President Yoweri Museveni has made a strong case for prioritizing poverty eradication over the creation of new cities and districts in Uganda. During a meeting with journalists from Greater Luweero, the President argued that what Ugandans truly need are practical solutions to lift them out of poverty rather than more administrative boundaries.

“We should not concentrate on creating new cities and districts just for the sake of it,” Museveni stated firmly. “What people really need is income, security, jobs, and good infrastructure. These are the things that will actually improve their lives.” His comments come at a time when Uganda has been rapidly creating new administrative units, with critics questioning whether this expansion matches the country’s development priorities.

The President’s position marks a significant shift in thinking about Uganda’s development path. For years, the creation of new districts and cities has been seen as a way to bring government services closer to the people and promote local development. However, Museveni now suggests this approach may have been overemphasized at the expense of more pressing needs.

“Should we concentrate on new cities and districts or poverty alleviation? I choose the latter,” Museveni declared, making his priorities clear. This statement suggests a potential change in government policy that could see fewer resources devoted to establishing new administrative units and more channeled directly into poverty reduction programs.

The President’s emphasis on poverty alleviation reflects growing recognition that Uganda’s development challenges require more than just administrative reforms. While new cities and districts may create some employment opportunities in government, they do not necessarily translate into widespread economic improvement for ordinary citizens. Museveni’s comments indicate a desire to focus on initiatives that will have more direct impact on people’s daily lives.

Economic analysts have long debated whether Uganda’s rapid creation of administrative units represents genuine decentralization or merely political patronage. The country currently has 146 districts, up from just 33 in 1990, with several more in the pipeline. While proponents argue this brings services closer to people, critics note the enormous cost of maintaining these structures often outweighs the benefits.

Museveni’s new position aligns with global development thinking that emphasizes measurable improvements in people’s living standards over bureaucratic expansion. By focusing on income generation, job creation, and infrastructure development, the government could potentially make more tangible progress in fighting poverty.

The President’s remarks also hint at a more pragmatic approach to urbanization. Rather than artificially creating new cities through administrative fiat, there may be greater emphasis on organic urban growth driven by economic activity and job creation. This could lead to more sustainable urban development patterns in the long run.

However, implementing this shift will require significant changes in how development resources are allocated. Government budgets would need to be rebalanced to direct more funds toward poverty alleviation programs and less toward establishing new administrative structures. It would also require careful coordination between different government agencies to ensure resources are used effectively.

The emphasis on infrastructure development is particularly noteworthy. Improved roads, electricity, and water access can have transformative effects on local economies, enabling businesses to grow and creating employment opportunities. When combined with initiatives to boost agricultural productivity and support small enterprises, such investments could indeed make a real difference in poverty reduction.

Museveni’s comments have been welcomed by development experts who have long argued that Uganda needs to focus more on wealth creation than administrative reorganization. However, some caution that the proof will be in the implementation. Previous promises to prioritize poverty alleviation have not always translated into concrete action, and the political appeal of creating new districts remains strong among local leaders.

As Uganda continues its development journey, the President’s latest position suggests a potential turning point in how the country approaches its challenges. By putting poverty alleviation at the center of government priorities, there is hope for more targeted interventions that will actually improve living standards for the majority of Ugandans.

The coming months will reveal whether these words translate into policy changes. If implemented consistently, this shift could mark an important step toward more effective and people-centered development in Uganda. For now, Museveni has sent a clear message: fighting poverty must come before drawing new boundary lines on the map.