PALLISA: The Bukedi region’s residents have been reassured by President Yoweri Museveni that the government will continue to support the Parish Development Model (PDM) initiative.

The goal of PDM is to assist Ugandans who are still living in subsistence economies in transitioning to the money economy.

During a rally at Kamuge playground, Kamuge town council in Pallisa district, on Sunday, November 10, 2024, President Museveni made this pledge.

The President’s performance evaluation tour on PDM and wealth creation in the Bukedi sub-region included the rally.

The President also restated his appeal for the Bukedi people to adopt “ekibaro” and commercial agriculture in order to improve their standard of living.

According to him, this can be accomplished by using the four-acre model, in which one acre can be used for coffee cultivation, the second for fruit production, the third for dairy cow pasture, and the fourth for food crops.

A farmer can therefore raise fish in ponds, raise pigs, and raise poultry in the backyard. The residents of Bukedi can also include cocoa and palm oil among the seven activities, President Museveni added.

President Museveni also issued a warning to those involved in government-supported schools not to charge fees to Ugandans who are more vulnerable.

According to him, 82% of Bukedi students are leaving school by Primary Seven as a result of these costs.

He declared, “I’m going to sit and leave you because I’m tired of begging you, which is why I introduced the Presidential Industrial Hubs.”

Furthermore, President Museveni reminded the people of Bukedi that the government has made every effort to lift Ugandans out of poverty through a number of programs, including NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation, PDM, and Emyooga. He called on leaders to encourage their followers to participate in these programs.

“If you are wealthy, you can invest in your own development, such as installing solar panels, collecting water, and paying for your children’s tuition at private schools and hospitals.”

The President, however, suggested that the residents of Bukedi stop infringing on wetlands by switching from rice cultivation in swamps to fish farming along the wetlands’ boundaries.

President Museveni was praised by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja for his steadfast support of advancement and development. According to her, the President has started a number of initiatives that have raised Ugandans’ standard of living.

Capt. Mike Mukula, the NRM Vice Chairperson for the Eastern Region, praised the President’s Pan-Africanism philosophy, which enabled Uganda to export peace throughout the continent, and thanked him for maintaining peace in Uganda.

Among others, district officials, ministers, members of parliament, and representatives from many cultural and religious groups joined the gathering.