📷 61 honoured as Museveni urges homestead income growth
During the event, 61 individuals were honoured for their contributions to national development.
Some of the individuals who were honoured during the 39th NRM/A Liberation Anniversary celebrations at Mubende National Teachers’ College in a group photo with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. (Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the people of Mubende district to prioritise improving their homestead incomes, assuring them that other infrastructural developments like tarmac roads and electricity will follow.
He delivered this message during the 39th NRM/A Liberation Anniversary celebrations held under the theme “Salutations to Those Who Re-Sanctified Our Homeland” at Mubende National Teachers’ College.
Sunday’s event was graced by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Museveni.
President Museveni emphasised that eradicating poverty is attainable through active participation in government programs aimed at enhancing livelihoods.
He pointed to the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a crucial tool for community empowerment, explaining that funds allocated at the parish level serve as capital for households to improve their economic well-being.
Museveni assured residents that beneficiaries of PDM funds would not incur bank charges, as the government has committed to covering those costs.
In his address, the President reminded local leaders of their duty to understand and address the specific needs of their communities.
He urged them to track the number of homesteads in their villages to tailor support effectively.
Highlighting the distinction between development and wealth creation, President Museveni emphasised that while infrastructure like tarmac roads, electricity, and healthcare is vital, it cannot directly lift people out of poverty.
Reflecting on Uganda’s progress, he commended Mubende, Luwero, and Rwenzori for their contributions to the 1981–1986 liberation struggle.
At independence, only 9% of Ugandans were engaged in the money economy, a situation worsened during Idi Amin’s regime. However, Uganda has since made strides, including venturing into vehicle manufacturing with Kiira Motors in Jinja.
By 2013, only 32% of Ugandans were in the money economy. To improve livelihoods, the government introduced Operation Wealth Creation, later shifting to PDM, which allocates shillings 100 million annually to parishes. This initiative supports income-generating activities like coffee farming, dairy cattle, and backyard projects such as poultry.
President Museveni highlighted a success story from Martin Ijara of Serere, who showcased the transformative impact of the PDM. He encouraged residents to maximise its benefits, noting its focus on households with small landholdings.
Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda praised the President’s leadership, citing his patience and management skills as key to Uganda’s liberation and development.
During the event, 61 individuals were honoured for their contributions to national development. The celebration was attended by prominent leaders, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and NRM secretary general Richard Todwong, among others.