Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has called on citizens to actively seek economic opportunities and reject complacency in order to eradicate poverty. Addressing residents of the East African nation, Museveni emphasized the importance of financial empowerment and collective effort in achieving sustainable development.
“I felt compelled to visit because I heard that some of you have grown too comfortable with poverty,” said Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986 following a successful five year guerrilla war. “We will continue offering financial support, but I implore you to take bold steps toward breaking free from poverty.”
Museveni announced plans to increase funding for the Parish Development Model (PDM) program, an initiative aimed at enhancing grassroots development. Currently, each eligible beneficiary receives Ugsh. 1 million, with the potential for an increase based on the effectiveness of fund utilization among the targeted 36% of households.
The president highlighted success stories such as Ms. Tumusiime Deziranta, who used her PDM allocation to venture into livestock farming, raising pigs and goats. He praised Rubirizi District for effectively managing PDM funds and preventing corruption, urging other regions to emulate their approach.
“Poverty may be your burden, but it pains me deeply to witness it. If you keep using the funds wisely, we will increase the amount over time. I want you to develop a strong aversion to poverty,” Museveni stated.
The Ugandan government has outlined a strategic plan to invest Shs500 million per parish over the next five years, aiming to support 500 families by the third year. Eventually, the funding will increase to Shs800 million per parish through a savings and credit cooperative system (SACCO), ensuring long-term financial sustainability within communities.
Museveni also cautioned against land fragmentation, warning that it hinders the benefits of PDM funds. “One of your biggest challenges is splitting land when the family head passes away. Why not keep the land intact and work on it collectively as a family? Small plots limit potential. Think about your children’s future,” he advised.
The Parish Development Model, launched on February 26, 2022, aims to bring government services closer to citizens and enhance grassroots service delivery. Rubirizi District, with a population of 167,835 and 36,330 households 33,786 of which engage in subsistence farming has been a key focus of the program.
As part of his tour of the Ankole sub-region, Museveni visited Rubirizi, Sheema, and Ibanda districts, meeting PDM beneficiaries and reinforcing his vision for a poverty-free Uganda.
