Agriculture is the medicine for poverty – Museveni tells Kigezi

President Museveni has urged leaders in the Kigezi sub-region to use agriculture as the primary solution to combat rising poverty levels in their region.

“Being a leader is not an easy task. You talked about increasing poverty levels, and I want to advise you: Your role as leaders is to mobilize your people to embrace commercial agriculture if you want to end poverty. This will help improve the standards of living for your people,” President Museveni said.

He emphasised that the government is already providing support to ordinary Ugandans through start-up capital of Shs1 million via the Parish Development Model (PDM), aimed at enabling them to invest in commercial agriculture.

“Agriculture is the medicine for poverty. That’s why we introduced programs like PDM, which is giving Shs100 million to every parish across the country. This programme aims to integrate every Ugandan into the money economy,” President Museveni added.

The President also urged Ugandans to embrace modern farming practices.

“Although Ugandans have made remarkable progress in fighting poverty, they need to adopt market-oriented agriculture. Agriculture should not only be for food, but also for selling. That’s when you will be able to fight poverty effectively,” he said.

Mr Museveni made these remarks while meeting leaders from the Kigezi sub-region at a function held at the District Main Stadium in Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, Rukungiri District on Thursday. The meeting was part of the Presidential Regional Performance Assessment Tour on the Parish Development Model and wealth creation in the Kigezi sub-region.

On the issue of PDM, the President expressed his intent to take stern action against those involved in the theft of funds.

“This time, I want to deal with anyone trying to steal people’s money (PDM money). This money is for ordinary Ugandans. I will also direct the banks that have been deducting money from beneficiaries to stop immediately, or I will arrest you. We will pay the banks, but every beneficiary should receive their full Shs1 million,” he said.

President Museveni also cautioned leaders against engaging in identity-based politics rooted in tribe, religion, or discrimination against women, as this undermines national development.

“We are all Ugandans. Why should we fight because of cheap politics based on tribe, colour, or religion? Let’s work together and fight our common enemy—poverty—by embracing government programs aimed at putting money in your pockets,” he stated.

He also added, “NRM is a party that works for all Ugandans. From the beginning, NRM has believed in the masses, and our people have supported our development programs. That’s why, when we talk about immunization, our population has grown from 14 million to 46 million.”

Uganda’s Vice President, Rtd Maj Jessica Alupo, called on Ugandans to combine efforts in the fight against poverty.

“Fighting poverty is not a one-man war. We must work together. The youth should not expect to get rich through miracles. Let’s work hand in hand and develop together as Ugandans,” Vice President Alupo said.

She further urged leaders to encourage their people to work hard and support government development programs, stressing that simply praying is not enough.

“People, you have to sweat and strive to achieve economic empowerment. A prayer without work is dead, so let’s encourage our people to work,” she added.

Dr Chris Baryomunsi, the Vice Chairperson of NRM for Western Uganda, thanked President Museveni for his leadership in transforming the lives of Ugandans.

“Today, our country is growing at a very high speed because of you, Mr President. We know you have worked tirelessly, and that’s why we are developing at this pace. Thank you for all your efforts,” Dr Baryomunsi said.

During the meeting, the Minister of Security and Rujumbura County MP, Rtd Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, conveyed the concerns of Kigezi sub-region leaders about the rising poverty levels.

“Mr President, we are living in fear because of increasing poverty. According to our recent research, poverty levels have grown from 13.7 percent to 27.6 percent in the last five years. We call for your intervention,” Minister Muhwezi said.

He added, “Poverty is increasing due to land fragmentation, as the population grows while resources like land remain limited. However, we thank you for visiting Kigezi and for transforming the lives of Ugandans.”

During the meeting, Kigezi sub-region leaders endorsed President Museveni as the party’s sole candidate for the 2026 presidential election.

The meeting included leaders from the six districts of Kigezi sub-region, including ministers, MPs, and other leaders.