President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed his commitment to helping Ugandans transition from subsistence farming to the money economy, emphasizing that his priority is those still struggling financially.
While visiting Harriet Ahimbisibwe, a Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiary in Kyarukobwa village, Ibanda Municipality, Museveni defended his approach against critics who questioned why he prioritizes small-scale farmers over the wealthy.
“I saw someone in the newspaper asking why I am visiting people with pigs and chickens instead of the well-established. I will respond to them through my social media and remind them that Jesus Christ himself said he came for the poor, not those already doing well,” he said.
Museveni noted that when Uganda gained independence, only 10% of the population was in the money economy, while 90% relied on subsistence farming. He said the government’s efforts had increased that number to 68%, but more work remained to help those still trapped in poverty.
“Our focus is not on the rich but on those still struggling. Just like Jesus left the 99 sheep to find the lost one, we are concentrating on helping those outside the money economy,” he said.
He praised Ahimbisibwe for effectively using her PDM funds to rear 21 pigs, buy a plot of land, and expand her farming activities. “She may be a Primary Seven dropout, but her mindset is as sharp as someone who completed Senior Six. That is the spirit we want,” Museveni remarked.
The President pledged an additional Shs 10 million to support her farm and promised to provide transport means to ease her operations.
Reflecting on Uganda’s economic journey, Museveni cited Bunyaruguru as an example, where only 11% of households were in the money economy at independence. By 2013, the number had risen to 32%, but 68% of households were still struggling. He emphasized that initiatives like Operation Wealth Creation and PDM aim to close this gap.
Museveni urged leaders, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), and officials to ensure the proper implementation of PDM, warning against corruption. “This money is not for the government; it is your money. Leaders must stop underestimating the power of PDM. Those stealing the funds are betraying their own people,” he warned.
He also announced plans to develop infrastructure in the area, including Kagongo Road and upgrading the Ibanda-Mbarara Road to support economic growth.
Ahimbisibwe shared her success story, revealing that she received a Shs 1 million PDM loan in 2023, which she used to buy two pigs and feed. “One gave birth to nine piglets, the other to ten. I sold some pigs, earned Shs 1.2 million, and have since sold 22 pigs,” she said.
Her growing income enabled her to buy land, rent additional farmland, and use pig manure to boost banana yields. “Before this, I depended only on my banana plantation, but the income was very little. Now, I earn more, and my bananas grow better because of the manure,” she added.
The visit was attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt.Thomas Tayebwa, State Minister for Animal Industry Bright Rwamirama, State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Alice Kaboyo, State Minister of Finance for Investment and Privatization Evelyn Anite, Members of Parliament, and religious leaders.
