Museveni Defends Focus on Small-Scale Farmers During Ibanda PDM Tour

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting Ugandans outside the money economy. While visiting Mrs. Harriet Ahimbisibwe, a beneficiary of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Kyarukobwa village, Kyaruhanga ward, Kagongo division, Ibanda municipality, the President emphasized that his priority is supporting those still struggling financially rather than focusing on the well-off.

The visit was part of President Museveni’s zonal tour assessing wealth creation and the PDM in the Ankole subregion, which began today.

Responding to critics questioning his visits to ordinary Ugandans engaged in small-scale farming, the President defended his approach.

“I saw someone in the newspaper asking why I am visiting people with pigs and chickens instead of the well-established. I will respond through my social media and remind them that Jesus Christ himself said he came for the poor, not those already doing well,” President Museveni said.

He emphasized that since taking office, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has prioritized moving Ugandans from subsistence farming into the money economy.

“In the 1960s, only 10% of the population was engaged in the money economy, while 90% were asleep. Today, 68% have woken up and joined,” he noted.

“Our focus is on those still trapped in poverty. Just like Jesus left the 99 sheep to find the one that was lost, we are concentrating on helping those who have not yet joined the money economy.”

He praised Mrs Ahimbisibwe for effectively utilizing PDM funds, noting that she now rears 21 pigs, has acquired a plot of land, and rented additional land for maize farming.

“When I asked her about her education, she said she is a Primary Seven dropout, but her mindset is as sharp as someone who completed Senior Six. That is the spirit we want,” he remarked.

The President also provided her with an additional Shs 10 million to boost her farming and promised to arrange transport for her farm.

Reflecting on Uganda’s economic journey, President Museveni highlighted progress since independence. He noted that in some areas, such as Bunyaruguru, only 11% of households were in the money economy at the time. By 2013, 32% had joined, but 68% were still struggling—a gap he aims to close through initiatives like Operation Wealth Creation and the PDM.

“Before we came into government, 1,222 babies out of 10,000 died due to poor health, and life expectancy was just 40 years,” he said.

“Poverty knows no religion or political party. Whether you are Catholic, Protestant, or Muslim, we all need food security and financial stability to build a better life.”

The President urged local leaders, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), and other officials to ensure proper implementation of the PDM, warning against corruption and misuse of funds.

“This money is not government money; it is your money. Leaders must stop underestimating the power of the PDM. Those stealing the funds are betraying their people,” he stressed.

He concluded by announcing plans to develop key infrastructure in the area, including Kagongo road and the upgrading of the Ibanda-Mbarara road, as part of broader efforts to support economic growth.

Welcoming the President to her home, Mrs Ahimbisibwe shared her journey since benefiting from the PDM. In 2023, she applied for and received a Shs 1 million loan through her PDM group.

“With the Shs 880,000 I got, I bought two female pigs, each at Shs 350,000, and used the remaining money to buy feeds and gumboots,” she said.

Despite initial setbacks with two pigs she previously owned, her fortunes changed when the new pigs reproduced—one gave birth to nine piglets, and the other to ten.

“I sold some pigs and earned Shs 1.2 million. So far, I have sold 22 pigs,” she added.

The income from pig farming enabled her to purchase a plot of land and rent additional farmland to expand her activities. She also uses pig manure as fertilizer for her banana plantation, boosting her crop yield.

“Before this, I depended only on my banana plantation, but the income was minimal. Now, with pig farming, I earn more, and my bananas grow better because of the manure,” Mrs. Ahimbisibwe explained.

Her story impressed President Museveni, who reiterated that the PDM is designed to assist those struggling economically rather than the well-off.

Several dignitaries attended the visit, including Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament; Hon. Bright Rwamirama, State Minister for Animal Industry; Hon. Alice Kaboyo, State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister for Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori Region; Hon. Evelyn Anite, State Minister of Finance for Investment and Privatization; Members of Parliament; and religious leaders, among other officials.