KIBUKU– President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has lauded Florence Nabutono, the LC1 Chairperson of Bukoda Cell in Kibuku District, for her impressive transformation from a small-scale farmer to a model of agricultural success. During his ongoing zonal tour to assess the impact of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in the Bukedi sub-region, the President praised Ms. Nabutono for leveraging a modest 1 million Ugandan shillings to build a thriving farming business.
Ms. Nabutono’s journey began with a small investment from her Parish PDM SACCO, which she used to purchase a pig. Over time, that pig multiplied, and by selling some of the offspring, Ms. Nabutono was able to fund her children’s education and expand her farm to include poultry. Now, years later, she is not only financially stable but also a respected community leader and a beacon of hope for other rural farmers seeking to create wealth.
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A Story of Determination and Growth
President Museveni, who visited Ms. Nabutono’s farm today, was visibly impressed by her success. “I want to congratulate the family of Nabutono for waking up and taking advantage of our advice and the little support provided by the government,” the President said. “We’ve been promoting self-driven wealth creation since 1996, but many people, especially local leaders, didn’t take it seriously and didn’t educate the people on how to get out of poverty.”
The President stressed that Uganda, rich in natural resources, should not experience poverty, which he described as a result of ignorance rather than a lack of wealth. “This is a very rich area. The whole of Uganda is very rich, so what you call poverty is actually ignorance. There’s no poverty here, I cannot be poor here in Uganda,” President Museveni emphasized, urging other Ugandans to embrace entrepreneurship and use the opportunities provided by government initiatives like the PDM.
Ms. Nabutono’s story is one of resilience and resourcefulness. With her initial investment, she not only managed to pay school fees for her children but also diversified her farm, adding poultry to her operations. This, in turn, has allowed her to support her family and reinvest in her business, gradually improving her living standards.
President’s Support for Continued Growth
In recognition of her achievements, President Museveni provided Ms. Nabutono with additional support. He pledged 10 million Ugandan shillings to help her expand her farm, particularly in dairy farming. He advised her to buy two dairy cows—one lactating and one expecting—to ensure a steady supply of milk for her family and generate extra income through milk sales.
The President also recommended that Ms. Nabutono use part of the funds to improve her piggery by roofing the pigsty, which would ensure better conditions for her animals and increase productivity.
“I am glad about the way you are using the 1 million Ugandan shillings per family,” President Museveni said. “You have seen what one million Ugandan shillings can do. This is an example that others should follow.”
Expanding Opportunities for Other Farmers
Beyond supporting Ms. Nabutono personally, President Museveni emphasized the need for broader structural support for farmers in Kibuku and other rural areas. To assist livestock farmers, the President proposed establishing feed-chopping machines at the sub-county level in Kibuku District, which would help make animal feed more affordable and accessible. He instructed Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo to work on identifying a location for the feed-chopping facility.
Ms. Nabutono expressed her gratitude for the government’s support and shared how the Parish Development Model had empowered her to uplift her family. She also highlighted the ongoing challenge of securing affordable animal feed, which remains a significant hurdle for many small-scale farmers in the area.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for this great support,” Ms. Nabutono said. “The PDM has really helped me grow my business, and I look forward to expanding into dairy farming, which will provide a stable source of income for my family.”
A Model for Rural Prosperity
The event, attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, ministers, Members of Parliament, and local leaders, was a testament to the transformative potential of the Parish Development Model. Local leaders hailed Ms. Nabutono’s success as a prime example of how small-scale farmers can harness the opportunities available to them through government programs to build sustainable livelihoods.
Ms. Nabutono’s story reflects the broader vision of the PDM, which aims to uplift rural households by providing them with the tools and resources to break the cycle of poverty through wealth creation. The President concluded his remarks by calling on other Ugandans to emulate Ms. Nabutono’s example and take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the PDM.
“Everyone has the potential to succeed here in Uganda,” President Museveni said. “It’s all about waking up, making the effort, and using the resources at your disposal to improve your life.”
As the President’s tour of the Bukedi sub-region continues, his message remains clear: with determination, proper guidance, and access to support, Ugandans in rural areas can overcome poverty and achieve lasting prosperity.
