Museveni Wraps Up Wakiso Development Tour, Urges Agricultural Growth and PDM Oversight

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Museveni Champions Wealth Creation through Agriculture, Urges Citizens to Elect NRM for PDM Success

Kampala, Uganda – President yoweri Museveni has reiterated his commitment to wealth creation, notably through commercial agriculture, emphasizing its pivotal role in driving job creation across Uganda. During a recent address,the President underscored the potential of agribusiness by highlighting the success of Minister of State for Transport,Hon. Fred Byamukama, whose four-acre model farm cultivates bananas, coffee, pineapples, and features poultry, piggery, and dairy cattle, employing 26 Ugandans.

“All those workers are there because of byamukama’s wealth. That’s what we want every Ugandan to achieve,” President Museveni stated, linking individual prosperity directly to national development. He further urged the nation’s youth to grasp the essential connection between peace, development, wealth, and job opportunities, imploring them to actively engage with and utilize the funds provided through the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Addressing concerns about the alleged mismanagement or theft of PDM funds, President Museveni issued a strong challenge to the public. He urged citizens to exercise greater discernment in their electoral choices, directly linking the success of government programs to the representatives they elect. “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,” the President asserted.”Please elect NRM leaders so that we can help you and ensure the money reaches you properly.”

Clarifying the PDM’s allocation strategy, President Museveni acknowledged that not every household has yet received support, explaining this is a intentional phase-in approach. Each parish is allocated UGX 100 million annually to support 100 households, totaling UGX 500 million for 500 households over five years. He assured that additional funding would be channeled into the new budget,with a particular focus on urban areas experiencing higher population densities.

Beyond economic initiatives, the President also addressed pressing local concerns, including the Bukasa land dispute and the need for improved hospital and school infrastructure. He pledged that these issues would receive attention, reinforcing the message that collective effort is indispensable for Uganda’s journey out of poverty. “You have seen that when we work together, many things are accomplished,” he affirmed.

The event was attended by several prominent government and NRM officials. Minister for Kampala Capital City Authority and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, lauded the PDM’s impact on poverty reduction, expressing confidence in the party’s future electoral success. “We are only waiting for 2026 to turn up in big numbers and vote for President Museveni and other NRM representatives,” Hon. Kabanda declared.

Mr. Mamerito mugerwa, the NRM chairperson for Kira Municipality, conveyed gratitude to the President for his intervention in resolving the long-standing Kasokoso land dispute and pledged continued support in upcoming elections. Other notable attendees included government chief Hon. Hamson Denis Obua, NRM mobilization Director Rosemary Nansubuga Ssende, and PDM National Coordinator Hon. Dennis Galabuzi.

President Museveni’s PDM campaign is now entering its final phase with a series of working tours across the Kampala Capital City authority (KCCA), commencing Monday, July 14th. This Kampala leg of the campaign is expected to be intensive, focusing on the robust implementation of the PDM and ensuring that urban households also stand to benefit from the government’s wealth creation strategies.

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What specific actions did President Museveni direct ministries to take to enhance capacity at teh parish level regarding the PDM?

Key Highlights of the Wakiso Tour

President yoweri Museveni recently concluded a comprehensive development tour of Wakiso district, focusing heavily on bolstering agricultural productivity and strengthening oversight of the Parish Development Model (PDM). The tour, spanning several days, involved direct engagement with local farmers, PDM stakeholders, and district officials.Key takeaways include a renewed emphasis on commercial agriculture, value addition, and responsible financial management within the PDM framework.This visit underscores the government’s commitment to poverty eradication and sustainable development in Uganda.

Focus on Agricultural Transformation in Wakiso

Museveni’s message throughout the Wakiso tour centered on shifting from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. He highlighted several critical areas for advancement:

Modern Farming Techniques: The President advocated for the adoption of modern farming methods, including irrigation, improved seed varieties, and fertilizer use, to increase yields and resilience to climate change. He specifically mentioned the potential of utilizing technology in agriculture, such as precision farming and digital extension services.

Value Addition: A important portion of the discussions revolved around adding value to agricultural produce. Museveni stressed the importance of processing raw materials locally to create jobs and increase export earnings.He cited examples of triumphant agro-processing initiatives and encouraged farmers to form cooperatives to facilitate collective processing and marketing.

Market Access: Improving access to both domestic and international markets was another key theme. The President reiterated the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, including roads and storage facilities, to reduce post-harvest losses and facilitate efficient transportation of agricultural goods. He also emphasized the need for farmers to embrace market-oriented production, focusing on crops with high demand.

Specific Crop Promotion: The tour saw particular emphasis on promoting high-value crops suitable for Wakiso’s agro-ecological zone, including coffee, fruits, and vegetables. The President encouraged diversification to reduce reliance on single crops and enhance food security.

Strengthening PDM Oversight and Accountability

The Parish Development Model (PDM) was a central focus of the Wakiso tour. Museveni expressed satisfaction with the initial progress of the PDM but cautioned against mismanagement and corruption. He issued clear directives to ensure effective oversight and accountability:

Robust Monitoring Mechanisms: The President called for the establishment of robust monitoring mechanisms to track the utilization of PDM funds and assess the impact of the program on beneficiaries. This includes regular audits, field visits, and community participation in monitoring.

Openness and Accountability: Museveni emphasized the need for transparency in all PDM activities, from fund disbursement to project implementation. He urged local officials to adhere to strict financial management procedures and to be accountable to the communities thay serve.

Targeted Beneficiary Selection: The President stressed the importance of selecting beneficiaries based on need and potential for impact. He cautioned against political interference in the beneficiary selection process and emphasized the need for a fair and clear system.

Capacity Building: Recognizing the need for enhanced capacity at the parish level, Museveni directed relevant ministries to provide training and support to PDM focal point persons and beneficiaries on financial literacy, project management, and agricultural best practices.

Combating Corruption: A firm stance was taken against corruption related to PDM funds. Museveni warned that individuals found engaging in fraudulent activities would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. He encouraged citizens to report any instances of corruption.

Addressing Challenges in Wakiso District

During the tour, several challenges facing Wakiso district were brought to the President’s attention. Thes included:

Land Disputes: Land disputes remain a significant obstacle to agricultural development in Wakiso. Museveni directed the Ministry of Lands to expedite the resolution of outstanding land disputes and to strengthen land management systems.

Access to Finance: Despite the PDM, access to finance remains a challenge for many smallholder farmers. The President urged financial institutions to tailor their products to the needs of farmers and to reduce lending rates.

Climate Change Impacts: Wakiso, like many parts of Uganda, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including droughts and floods. Museveni called for increased investment in climate-resilient agriculture and disaster preparedness.

Infrastructure Deficits: Inadequate infrastructure, notably roads and storage facilities, continues to hinder agricultural development. The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in Wakiso district.

Real-World Example: Coffee Cooperative Success in Wakiso

A notable example highlighted during the tour was the success of the Busaale Coffee Cooperative* in Wakiso. This cooperative, supported by government initiatives, has enabled local farmers to collectively process and market their coffee, resulting in increased incomes and improved