PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TASKS MUSLIMS TO PRAY FOR A PEACEFUL UGANDA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the Muslim faithfuls to pray for Uganda to remain peaceful. “As you embark on your pilgrimage to Mecca, pray for Uganda to remain peaceful,” he said. The President made the remarks today in his message delivered by the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye while flagging-off 100 Muslims who are going for Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The flag-off ceremony took place at the Office Of the Prime Minister Conference Hall in Kampala. Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime – it is one of the five pillars of Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world travel to and perform Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Hajj of various Imams, Sheikh, Sheikats, among others, was fully-funded by the State House under the directive of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Ms. Barekye also revealed that the President requested believers, especially the leaders to preach the gospel of wealth creation to ensure that Ugandans get out of poverty. Ms. Barekye further informed Muslims that if they have land, President Museveni encourages them to fight poverty through commercial agriculture. “Embrace the four acre model for those with small land Holdings. You can put coffee on one acre, another acre grow fruits, the third acre grow pasture for zero grazing, then on the fourth acre grow food crops,” she said. “But as a leader you should lead by example, create avenues of wealth creation so that people can take a leaf from you.” During the same event, Ms. Barekye delivered President Museveni's financial support of USD500 to each beneficiary which they will use as upkeep while on pilgrimage. “H.E the President also thanked you for loving God and it's the reason why he sponsored you for Hajj. Everything has been fully funded,” she noted. The Senior Presidential Advisor for Political Mobilization, Mr. Moses Byaruhanga commended President Museveni for having a listening ear and ensuring that he works for all people, especially the ordinary Ugandans. He also thanked Ms. Barekye for being a hardworking public servant who works around the clock to ensure that President Museveni’s pledges and directives to Ugandans are fulfilled. “President Museveni takes the Hajj program in high esteem, that's why he offers 100 slots each year.” He also informed the beneficiaries that President Museveni will host them for Shukuru (thanksgiving) at State House Entebbe when they come back from Hajj. Mr. Byaruhanga further urged believers to embrace President Museveni’s wealth creation programs like the Parish Development Model to fight poverty and improve their livelihoods. He assured Muslims that PDM does not contravene the Islamic teachings against riba. He said the small interest is not profit from grant, but it's meant to keep the program afloat amidst inflation challenges. The Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Hafidh Haroon Muhammad Bukenya, on behalf of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) thanked the government of Uganda and President Museveni for the continued support towards Islam. “We thank President Museveni for making this offer annually. As Muslims, we are very happy for the support from this government. They have really supported us financially and socially,” he said. “We cannot thank President Museveni enough apart from praying for him. Let us continue praying for our government and our President so that they stay in power peacefully.” Sheikh Bukenya also called upon Muslims to always respect the government and their leaders because, “Leadership comes from God”. “We pray for the good health of our President so that he can continue serving this nation.” Hajjat Mariam Namayanja, The Special Presidential Assistant in charge of Monitoring the Parish Development Model programs expressed gratitude to President Museveni for supporting the Muslims to go for Hajj annually. Sheikh Saidi Kasawuuli, the Chairman of the National Association of Imams and Duats of Uganda thanked President Museveni for loving Muslim faithfuls and always supporting them in various initiatives including funding Hajj for several muslims annually. Hajji Sadat Kisuyi, the Director of Anwaary Travel Agency which offers Hajj and Umrah services, thanked Allah for enabling the selected few to fulfil the 5th pillar of Islam. “When you go to Mecca, pray for our President and thank Allah for him. He gives Muslims in Uganda 100 Hajj slots annually,” he said.

2025-06-27

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HAILS PDM SUCCESS IN GREATER MUKONO

