President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the people of Rubirizi district for effectively utilizing the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
“I want to thank the people of this area for using the PDM funds wisely. We will continue to increase the funds every year. The money belongs to you through your Parish SACCO,” he stated.
The President made these remarks today as he launched his performance assessment zonal tour on wealth creation and the Parish Development Model (PDM) in the Ankole subregion.
During his visit to the farm of Mrs. Tumusiime Desirata, a beneficiary of the PDM project in Kizurugo village, Rubirizi district, President Museveni emphasized that he has been advocating for wealth creation since the 1960s, and those who have embraced his message have seen positive results.
“When we came into power after the bush war, we picked up from where we had left off. In our 1996 NRM Manifesto, we outlined that families with limited land, such as 4 acres, could grow coffee on one acre, fruits on another, pasture for dairy cows on the third, and food crops on the fourth. They could also raise poultry, pigs, and even engage in fish farming for those near swamps,” he explained.
He further explained that the PDM was designed to empower the people to manage their funds and decide how to use them productively at the Parish level.
President Museveni also pointed out that Africa’s underdevelopment is often due to poor leadership, where leaders fail to properly advise their people.
“A politician is like a doctor; he diagnoses the problem and prescribes the treatment. If he misdiagnoses, the wrong prescription will lead to harm,” he said. “That’s the problem with Africa—bad leaders who give wrong advice and prescriptions that harm their people.”
He cautioned the people of Ankole against engaging in identity politics based on tribe and religion.
Additionally, President Museveni donated Shs 10 million to Mrs. Tumusiime to help expand her enterprise.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for launching several poverty alleviation initiatives like the PDM, aimed at improving the welfare of Ugandans. He noted that Ankole has benefited significantly from the PDM, with all districts in the region receiving their fair share.
He encouraged local leaders to follow President Museveni’s example and take a more active role in overseeing the Parish Development Model to ensure its success. Rt. Hon. Tayebwa also emphasized the importance of exemplary leadership in achieving socio-economic transformation.
Mrs. Tumusiime expressed her gratitude for the PDM initiative, stating that it has transformed her life and that of her family. She shared that in May 2023, she received Shs 1 million from the PDM, which she used to buy pigs and other livestock. Since then, the pigs have multiplied, expanding her sources of income.
“All the progress I have made is because of you, Your Excellency,” she said.
From Rubirizi, President Museveni traveled to Karyango cell, Kagongi Parish in Kyangyenyi sub-county, Sheema district, where he visited Pamoja Mixed Farm, owned by Ms. Abenawe Honest Bamanyisha.
Ms. Abenawe, a retired civil servant, began farming in 2016 on 2 acres, focusing on bananas and 2 heifers for family income and consumption. Today, her farm has grown to 6 acres of bananas, 20 heifers in zero grazing, coffee plantations, and fishponds. She employs 30 people on her farm.
Ms. Abenawe thanked President Museveni for promoting the wealth creation message and encouraged citizens to practice commercial farming to boost their household incomes. In return, the President pledged to contribute 10 heifers and a Canter truck to support her farm.
Sheema North Member of Parliament, Hon. Naome Kibaaju, requested President Museveni’s assistance in tarmacking the Bwizibwera-Nyakambu-Kabwohe-Kitagata-Rukungiri road, upgrading Kitagata Hospital to a Regional Hospital, and extending electricity to rural areas.
The events were attended by ministers, members of parliament, and other dignitaries.
