By Hakim Kyeswa
In a bold move to address the persistent poverty that continues to plague many Ugandans, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni resumed his zonal tours across the country, a program that was momentarily halted earlier this year. These tours serve as a platform for direct interaction with citizens, encouraging dialogue on transformative practices to enhance personal wealth and embrace a money economy at the household level.
The Context of Development
Since the establishment of Uganda’s first democratically elected government in 1996, significant investments have been made in infrastructure development. Roads have been paved from border to border, schools and healthcare facilities have proliferated, and electricity is now available in excess. However, despite these advancements, a stark paradox remains: many Ugandans continue to live in poverty. This situation mirrors trends observed in other countries, such as South Africa and Kenya, where infrastructure does not correlate with the prosperity of the populace.
Recent statistics show that Uganda has made commendable strides in infrastructure, yet over 21% of its population lives below the poverty line. This alarming figure highlights a crucial point: infrastructure alone does not equate to wealth creation for individuals.
Insights from the Ground
Having attended a recent zonal tour in the Bukedi Subregion, I gained valuable insights into the president’s objectives. During these interactions, it became clear that while locals appreciate infrastructural improvements—like the paved roads connecting villages—their realities often remain stark. Many residents expressed dissatisfaction over their economic conditions, despite the presence of essential services.
During a discussion in Pallisa, farmers reported an annual income of merely 1.5 million Ugandan Shillings from an acre of rice cultivation, translating to approximately 120,000 Shillings per month. Such earnings are insufficient to lift families out of poverty.
The President’s Vision for Wealth Creation
President Museveni’s approach to wealth creation emphasizes individual responsibility. He articulated the proverb “Mine is better than ours,” underscoring the importance of personal initiative over communal resources. Infrastructure, he noted, facilitates access to markets but does not directly generate wealth. For instance, even with access to well-paved roads, many community members remain unable to afford basic utilities such as electricity.
To combat this cycle of poverty, the president advocates for diversified farming practices. He shared successful examples from his own ventures, including fish farming, which can yield significantly higher returns than traditional rice cultivation. In fact, an acre dedicated to fish ponds can potentially generate up to 80 million Shillings annually.
Moreover, Museveni introduced the “four-acre model,” which encourages families to utilize their land for a mix of cash crops, food production, livestock, and pasture. This holistic approach not only enhances food security but also promotes sustainable income generation.
Financial Support Mechanisms
The government’s Parish Development Model further supports these initiatives by providing accessible loans to individuals without the need for collateral. This initiative aims to empower citizens financially, enabling them to invest in their personal development and wealth creation.
In conclusion, as President Museveni continues his zonal tours, it is imperative for local leaders and citizens to engage actively and absorb the knowledge shared. The president’s message is clear: while Uganda may be developing in terms of infrastructure, true economic prosperity hinges on individual initiative and the effective use of government programs.
The zonal tours are not just a political outreach but a strategic initiative aimed at transforming lives. By embracing the principles laid out by the president and leveraging available resources, Ugandans can forge a path from poverty to prosperity.
The writer is the head of Digital Media at the Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC). (Email:[email protected])
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