Museveni urges Wakiso residents to embrace commercial agriculture and be vigilant in PDM implementation

WAKISO, July 14, 2025 — President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday concluded his Presidential Zonal Tour on Wealth Creation in Wakiso district with a major address to thousands of Ugandans gathered at Namboole National Stadium.

The rally focused on encouraging Ugandans to move from subsistence living to income-generating activities, particularly through commercial agriculture, and to ensure effective implementation of the government’s flagship Parish Development Model [PDM] lunched in February 2022, to fight household poverty.

In his address, Museveni urged citizens to take full advantage of the prevailing peace in the country and to leverage government programmes like the PDM to eradicate poverty at the household level.

“Previously, we emphasised peace. Now, Uganda is largely peaceful, apart from a few isolated cases of crime, which the police are empowered to detect and prevent,” the President said.

He stressed that while infrastructure development, such as roads, electricity, schools, and health centres—is essential, it must be complemented by deliberate efforts to build household wealth.

“Many leaders talk about development. But since the 1960s, we’ve made it clear: if you have roads but no income, how does that help you? That’s why we added a third pillar, wealth in the homestead,” Museveni stated.

He highlighted the contrast between modern infrastructure in urban areas and the poverty persisting in many communities, noting that some ghettos may have tarmacked roads and hotels but still lack jobs and sustainable sources of income.

To illustrate the power of the PDM, the President presented video testimonies of Ugandans who have successfully utilised government support to transform their lives. Among them was Joseph Ijara from Serere District, who turned his 2.5-acre plot into a poultry and dairy farm now earning him up to Shs 800 million annually, despite the absence of a tarmac road in his area.

Another success story featured Rashida Namubiru from Kasaka, Butambala District, who used a Shs 1 million PDM grant to start a goat-rearing business that has since flourished, showcasing the impact of even modest investments.

“These are examples of how commercial agriculture can lead to wealth creation,” Museveni said, adding that every household must identify a specific path to income, be it farming, artisanry, services, or industry.

He cited young people learning trades and producing goods such as furniture, shoes, and metalwork through Presidential Industrial Hubs across the country. He also praised Kenneth Ayesiga from Kanungu district, who launched the Parish Model Restaurant using PDM funds and has since expanded into piggery.

“Everyone must pursue a specific form of wealth. Programmes like PDM, Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Programme, and the Women Entrepreneurship Fund are designed to support this,” the President said.

Museveni also warned that individuals found embezzling public funds meant for community development would face serious consequences.

Commercial Agriculture as a driver of employment

Touching on employment, President Museveni reaffirmed that wealth creation, especially through commercial agriculture, remains the foundation for job creation in Uganda. He cited the example of the Minister of State for Transport, Fred Byamukama, who employs 26 Ugandans on his four-acre model farm, which includes bananas, coffee, pineapples, poultry, piggery, and dairy cattle.

“Those 26 jobs exist because of Byamukama’s wealth. That’s the kind of success we want to replicate across Uganda,” Museveni said.

He also urged the youth to understand the sequence and interconnection between peace, development, wealth, and employment.

Clarifying the structure of PDM support

President Museveni acknowledged that not every household had received PDM funds yet, explaining that each parish receives Shs 100 million annually, intended to support 100 households per year. Over a five-year period, this totals Shs 500 million for 500 households.

“SACCO members must understand this structure. We’re allocating more funds in the new budget, especially to urban areas where population density is higher,” he clarified.

Local concerns and political commitment

Museveni also addressed local issues, including the Bukasa land dispute, and concerns over inadequate hospitals and school infrastructure. He assured residents that the government would resolve these matters, while calling for collective effort in driving the country out of poverty.

“You’ve seen that when we work together, we can achieve a lot,” he remarked.

The event was attended by several senior government and NRM officials. Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, praised the PDM for its role in lifting communities out of poverty.

“We are only waiting for 2026 to turn out in large numbers and vote for President Museveni and the NRM,” Kabanda declared.

Mamerito Mugerwa, NRM Chairperson for Kira Municipality, thanked the President for his intervention in resolving the long-standing Kasokoso land dispute, and reaffirmed the area’s support for the ruling party in the upcoming elections.

Also present were Government Chief Whip Hamson Denis Obua, NRM Director for Mobilisation Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, and PDM National Coordinator Dennis Galabuzi.

Next phase: Kampala City tour

President Museveni’s campaign to promote the PDM now enters its final phase, with a working tour of Kampala Capital City Authority [KCCA] beginning on Monday.

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