President Yoweri Museveni has called on leaders in the Ankole sub-region to shift focus from infrastructure projects to wealth creation and economic empowerment.
Speaking at Bushenyi Boma grounds in Ishaka-Bushenyi Municipality, Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s development depends on transforming households from subsistence farming into income-generating enterprises.
“Back then, infrastructure developments like roads, electricity, schools, and hospitals became symbols of progress. But I urge the leaders to focus more on wealth generation because wealth and development are different,” he said.
He highlighted his own journey, recalling how he started with cows in Rubaya before acquiring land in Rwakitura in pursuit of wealth. He also cited Joseph Ijara from Serere, who expanded a small 2.5-acre farm into a thriving poultry business.
“We need to embrace these success stories. Wealth creation starts from grassroots-level initiatives,” he said.
Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to economic empowerment through initiatives such as Entandikwa, NAADS, Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation, and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“Through PDM, beneficiaries get their own money to use as they see fit. This money won’t return to Kampala. It is a revolving fund, continuously supporting local development,” he said.
He also addressed land fragmentation, urging families to use inherited property productively instead of dividing it. He called for support for a government-led irrigation program to address drought challenges and boost agricultural productivity.
“This program is essential. Those in wetlands must relocate to allow us to better manage resources for food production and water distribution,” he said.
On infrastructure, Museveni noted that modern amenities alone do not eliminate poverty.
“We cannot confuse modernizing infrastructure with improving wealth distribution,” he said.
He also encouraged young people to pursue careers in science and technology to drive economic growth.
“We need more scientists, engineers, doctors, and agricultural experts if we want to build a strong economy. Storytellers can’t feed the country,” he said.
Vice President Jessica Alupo praised Museveni’s leadership, saying his policies have improved education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“The economy has grown tenfold, Ugandans are better educated, and access to services has significantly improved. Our children no longer die from preventable diseases, thanks to immunization, and infrastructure development has expanded nationwide,” she said.
Basil Bataringaya Rwankwene, MP for Kashari North, presented a memorandum from Ankole leaders highlighting key development priorities, including road construction, electrification, and industrial hubs.
“We believe that with these roads made, we shall harvest the fruits of economic transformation,” he said.
Annet Katusiime Mugisha, Bushenyi District Woman MP, thanked Museveni for championing economic transformation and highlighted the impact of the Banana Research Center in boosting production and market opportunities.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, State Minister for Investment and Privatization Evelyn Anite, State Minister for Animal Industry Bright Rwamirama, and other officials.
