Museveni ends Wakiso tour with push for wealth at household level

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Sunday, July 13, concluded his wealth creation zonal tour of Wakiso district with a rally at Namboole Stadium, where he urged Ugandans to embrace commercial agriculture and remain vigilant in monitoring the implementation of government poverty alleviation programmes, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Addressing thousands of residents, the President said the country was enjoying relative peace, with only a few isolated cases of crime, and that this peace should now be used as a foundation for wealth creation at the household level.

“Previously, we emphasised peace. Now, Uganda is largely peaceful except for a few pockets of crime, which the police are empowered to detect and prevent,” he said.

Museveni reiterated that infrastructure alone is not enough to lift communities out of poverty unless it is accompanied by deliberate efforts to generate household income.

“Many leaders talk about development. But since the 1960s, we have been clear: If you have roads but no income, how will that help you? That’s why we added a third word—wealth in the homesteads,” he said.

To illustrate his point, the President showcased video testimonies of ordinary citizens who have successfully transformed their lives through government support and his guidance on wealth creation.

One such example was Joseph Ijara from Serere district, who used his 2.5-acre piece of land to engage in poultry and dairy farming, now earning up to sh800 million annually.

Another was Rashida Namubiru from Butambala District, who used UGX 1 million from the PDM to start goat rearing, which has since grown into a thriving enterprise.

“These are examples of commercial agriculture leading to wealth,” Museveni said, urging each household to choose a viable economic activity—whether in agriculture, services, industry, or artisan work.

He also cited youths in Presidential Industrial Hubs who are manufacturing products such as furniture, shoes, and metal doors.

From Kanungu district, Kenneth Ayesiga was mentioned for starting the Parish Model Restaurant using PDM funds. His business has expanded into piggery and is doing well.

“Everybody must get a form of wealth they target. These programmes, such as PDM, Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Programme, and the Women Entrepreneurship Fund, are aimed at helping you achieve that,” said Museveni, warning that those who misuse public funds meant for poverty alleviation would face the full force of the law.

The President linked wealth creation to employment, pointing to transport state minister Fred Byamukama, who employs 26 Ugandans on his four-acre farm growing bananas, coffee, and pineapples, alongside poultry, piggery, and dairy farming.

“All those workers are there because of Byamukama’s wealth. That’s what we want every Ugandan to achieve,” he said.

He urged young people to understand the connection between peace, infrastructure development, wealth, and employment.

“Pay attention to the money we’re sending you through the PDM,” Museveni said.

Responding to concerns from citizens about the mismanagement of PDM funds, he blamed poor political choices.

“You’re the ones saying the money is being stolen. But you committed suicide by electing opposition MPs who don’t follow up on your issues. Please elect NRM leaders so that we can help you and ensure the money reaches you properly,” he said.

Museveni clarified that not all households have yet received PDM support due to the phased implementation design. Each parish is allocated sh100 million annually to benefit 100 households, with a goal of reaching 500 households over five years.

“That needs to be understood by all SACCO members. We are going to add more money to the new budget, especially for towns where the population is higher,” he said.

The President also addressed local grievances, including the Bukasa land dispute and inadequate infrastructure in schools and hospitals.

He assured the public that these concerns would be addressed and encouraged collective effort in the fight against poverty.

“You have seen that when we work together, many things are accomplished,” Museveni said.

The event was attended by several senior government and NRM officials, including Kampala minister Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, who praised the PDM for its success in reducing poverty.

“We are only waiting for 2026 to turn up in big numbers and vote for President Museveni and other NRM representatives,” said Kabanda.

Mamerito Mugerwa, NRM chairperson for Kira Municipality, thanked the President for resolving the Kasokoso land dispute and pledged political support.

Also present were government chief whip Hamson Denis Obua, NRM director for mobilisation Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, and PDM national coordinator Dennis Galabuzi.

Museveni's tour now heads into its final phase, with a visit to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) starting Monday, July 14, focusing on extending PDM benefits to urban households and intensifying implementation efforts.