Ankole leaders outline key issues for President’s PDM tour
In a preparation meeting at Mbarara City Council on Monday afternoon, Ankole leaders expressed their readiness to host the President.
Rwampara district chairman Richard Owomugasho arriving for the preparation meeting at Mbarara City Premises on Monday. (Photos by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
By Abdulkarim Ssengendo
Journalists @New Vision
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President Yoweri Museveni is set to visit the Ankole sub-region on Tuesday, February 25, as part of his tour to assess the progress of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
In a preparation meeting at Mbarara City Council on Monday afternoon, Ankole leaders expressed their readiness to host the President.
Basil Bataringaya, chairman of the Ankole Parliamentary Caucus and MP for Kashari North, confirmed that the President’s itinerary will include visits to key PDM farmers, a meeting with Ankole leaders in Bushenyi, the opening of a factory in Kiruhura district, and a public rally hosted by Rwampara East County in Rwampara district.
“We are very eager as Ankole is waiting to host President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, our party (NRM) chairman and the architect of PDM and other wealth creation programmes,” said Ritah Bwahika, the MP for Mbarara city.
Basil Bataringaya, the chairman Ankole Parliamentary Caucus and MP Kashari North County interacting with police officers who attended the president’s visit preparation meeting held at Mbarara City council premised on Monday. 
Bataringaya mentioned that leaders in the region will present key issues to the President, either during the leaders’ meeting or at other available platforms.
Bwahika noted the need for a youth livelihood and skilling centre, particularly in Mbarara city, as well as the call for industrialisation and the elevation of Mbarara Regional Hospital to district hospital status.
The leaders expressed their gratitude to President Museveni for the numerous wealth creation programmes that have positively impacted the region, and they plan to showcase the results of these initiatives during the President’s visit.
“We thank the people of Ankole for their unwavering support for NRM over the years,” said Catherine Kamwine, the Mbarara City RCC, urging Ankole residents to come out in large numbers to welcome the President and express their appreciation for his relentless leadership in spearheading wealth creation programmes.
Since assuming power, President Museveni has introduced several wealth creation programmes such as Emyooga, Entandikwa, Bonabagagawale, and NAADS, which have helped lift many people out of poverty.
Leaders in Ankole believe that with continued efforts, the poverty level, which was once at 68%, should now be at 20%, and by 2030, poverty indicators should drop to 2%. They were also pleased to note that the economy is growing at a two-fold rate.
President Museveni began his tours in December 2024 and plans to visit all regions of the country.