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was left impressed and full of praise after meeting Ms. Nampa Harriet, a beneficiary of the Parish Development Model (PDM), whose inspiring transformation of a modest UGX 500,000 investment into a successful farming enterprise has become a symbol of what the program aims to achieve across Uganda. During his visit to Mangaliba village in Nakisunga Sub-County, Mukono District, on Thursday, 19th June 2025, President Museveni commended Ms. Nampa for her entrepreneurial spirit and excellent use of government support. During her inspiring testimony that captured national attention, Ms. Nampa, a mother of four, narrated how she turned a modest government grant of UGX 500,000 into a thriving piggery business and later expanded into dairy farming, now earning a daily income and providing for her family comfortably. Initially hesitant to accept a full million shillings under the PDM, she requested only half, fearing the burden of managing such a large sum. “I used UGX 300,000 to buy three female pigs, each at UGX 100,000, and used the balance of UGX 200,000 to buy pig feed. In eight months, they produced 27 piglets. I sold 25 piglets at UGX 100,000 each, earning UGX 2.5 million. I couldn’t believe I was touching millions,” she joyfully informed the President. Ms. Nampa reinvested in her business by saving UGX 1 million with her father and using UGX 1.5 million for more feed. On the second round of breeding, she earned another UGX 2.5 million from piglet sales and later added a cow to her assets, further diversifying her source of income. The cow now produces seven liters of milk daily, two of which are consumed by her family, while the remaining five are sold for UGX 10,000 per day. “Thank you, Mr. President, for considering us, the poor people, and sending us capital. As someone who had nothing, I can now see where I’m going. This UGX 1 million is not small if you plan very well. Those who say it's little don’t know how to use it,” Ms. Nampa noted. Her remarkable journey from being a cautious borrower to thriving agri-entrepreneur impressed President Museveni, who used her example to highlight the importance of strategic planning, discipline, and utilizing available government programs. According to the President, the Parish Development Model is a revolutionary step towards eradicating poverty among Ugandan households, especially at the grassroots. “I’m very happy to see that youths who had never touched a million shillings are succeeding. This is what we envisioned when we introduced the PDM. It shows that our people are now understanding the importance of small-scale enterprise,” said the President. He emphasized that the PDM is an evolution of long-standing NRM initiatives such as Entandikwa, NAADS, and Operation Wealth Creation, all of which laid the foundation for Uganda’s rural transformation. The difference, he noted, is that PDM sends money directly to the people, empowering them to drive their development. “This model is not new. It stems from the 1996 NRM manifesto’s ‘four-acre model’ that included coffee, fruits, pasture for dairy, and food crops, with piggery or poultry in the backyard. What’s new is the direct financial empowerment of our people,” President Museveni added. In recognition of Ms. Nampa’s success and as a way to further boost her enterprise, President Museveni pledged to buy her an acre of land worth UGX 60 million, a motorized three-wheeled vehicle (tuk-tuk) worth UGX 12 million, and dig a borehole in the village to alleviate water challenges. He also gave UGX 1 million to each of the ten PDM beneficiaries who attended the meeting. Ms. Nampa’s success story is not an isolated case. Across the Greater Mukono subregion, comprising Mukono, Kayunga, Buikwe, and Buvuma districts, the PDM is creating visible change. A total of UGX 67.7 billion has already been disbursed out of the UGX 70.1 billion allocated to the region, reaching all 273 PDM SACCOs. Additionally, each SACCO has received an extra UGX 50 million in the second tranche for the financial year 2024/25. Mukono District, with 88 SACCOs, received UGX 4.4 billion; Kayunga District, with 71 SACCOs, received UGX 3.55 billion; Buvuma District, with 38 SACCOs, received UGX 1.9 billion; Buikwe District, with 31 SACCOs, received UGX 1.55 billion; Lugazi Municipality, with 20 SACCOs, received UGX 1 billion; Njeru Municipality, with 16 SACCOs, received UGX 800 million; and Mukono Municipality, with 9 SACCOs, received UGX 450 million. The event was also attended by the NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda region, Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi, the Minister of State for Micro-Finance, Hon. Haruna Kasolo, the PDM National Coordinator, Hon. Sozzi Galabuzi, among others.

