Museveni urges Mubende locals to prioritize homestead income

Mubende, (UG):- President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on the people of Mubende District to prioritize generating homestead income, assuring them that other developments, such as tarmac roads and electricity, will follow in due course.

Speaking at the 39th-anniversary celebration of the NRM/A liberation struggle, held at Mubende National Teachers’ College under the theme “Salutations to Those Who Re-Sanctified Our Homeland,” Museveni who was in the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni emphasized the importance of economic empowerment at the household level.

The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to poverty eradication, encouraging residents to embrace government programs aimed at improving livelihoods.

He highlighted the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a cornerstone initiative, explaining, “The funds provided at the Parish level serve as capital to uplift households economically.” He further assured beneficiaries that the government would cover bank charges on PDM funds, ensuring that recipients are not burdened with additional costs.

Addressing local leaders, President Museveni emphasized the importance of understanding their communities’ needs. He urged leaders to take stock of the number of homesteads in their villages and remain proactive in addressing poverty.

“Development and wealth creation are not the same,” Museveni explained, adding that while infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and healthcare is essential, it does not directly eradicate poverty.

Reflecting on Uganda’s economic journey, the President acknowledged Mubende, Luweero, and Rwenzori’s critical role in supporting the 1981-1986 liberation struggle.

He highlighted the economic challenges of post-independence Uganda, noting that only 9% of Ugandans were engaged in the money economy at the time, with the majority relying on subsistence farming; a trend worsened under Idi Amin’s regime.

“Today, Uganda has made significant strides,” Museveni noted, citing advancements in the money economy and innovations like the manufacturing of Kiira Motors in Jinja.

Museveni recounted that in 2013, only 32% of Ugandans participated in the money economy, prompting the government to introduce Operation Wealth Creation to provide seedlings and livestock.

“When challenges emerged, the focus shifted to PDM, which allocates UGX 100 million annually to each parish, enabling households to engage in income-generating activities,” he stated.

The president further explained how the four-acre farming model, which combines coffee, fruits, dairy pasture, food crops, and backyard projects like poultry or piggery, is transforming small landholders’ livelihoods.

Citing successful examples, Museveni shared the story of Mr. Ijara from Serere, a beneficiary of PDM. “PDM is tailored to benefit households with small pieces of land,” the President said, urging residents to maximize its potential.

At the same event, 61 persons including Billionaire businessman, Dr Sudhir Ruparelia were awarded for their exceptional contribution towards the development of Uganda.