, enabling them to transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture for long-term economic prosperity.