2025-06-22

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS MENGO ZONAL PRESIDENTIAL INDUSTRIAL HUB

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today commissioned the Mengo Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Kayunga District. The commissioning was part of the President’s countrywide assessment tour on the Parish Development Model (PDM) and wealth creation promotion in Greater Mukono. President Museveni's journey through Greater Mukono was punctuated by several stopovers as thousands of residents gathered by the roadsides to catch a glimpse of the Head of State and express their support. He made brief addresses in Mukono town, Kabembe, Kalagi, Nakifuma, and Kayunga town, where he emphasized the need for electing leaders aligned with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) principles and are committed to tracking and delivering government programs. “The problem you have is that you elect leaders who don’t follow up on the money we send to the ground to help you fight poverty,” President Museveni said. He urged the people to vote for NRM candidates in the upcoming general elections scheduled for January 2026, asserting that only leaders loyal to the government’s agenda can effectively push for development and accountability. In Kabembe town, President Museveni promised to support the Women’s SACCO with UGX 20 million and follow up on their market that was destroyed by fire. Upon arrival in Kayunga, President Museveni was warmly received by jubilant residents and students of Hopeful Future Secondary School. Moved by their reception, the President donated two cows to the students to enjoy a feast and encouraged them to work hard in school for a prosperous future. President Museveni also commended the Kayunga Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Aidah Nantaba Erios for her efforts in advocating for government programs. Hon. Nantaba thanked the President for the Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE and USE), although she noted the challenge of overcrowded classrooms given the fact that the program has attracted huge enrollment. In response, President Museveni pledged to follow up on critical local issues, including land grabbing in Kayunga and veterans’ gratuity, locally referred to as akasiimo. He also promised to contribute UGX 50 million to a local women’s SACCO to support their income-generating projects. The President assured residents that the government would soon work on the long-awaited Galiraya-Baale road, further cementing his commitment to improving infrastructure and livelihoods in the area. He further reiterated the importance of government initiatives like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga in uplifting Ugandans from poverty. He noted that his nationwide tour is aimed at monitoring the implementation of these programs and ensuring they meet the intended goals. The visit to Greater Mukono is part of the broader PDM Presidential zonal tours, which have so far covered regions including Greater Mpigi, Greater Masaka, Bugisu, Bukedi, Teso, Sebei, Karamoja, Lango, Acholi, West Nile, Rwenzori, Ankole, Kigezi, Tooro, and Bunyoro. The goal is to fast-track Uganda's transformation by lifting 3.5 million households out of subsistence farming and into the money economy.

2025-06-20

“DON’T LOSE THIS GOLDEN CHANCE”- PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ADVISES UGANDANS ON PDM

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has advised Ugandans to use the opportunity of the Parish Development Model (PDM) program to eradicate poverty from their households. He said he began the fight against poverty in the 1960s and he has been able to come up with various poverty alleviation programs to ensure that his dream is realized. “Don’t lose this chance because it’s a big support to you. Wako, who was poor, is now a rich man. He is blessed now with three cows and a milling machine because his family embraced the PDM program. I know that we are all not equal but when you embrace the PDM program you will eradicate poverty in your households,” he said. President Museveni made the remarks today during his PDM assessment tour at Mr. Muwereza Wako ‘s farm situated at Buyego cell, Buvuma sub-county in Buvuma district. Mr. Wako, a PDM beneficiary, owns three cows and a milling machine. The President, who was pleased to visit Mr. Wako’s farm, said that the government has for years been sending resources to the public to curb poverty but in one way or the other some government officials have been mismanaging it. President Museveni however narrated that the government now gives each parish Shs.100m annually and in his next five years’ term in office, each parish will have received Shs.500m. He revealed that the first batch which received Shs.1m PDM money each, two years back will return it to their parishes with an interest of Shs.120,000, to give chance to other adults to benefit. The President supported Mr. Wako with Shs.12m to purchase an acre of land at Shs.10m and use the Shs.2m to buy livestock like goats and pigs. In response, Mr. Wako commended the President for initiating the PDM program that has enabled a section of Ugandans to improve their standard of living through wealth creation. He asserted that he was so poor to an extent that he couldn’t afford food for his family but currently he is called a rich man. Mr. Wako and his wife Mirembe Eseza together with their eight children live on half an acre of land and according to the farmer, the PDM money has enabled him to add value to his family through wealth creation. He said on 21st June 2023, he received Shs. 1 million PDM cash and after the bank charges, he remained with Shs. 980,000. Mr. Wako noted that using the PDM money, he added some of his savings to buy a bull and a cow which conceived and gave birth to a calf in May 2024. During the same month, he sold a bull at Shs.1m and used it to purchase an old milling machine at Shs.2.5m. Mr. Wako explained that the machine seller allowed him to clear his remaining balance of Shs.1.5m in installments. He asserted that he started using the machine which fetched him money to clear the balance. The PDM beneficiary revealed that the milling machine earns him Shs. 15,000 every day, after deducting Shs. 5,000 for fuel, thus remaining with Shs. 10,000 and he earns a total of 300,000 per month. The dairy cow gives him 3 litres of milk. He sells two litres at Shs.1000 each and earns a total of Shs. 60,000 per month. The cow dung and urine is used as fertilizers in his garden.

