President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reaffirmed his dedication to improving the lives of Ugandans outside the money economy on February 25, 2025.

During his visit to Mrs. Harriet Ahimbisibwe, a beneficiary of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Kyarukobwa village, Kyaruhanga ward, Kagongo division, Ibanda municipality, the President emphasized that his focus is on supporting those outside the money economy rather than concentrating on the already prosperous.

This visit was part of President Museveni’s performance assessment zonal tour on wealth creation and the PDM in the Ankole subregion, which commenced today.

In response to critics questioning his focus on ordinary Ugandans engaged in small-scale farming, the President defended his approach firmly.

“I saw someone in the newspaper asking why I visit people with pigs and chickens instead of the well-off. I will respond to them through my social media and remind them that Jesus Christ himself said he came for the poor, not for those already doing well,” President Museveni remarked.

He stressed that since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came to power, it has consistently worked to transition Ugandans from subsistence farming into the money economy.

“In the 1960s, only 10% of the population was part of the money economy, while 90% were not. Today, 68% of the population has joined the money economy,” he noted.

“Our focus is not on the rich but on those still trapped in poverty. Just like Jesus left the 99 sheep to find the one that was lost, we are concentrating on helping those who have not yet joined the money economy,” he added.

The President praised Mrs. Ahimbisibwe for effectively utilizing PDM funds, highlighting that she now raises 21 pigs, owns a plot of land, and has rented additional land for maize farming.

“When I asked her about her education, she mentioned that she is a Primary Seven dropout, but her mindset is as sharp as someone who completed Senior Six. That is the spirit we want,” he said.

The President further supported Mrs. Ahimbisibwe with an additional Shs 10 million to enhance her farming activities and promised to provide transport means for her farm.

Reflecting on Uganda’s economic progress, President Museveni recalled the situation since independence, pointing out that, in some areas like Bunyaruguru, only 11% of households were in the money economy. By 2013, he noted, 32% of households had joined the money economy, but 68% were still struggling—an inequality he is determined to address through initiatives like Operation Wealth Creation and the PDM.

“Before we came into government, 1,222 babies out of 10,000 would die due to poor health, and life expectancy was just 40 years,” he said. “Poverty knows no religion or political party—whether you are Catholic, Protestant, or Muslim, we all need food security and money to build a better life.”

The President also urged local leaders, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), and other officials to ensure proper implementation of the PDM, warning against corruption and misuse of funds.

“This money is not for the government; it is your money. Leaders must stop underestimating the power of the PDM. Those stealing the funds are betraying their own people,” he emphasized.

He concluded by announcing plans to improve key infrastructure in the region, including the Kagongo road and the upgrading of the Ibanda-Mbarara road, as part of broader efforts to support economic growth.

At Mrs. Ahimbisibwe’s home, she shared her journey since benefiting from the PDM. In 2023, she applied for and received a loan of Shs 1 million through her PDM group.

“With the Shs 880,000 I got, I bought two female pigs at Shs 350,000 each, and used the remaining money to buy feed and gumboots,” she explained.

Although she initially faced setbacks with two pigs she had before, Mrs. Ahimbisibwe’s fortunes changed when the new pigs reproduced. One gave birth to nine piglets, and the other to ten.

“I sold some of the pigs and earned Shs 1.2 million, and the rest is history. So far, I have sold 22 pigs,” she added.

The income from pig farming allowed her to purchase a plot of land and rent more farmland to expand her activities. She also uses pig manure as fertilizer for her banana plantation, which has improved her crop yield.

“Before this, I only depended on my banana plantation, but the income was very little. Now, with pig farming, I earn more, and my bananas grow better because of the manure,” she explained.

President Museveni was impressed by her success and reiterated that the PDM is intended to help those who are still struggling economically, not those already prosperous.

The visit was attended by Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament; Hon. Bright Rwamirama, the State Minister for Animal Industry; Hon. Alice Kaboyo, the State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister for Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori Region; Hon. Evelyn Anite, the State Minister of Finance for Investment and Privatization; Members of Parliament; religious leaders; and other officials.