Museveni to Ugandans: I'm pained seeing you in poverty

Museveni addressed residents of the East African nation, emphasizing the importance of collective effort and warning that too many people have grown accustomed to poverty.

"I felt compelled to visit because I heard that some of you have grown too comfortable with poverty," said Museveni, who has been Uganda’s leader since 1986 after a successful five-year guerrilla war." He was quoted as saying by Ugandan dailies. 

"We will continue offering financial support, but I implore you to take bold steps toward breaking free from poverty."

As part of these efforts, Museveni has announced plans to increase funding for the Parish Development Model (PDM) program.

Currently, each eligible beneficiary receives Ugsh. 1 million, but any future increases will be contingent on how well the targeted 36% of households use the existing funds.

Museveni highlighted success stories such as Ms. Tumusiime Deziranta, who used her PDM allocation to start livestock farming and raise pigs and goats for the first time.

"Poverty may be your burden, but it pains me deeply to witness it. If you keep using the funds wisely, we will increase the amount over time. I want you to develop a strong aversion to poverty," said the 80-year-old president.

The president praised Rubirizi District for managing PDM funds responsibly and preventing corruption, and encouraged other regions to follow suit.

"Many Ugandans have never even handled a million shillings in their lifetime. Imagine being 64 years old and never having seen that amount. You are fortunate here not to have issues with corruption."

Museveni outlined the government's plan to invest Shs500 million per parish over the next five years, benefiting 500 families by the third year and eventually reaching Shs800 million per parish through a savings and credit cooperative system (SACCO).

"I want this money to remain within the community and drive long-term development," he explained.

Museveni warned against land fragmentation, claiming that it undermines efforts to maximize the benefits of PDM funds. "One of your biggest challenges is splitting land when the family head passes away.

Why not keep the land intact and work on it collectively as a family? Small plots limit potential. Think about your children’s future," he advised.

The Parish Development Model, which debuted on February 26, 2022, seeks to bring government services closer to citizens and improve grassroots service delivery.

Rubirizi District, home to 167,835 people and 36,330 households—33,786 of which engage in subsistence farming—has been a key focus of the program.

Museveni began his tour of the Ankole sub-region by visiting Rubirizi, Sheema, and Ibanda districts and meeting PDM beneficiaries.