KABAROLE, December 2, 2024: Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has called on the people of Tooro to embrace government programmes such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model [PDM], the Youth Livelihood Programme [YLP], and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme [UWEP], among others, as a means of escaping poverty.
Nabbanja encouraged the locals to take full advantage of these initiatives, particularly to engage in high-value crop farming as a way to combat poverty at the household level.
She made the remarks recently while addressing Christians during the inauguration of Kigarama Catholic Parish in Kiko Town Council.
“The government is working tirelessly to ensure that everyone joins the money economy. Several programmes have been introduced, and all you need to do is organise yourselves into groups and SACCOs to benefit. Make sure to use this opportunity wisely,” Nabbanja said.
She also urged the people to grow high-value crops like coffee, vegetables, and cocoa, while suggesting they could also establish poultry and piggery projects.
Nabbanja commended the Catholic Church in Uganda for promoting government programmes and for encouraging Christians to embrace them.
“I want to commend the religious leaders for always urging Christians to take up coffee farming and other cash crops, as well as encouraging them to make the most of government programmes to improve their household incomes,” she said.
She expressed confidence that the opening of Kigarama Catholic Parish would contribute significantly to both spiritual and socio-economic transformation in Tooro.
However, the Prime Minister acknowledged the country’s significant challenges, including climate change and unemployment, and praised the Church for its vital role in guiding Christians to uphold values such as integrity, hard work, and responsibility.
She urged religious leaders to continue mobilising Christians to participate in the available government programmes aimed at poverty alleviation.
The Minister of State for Primary Health Care, Margaret Muhanga, appealed to the public to take preventive measures against non-communicable diseases [NCDs], maintain a healthy diet, and prioritise good hygiene practices.
Muhanga expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
In his address, the Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa, called on believers to reject corruption and the misuse of office, encouraging them to use the gifts given to them by God to overcome poverty.
“Corruption is destroying our country, and we must denounce it if we are to progress. Let us use the resources and opportunities available to us in the right way to fight poverty, instead of engaging in corruption. We need a corruption-free country in order to develop, just like other nations,” Muhiirwa said.
He added, “Let us reject sin, corruption, the misuse of power, and adultery, and instead use the gifts given to us by God with humility.”
The Kabarole District LCV Chairperson, Richard Rwabuhinga, urged parishioners to embrace unity and diversity, focusing on both spiritual and economic growth.
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