KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday urged leaders in eastern Uganda’s Bugisu sub-region to promote commercial agriculture as a key strategy to combat poverty, which remains a major challenge in the country.
Museveni spoke in Bulambuli district, where he emphasized the importance of embracing modern farming techniques to improve household incomes. He noted that agriculture is a vital sector that can help lift millions of Ugandans out of poverty.
“Agriculture is the medicine for poverty,” Museveni said. “I want you to mobilize your people to engage in commercial farming. This is the only way we can create jobs and wealth for our people.”
The president’s remarks came as Uganda’s government launches the Parish Development Model, an initiative aimed at providing start-up capital to ordinary Ugandans to invest in commercial agriculture. The program is part of the government’s efforts to promote economic growth and development at the grassroots level.
Museveni said the government is committed to supporting the Parish Development Model, which he described as a “game-changer” in the fight against poverty. He noted that the program has the potential to create thousands of jobs and improve the livelihoods of millions of Ugandans.
However, Museveni warned against corruption and mismanagement of the program’s funds, saying those found guilty would face arrest and prosecution. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the implementation of the program.
“We must ensure that the funds allocated to this program are used for the intended purpose,” Museveni said. “Anyone found to be misusing these funds will be dealt with accordingly.”
Uganda has made significant progress in reducing poverty in recent years, but the country still struggles with high levels of unemployment and income inequality. The government hopes that the Parish Development Model will help to address these challenges by promoting economic growth and development at the grassroots level.
Museveni’s visit to Bugisu sub-region was part of a broader effort to assess the implementation of the government’s poverty alleviation programs in eastern Uganda. The president is expected to visit other regions in the coming weeks to monitor the progress of these programs.
