Uganda: President Museveni Urges Busoga Leaders to Prioritize Wealth Creation
Addressing Busoga sub-regional leaders on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Playground in Mayug District, the President stressed that prioritizing household income is essential to transforming lives even amid challenges in infrastructure development Also crucial.
The meeting was part of President Museveni’s ongoing 4-day wealth creation and Diocesan Development Model (PDM) performance review tour in Busoga sub-region.
“You, the leaders, should emphasize on wealth creation as it will benefit every household. We, the freedom fighters, ensured peace. So even if there are infrastructural issues, you already have peace. Start promoting household income because this That’s what I did in the cattle corridor and it worked,” he stressed.
“To lift our people out of poverty, it is not right to focus them on other issues. Focus on wealth creation. Once you create wealth for every family, other developments will follow.”
He further compared his advice to the teachings of the Bible.
“We’ve been guiding you down this path since the 1960s. As Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of heaven, and the rest will be added to you.” “Again, seek homestead income first and the rest of the roads, infrastructure and other developments will follow.”
He reviewed Uganda’s progress, highlighting efforts such as Entandikwa, NAADS and Operation Wealth Creation.
“In 2013, 32% of Ugandans were in the monetary economy while 68% were outside. We engaged the military under Operation Wealth Creation to push this number to 65%. However, , we now face the challenge of maintaining this momentum, which is why I call on your leaders to discuss wealth and jobs first,” he said.
Practical examples of success:
President Museveni also cited practical examples of individuals who have achieved success through government programs.
“Take the example of Mukasa in Luqa District, he had nothing but Sh1 million he received. He didn’t even have land, he rented it from his neighbors and grew passion fruit. In one harvest, he earned 600,000 shillings and can now harvest four times a year. He has since bought two boats and started growing onions and vegetables, a testament to the family’s ability to generate income,” the President shared.
“Another example is Kazibwe in Jinja, a former science teacher who built a thriving farm using a cow from the NADS program. Kazibwe now sells 80 liters of milk. He owns coffee and cocoa plantations and all his children are university graduates. He even bought a 40-acre farm,” President Museveni revealed.
President Museveni therefore reiterated that Uganda’s progress depends on empowering households to generate income.
“The biggest problem you face is there’s so much to do. But if you don’t prioritize housing, you’re not going to progress. Homestead income has to come first. Once all homesteads have income, the other things It just fell into place.”
The Vice President of Uganda, Her Excellency Jessica Alupo expressed her gratitude to the people of Busoga for their warm welcome to the President on his wealth creation journey in the region.
She stressed the importance of the trip, which is themed “Securing your future through wealth creation and shared prosperity”.
“We, the people of Busoga, have embraced the plans articulated during these visits,” the Vice President said, highlighting the region’s progress in implementing key initiatives aimed at promoting economic empowerment and prosperity.
NRM Eastern Region Vice President Captain Mike Mukula also commended President Museveni for his tireless efforts in transforming Uganda into a peaceful and progressive country.
“You have worked so hard to change this country. Uganda is now peaceful from north to south, east to west. This peace is even spreading to our neighboring countries,” Captain Mukula said.
On the other hand, the hon. Sibonia County Assembly Member Aggrey Bagiire praised the government’s socio-economic plans and highlighted the key challenges facing the sub-region.
Speaking on behalf of the leaders and residents of the region, Hon. Bagir told the President, “Your visit is timely as we seek to advance the development agenda of the Busoga sub-region. The MoU we have prepared reflects the aspirations of our people. Desires and Perspectives.”
Dear. Bagir commended the government for its transformative programs such as the Parish Development Model and the Four Acre Model.
“As outlined in the NRM manifesto, your efforts to economically empower families through these initiatives inspire hope for a future free from poverty,” he said.
He added that the PDM funds reaching the beneficiaries silenced doubters who viewed the scheme as a political stunt.
The lawmaker thanked the government for revitalizing the University of Busoga, describing it as “a new hope for the transformation of the region”.
He also highlighted the establishment of the Presidential Skills Industrial Center in Jinja and the Nkoko Memorial Institute of Technology which are providing practical skills to the youths.
“These initiatives provide our young people with the tools to secure employment and create opportunities,” he noted.
Dear. Bagir also acknowledged the significant improvements in roads such as the Kampala-Jinja-Iganga-Malaba highway but expressed concern over the increase in road accidents caused by heavy goods transport.
He suggested moving bulk transport to Lake Victoria to reduce accidents and road wear and tear.
He also expressed gratitude for investments in health, including salary increases at the Jinja Referral Hospital. He, however, called for more support for overwhelmed hospitals in Iganga and Bugiri, stressing their proximity to highways and the influx of accident victims.
The lawmaker commended the government for the reconstruction of the Uganda Hospitality and Tourism Institute in Busoga sub-region, noting that it would increase employment opportunities.
He further emphasized the need for the government to regulate the use of wetlands.
“We urge the government to create alternative income-generating projects for those who rely on wetlands for their livelihoods, while promoting sustainable use,” he said.
Dear. Bagir also expressed concern over low sugarcane prices and called for government intervention to ensure fair pricing.
He concluded by praising the government’s efforts to ensure peace and security in the region.
“Your commitment to protecting lives and property has restored stability and concern to Busoga,” he affirmed.
The meeting was also attended by Rt. Dear. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, was invited to attend the meeting. Dear. Replied the Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama, Government Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson, Minister in the Presidency. The meeting was attended by Hon. Jane Barekye, Minister of State for Investment and Privatization, Auditor General of the State House of Representatives, Hon. NRM CEC members, members of Parliament, residential area commissioners, religious leaders, etc.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Uganda House of Assembly.