2025-06-19

“PEACE GAVE ME A NEW LIFE” — BUVUMA FARMER HAILS PRESIDENT MUSEVENI’S LEADERSHIP FOR HIS TRANSFORMATION

Mr. Edward Mubiru, a humble and determined farmer in Meru Cell, Buvuma Town Council, Buvuma District, has built an inspiring life rooted in hard work and peace. From his quiet home in Meru Cell, Mr. Mubiru looked back at his journey, one that began with fishing but has since blossomed into a thriving farming enterprise, thanks to the stability and support brought by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s NRM government. “I thank President Museveni for the peace in this country. Without it, I wouldn’t be here. His wise leadership and government programmes like NAADS and Operation Wealth Creation have helped many of us find purpose. He truly cares about getting every Ugandan out of poverty,” Mr. Mubiru shared. He made the remarks today during President Museveni’s visit to his home as he kicked off his countrywide Parish Development Model (PDM) assessment tour in Greater Mukono region. In 2000, Mr. Mubiru made a bold shift from fishing to farming. With savings from his fishing days, he bought five acres of land and began planting bananas, supported by seedlings from the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS). That marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Today, his farming enterprise spans an impressive 50 acres of land. In 2007, inspired by his uncle, Mr. Mubiru added coffee to his crops. The success he earned from coffee enabled him to buy more land and expand his farming activities. Today, his farm is a hub of agricultural diversity; growing coffee, bananas, cassava, maize, palm oil and pasture. The proceeds from these ventures allowed him to invest in dairy farming, and now he manages a herd of 25 cows on seven acres of land. “The benefits from coffee are the reason I have cows. I sell milk daily and employ seven workers. Farming has made me self-reliant,” he said. Mr. Mubiru recalled the high yields of earlier years. In 2013, he was harvesting up to 40 bags of coffee per season. But the onset of coffee wilt disease affected production, reducing his harvest to about 24 bags in the first season and 14 in the second. Still, he manages to earn around sh18m annually from the crop. In 2023, he mentioned that Operation Wealth Creation intervened, giving him clonal coffee seedlings, resistant to the disease along with water pumping machines for irrigation. “Even with the setbacks, I keep going. With government support and improved varieties, I know things will get better,” he said. Mr. Mubiru also noted that his dairy venture earns him about Shs 2.4m per month, and after deducting expenses, he gets approximately Shs 7m annually. Combined with his crop income, Mr. Mubiru estimated his total earnings at around Shs 30m to Shs 34m net per year. More importantly, the peace and progress have allowed him to provide education for all his seven children. He highlighted that three attend private schools, and four are enrolled in government institutions. “Today, I am very proud of the man I have become because of President Museveni. I have come a long way from fishing. My life is living proof that peace, opportunity, and hard work can lift anyone,” he concluded. On his part, President Museveni commended Mr. Mubiru for embracing the government’s message of wealth creation. The President praised the farmer for abandoning the overburdened fishing sector in favour of productive land-based enterprises. “I am glad to be here and find the rich Mubiru,” the President said. “He listened to our message of removing poverty, used the NAADS money well, and expanded into coffee and dairy farming” President Museveni highlighted that Mr. Mubiru is now milking 80 litres a day from his cows, and his success proves what is possible when government support meets individual effort. “He now has pasture, and just like the Minister said, he is just getting started. If he uses upgraded pastures like Chloris gayana and Brachiaria, he will do even better,” he advised. In addition to dairy farming, President Museveni noted that Mr. Mubiru is benefiting from improved coffee seedlings supplied by the government. “He told me he has received clonal coffee seedlings that are disease resistant. This is the right direction,” he remarked. The President reaffirmed the government commitment to further support the palm oil project in the region. “We are going to get money to support palm oil so we can enhance the machinery. We shall support the investor so that together with the outgrowers, they can reach 7,000 hectares,” he pledged. USE THE LAKE SUSTAINABLY: Turning to the issue of overfishing in Lake Victoria, the President called for a more regulated and sustainable approach to fishing. “I want to thank the fishermen because some of you have now woken up, you brought overcrowding, which burdens the lake. That’s why the government introduced licenses to ensure only serious and responsible people fish, while others explore different livelihoods,” he said. The President also warned that unregulated fishing threatens the sustainability of Uganda’s lakes and livelihoods of future generations. “You cannot spoil our lakes and expect us to do nothing. Overcrowding must end. That’s why Mubiru is a good example; he left fishing behind and evolved,” President Museveni said. “Mubiru started out as a fisherman here on this fish-hunting island, but he moved on. Let the few who are capable and disciplined be allowed to fish,” he added, encouraging the rest to follow Mubiru’s lead and pursue alternative income-generating projects. To support Mr. Mubiru further, President Museveni revealed: “I have given him Shs 12 million to get a tuk-tuk to help him in his work.” On the other hand, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga encouraged farmers in Buvuma and across the country to embrace improved pasture varieties to increase livestock productivity. Minister Bwino specifically advised Mr. Mubiru to focus on modern pasture management. “You should grow improved pasture varieties that boost milk yield and animal health like Chloris gayana and Brachiaria as ideal options for the region,” he said. The Greater Mukono is located in the Central region of Uganda, and it comprises the districts of; Mukono, Kayunga, Buikwe and Buvuma. The event was also attended by Hon. Diana Mutasingwa, the Minister of State in the office of the Vice President and also the Woman of Parliament, Buikwe District, local leaders and PDM beneficiaries, among others.

