Museveni tips Kakumiro residents on prosperity as trek ends

President Yoweri Museveni has urged the people of Kakumiro District in Bunyoro sub-region to prioritise household income and leave issues of infrastructure development to Government to implement.

The President, who was accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni was addressing a public rally at Our Lady of Africa Catholic Parish grounds in Kakumiro after the successful conclusion of the 195 Km Great Trek that started on 4^th January from Galamba in Wakiso District and ended Friday at Birembo in Kakumiro District.

Museveni lays a wreath at the monument of five fallen bush war freedom fighters. PPU Photo

Before the rally, Museveni laid a wreath at the monument of five fallen bush war freedom fighters and also another on a mass grave. He later launched NEC-AGRO brand of Sukulu fertilisers that are manufactured in Tororo District in Eastern Uganda.

The President reminded the people at the rally also attended by Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, cabinet ministers and trekkers, among others, that a prosperous country believes in God, works for peace and stability, prioritises household income.

He emphasised the need for education for all as guaranteed by the Universal Primary and Secondary Education programmes for the benefit of the children of the poor.

"Education system should not be frustrated by introducing illegal school charges. Out of 8.8 million children who join UPE, only 1.6 of them join USE meaning 7 million children are being blocked. This must be followed up," he said.

He commended the success attained through the immunization programme because the infant mortality rate has gone down. He, however, sounded a strong warning to people that are in the habit of stealing Government medical drugs. He also added that the Government will not tolerate land ownership frauds that frustrate bibanja owners.

President Museveni hands over a dummy certificate to Capt. Olive Zizinga at the end of the trek. PPU Photo

Regarding the increased agricultural production of sugarcane, milk and maize among others, the President noted that this was a positive development but strongly called for processing of those products to maximize profits by putting onto markets good quality processed items.

"Produce more, get bigger markets by way of working for the integration of East Africa and Africa," he stressed.

He used the occasion to sound a strong warning to politicians who are fanning sectarianism based on gender chauvinism and religion, among others, adding that such sectarian tendencies will not help people attain prosperity.

Museveni assured the people of Kakumiro that the government will upgrade Birembo Technical School with modern equipment for good training skills, refurbish Birembo Primary School on top of completing the construction of Birembo Seed Secondary School.

The First Lady urged the people of Birembo to harness their activities for household income attainment. She commended their support to NRM.

President Museveni launched a NEC-AGRO brand of Sukulu fertilisers that are manufactured in Tororo. PPU Photo

"It is now time to wake up for economic empowerment and transformation," she stressed.

Presidency minister Esther Mbayo noted that Birembo is a historical area in the records of NRM since the bush war period.

Lt Gen. Joram Mugume, on behalf of Gen. Salim Saleh, thanked the people of Birembo for supporting the bush war adding that after the success at Kabamba military barracks, NRA forces had laid the ground that led to the victory in 1986.

State Minister for Health and the area Woman MP, Robinah Nabanja, lauded the President for steering development in the area.