Museveni pledges village boreholes to solve farmers’ water crisis

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced plans to establish a borehole in every village to address the widespread water shortages affecting farmers, particularly those involved in the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The initiative aims to provide sufficient water for poultry, livestock, and other essential needs of PDM beneficiaries.

During his nationwide wealth creation tours, President Museveni heard repeated concerns from PDM participants about water scarcity.

“This will ensure the people have water for their PDM enterprises, such as poultry, livestock, and the rest,” he affirmed.

The President made these remarks while speaking to journalists from Greater Mukono at State Lodge, Nakasero, on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

He outlined decisive government measures designed to strengthen the PDM programme.

Museveni reiterated that the PDM is specifically designed for smallholder farmers, those owning less than four acres, to engage in seven government-endorsed, high-yielding agricultural activities that generate quick returns on a small scale.

The recommended crops and activities under the four-acre model include coffee, fruits, pasture for zero-grazing animals, and food crops for household consumption.

In addition, the President encouraged beneficiaries to consider backyard poultry, piggery (for non-Muslims), and fish farming along wetland edges.

“We have now added palm oil trees, cocoa, and avocado, but we are continuing to assess them,” he said.

Addressing the growing issue of cattle and poultry theft, President Museveni warned that security measures such as surveillance cameras and digital number plates, used to track vehicles and motorcycles, will be deployed to arrest offenders.

He urged communities to safeguard crime scenes and establish voluntary village security patrols at night to reduce theft and prevent mob justice.

On allegations that some beneficiaries are receiving less than the stipulated sh1 million, the President assured that top-up payments would be made.

“If it’s found out as an act of theft by PDM officials and commercial officers, then they will be arrested,” he warned, underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance stance on fund misappropriation.

Launched in February 2022, the PDM is Uganda’s flagship poverty alleviation programme, designed to transform subsistence households into participants in the money economy.

Regarding government efforts to publicise the PDM in the media, ICT and national guidance minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi informed President Museveni that the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) requires all media houses to allocate free airtime weekly to discuss government programmes, especially wealth creation initiatives.

President Museveni concluded by warning that media outlets failing to comply with this directive will face suspension of their operating licences.