2025-06-19

COL. NAKALEMA ASSURES INNOVATORS OF PROTECTION AND GUIDANCE

The Head of State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema has reiterated her unit’s commitment to guide and protect innovators to ensure that they thrive in Uganda's conducive investment climate. “H.E the President directed us to collaboratively coordinate stakeholders to create a thriving investment climate by protecting investors or any other person who adds value to our country's economy,” she said. Col. Nakalema made the remarks yesterday while addressing the media during the ongoing National Science Week 2025 at Kololo Independence Grounds. Running under the theme: “Made in Uganda Innovation to market”, the event organised by the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation– Office of the President brought together innovators, scientists, Industry leaders and regulators to present and explain the science behind their innovations and how these are being transitioned from laboratory to market. Col. Nakalema explained that all viable investments, including innovations, made in Uganda must be protected by all means. “It is our work to ensure that what you have already innovated is protected,” she said. She also called upon innovators to make good use of SHIPU and other government agencies like the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to report wrong elements or exploitation tendencies, thus assuring them that as authorities, they will do the needful by ensuring that such criminals face the long arm of the law. Col. Nakalema added that following President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s guidance, SHIPU in partnership with Nita-U and other agencies came up with the Electronic Investors Protection Portal (EIPP) to curb challenges like fraud faced by investors. EIPP provides investors with reliable information, inquiries, verifications and feedback. “Due to EIPP, Uganda’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has increased by 30 percent in less than two years,” she said. Col. Nakalema further commended the leadership of Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat and other leaders in Uganda for promoting science in the country, urging that science-led solutions are the backbone of the country. “The innovations are really amazing. Congratulations to our leaders and the innovators.” On the other hand, the SHIPU head requested the media to promote Ugandan innovations by showcasing them to the world via various media channels. “Talk for us that Uganda is developing and our own are the ones doing so,” she noted. On her part, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero assured Ugandans that the country is on the right track and moving very fast when it comes to science, technology and innovations. “We have done a lot of science; we now have our technology and still developing it. We have done a lot of innovations to offer practical solutions to problems,” she said. The Minister also disclosed that innovators have managed to translate their innovations into business aspects, and are now able to benefit from them. “A number of businesses are here and we are now ready to take our products to the market. We now understand the market and we are ready to launch our products on the market,” she expounded. “We are telling the world that Uganda has been able to translate the idea into the market. We have products like medicines which meet the international standards, and we are now ready to sell these products.” Dr. Musenero also implored Ugandans to support the local products by giving them market. She assured them that these products are of high quality with affordable prices. “We have a very big supermarket here full of quality products. We are now building a Uganda profile of products that can solve problems.” Additionally, Dr. Musenero revealed that the science sector has been able to partly curb the challenge of unemployment among the youth since it has created over 70,000 jobs in the economy. “Many young people are now CEOs, Managing Directors of their companies,” she said. The Minister also emphasized the need for value addition if Uganda’s GDP is to accelerate to USD550 billion by 2040. On the issue of protecting innovations, Dr. Musenero advised scientists to register their products with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation so that they are given patent rights.

2025-06-19