What causes poverty? Ugandans speak out
DURING the first talkshow held by Bukedde FM, Ugandans from all walks of life gathered to debate on how to fight poverty in the country. According to statistics, 31% of Ugandans live below the poverty line, that is, on less than a dollar (sh1,600) a day.
By Joshua Kato
DURING the first talkshow held by Bukedde FM, Ugandans from all walks of life gathered to debate on how to fight poverty in the country. According to statistics, 31% of Ugandans live below the poverty line, that is, on less than a dollar (sh1,600) a day.
President Yoweri Museveni called during the debate and outlined the Government’s efforts in fighting poverty. He said the Government was spreading the prosperity for all programme in which at least six families per parish woul be assisted to earn at least sh20m per year.
It has also set aside sh28b through microfinance institutions for people to get soft loans. He said that by providing free education, the Government was helping the people lead better lives.
However, Erias Lukwago, the Kampala Central MP argued that: “The Government has not done enough to fight poverty. The Government should, for example, subsidise the agriculture sector.â€
He added that community leaders including MPs must fight for their people’s interests.â€
Engineer Ian Kyeyune, the LC5 chairman for Wakiso district, retaliated: “It is not true that Government has not fought poverty. However, there have been problems, for example, wars which have drained the Government coffers.
According to Perez Katamba, the leaders at village level have to be changed to enforce production.
“We need people who can make residents plant cassava or any other crop. Without enforcement, you find the youth playing cards while the old are farming,†he says.
Unbalanced development is another cause of poverty. According to Isma Lubega, from Kibiibi, “The Government should avoid unbalanced distribution of resources.â€
He was supported by Ambrose Bukenya of Ndeeba, who says that, for example, milk coolers that have developed the west should be distributed to other milk producing regions.
The endless land wrangles are also a cause of poverty in Buganda. According to Stella Mukiibi, Kampala: “People cannot use their land when there is a dispute about it. The Government should ensure these disputes are solved.â€
Pastor Godfrey Male, added: “People are wasting money on unnecessary ventures. In the churches, people are selling their assets and giving the money to pastors in the name of sowing. This is wrong because this money should be invested,†he says.
He was supported by several others, all of who claim that unless corruption is handled, the country will not develop.
Makolo Kavuma, Kampala said: “The Government should also learn not to wrongly arrest people like boda-boda riders who have invested in their bikes. Let only those who are in the wrong be picked.
Anti-poverty measures at a glance
Don’t spend lavishly, why do you make calls using your phone when you do not have enough?
Save part of what you earn.
Leaders must encourage residents to work.
Use loans for development purposes, not marrying wives.
Do not sell your land unless you must and use the proceeds wisely.
Agriculture should not be left to the old and weak, while the youth are playing cards.
Distribute development incentives evenly across the country.
Construct roads in the countryside, so that farmers transport their goods.
Do not over-engage in political fights because you may not get time to work.
Compiled by Joshua Kato
DURING the first talkshow held by Bukedde FM, Ugandans from all walks of life gathered to debate on how to fight poverty in the country. According to statistics, 31% of Ugandans live below the poverty line, that is, on less than a dollar (sh1,600) a day.
President Yoweri Museveni called during the debate and outlined the Government’s efforts in fighting poverty. He said the Government was spreading the prosperity for all programme in which at least six families per parish woul be assisted to earn at least sh20m per year.
It has also set aside sh28b through microfinance institutions for people to get soft loans. He said that by providing free education, the Government was helping the people lead better lives.
However, Erias Lukwago, the Kampala Central MP argued that: “The Government has not done enough to fight poverty. The Government should, for example, subsidise the agriculture sector.â€
He added that community leaders including MPs must fight for their people’s interests.â€
Engineer Ian Kyeyune, the LC5 chairman for Wakiso district, retaliated: “It is not true that Government has not fought poverty. However, there have been problems, for example, wars which have drained the Government coffers.
According to Perez Katamba, the leaders at village level have to be changed to enforce production.
“We need people who can make residents plant cassava or any other crop. Without enforcement, you find the youth playing cards while the old are farming,†he says.
Unbalanced development is another cause of poverty. According to Isma Lubega, from Kibiibi, “The Government should avoid unbalanced distribution of resources.â€
He was supported by Ambrose Bukenya of Ndeeba, who says that, for example, milk coolers that have developed the west should be distributed to other milk producing regions.
The endless land wrangles are also a cause of poverty in Buganda. According to Stella Mukiibi, Kampala: “People cannot use their land when there is a dispute about it. The Government should ensure these disputes are solved.â€
Pastor Godfrey Male, added: “People are wasting money on unnecessary ventures. In the churches, people are selling their assets and giving the money to pastors in the name of sowing. This is wrong because this money should be invested,†he says.
He was supported by several others, all of who claim that unless corruption is handled, the country will not develop.
Makolo Kavuma, Kampala said: “The Government should also learn not to wrongly arrest people like boda-boda riders who have invested in their bikes. Let only those who are in the wrong be picked.
Anti-poverty measures at a glance
Compiled by Joshua Kato