President Museveni’s Call to Action: Embracing Wealth Creation and Unity in Teso Region
By The Public Lens
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated the importance of embracing commercial agriculture with “ekibaro” to fight poverty and create wealth in the Teso sub-region.
“After analysis, in 1995, I made a countrywide tour, and I started explaining our clear line to you. Wealth is to be found in four sectors; commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT. In our view the nearest sector to our people is agriculture, that is why we told you when I made a tour that please if you can, move into commercial agriculture and when you do so, do it with “ekibaro”.
He emphasized this during a public rally in Kaberamaido District, part of his 3-day wealth creation assessment tour in the Teso sub-region.
To maximize returns, President Museveni advised farmers with small landholdings to adopt the four-acre model, allocating one acre each for coffee, fruits, pasture, and food crops, and utilizing backyard space for piggery, poultry, and fishponds.
“The ones with big land can do cotton, maize, sugarcane, tobacco or cattle ranching.”
He highlighted the success of those who have embraced the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) wealth creation message and noted the government’s efforts to uplift livelihoods through programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
“With PDM, I can see some people succeeding. I have visited some families. We shall continue adding more money.”
However, President Museveni expressed concern over PDM fund theft, stressing that perpetrators must face consequences.
“I read a report written by ISO about some people who steal PDM funds… They arrest him and give him a Police bond. I have told the Police Commander that I don’t want to hear police bonds to any thief… If they go to court, they are given bail. I will talk to the Chief Justice; we shall have to stop that also.”
He also emphasized irrigation’s role in increasing productivity.
“Irrigation increases the yield per acreage by almost 10 times… We are now moving forward in a planned, calculated, and informed way.”
Additionally, President Museveni discouraged politics of identity, promoting instead the NRM’s focus on prosperity for all.
“Me as a cattle keeper, my best friend is the one who buys my milk and beef because he is the one who supports my prosperity.”
The Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, thanked President Museveni for sharing his wealth creation expertise and urged unity and support for NRM programs.
“Let us deliberately focus our attention on the livelihood programs including Emyooga, PDM, Women Fund, Youth Fund…”
Other officials, including the Minister of State for Teso Affairs, Hon. Kenneth Ongalo Obote, and the NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, Capt. Mike Mukula, praised President Museveni’s efforts and commitment to Teso’s development.
“We have a great leader in Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He has fought very many wars… This great fighter has brought peace and security to the country.”
