President Urges Commercial Farming to Boost Household Incomes and Transform Communities

President Yoweri Museveni has urged leaders from the Bugisu sub-region to mobilize their people to take up agriculture as the ultimate solution to poverty. Speaking during a meeting in Bulambuli District as part of his regional assessment tour on the Parish Development Model and wealth creation, the President emphasized that commercial agriculture was the only way to increase household incomes and lift families out of poverty.

“Agriculture is the medicine for poverty,” Museveni said, rallying leaders to mobilize their people to engage in commercial farming. He said the government was also supporting them through the PDM, which gives Ugandans startup capital for agricultural projects. Under the initiative, Shs 100 million is given to each parish every year. In three years, a parish will have Shs 300 million, with the money from borrowers increasing the money in the kitty to Shs 800 million by year five.

“This money will never go back to the government. It will remain in the parish to benefit the people,” Museveni assured.

Promotion of Four-Acre Model

The President revisited the Four-Acre Model farming strategy introduced in the 1996 NRM manifesto, to this day. He said those with a small plot should first work on high-value crops and animals.

“If you have enough land, don’t go for crops like sugarcane or cotton that require large areas. Focus on coffee, fruits, pasture for cattle, and food crops for the household. In your backyard, you can rear poultry, keep pigs, or even try fish farming if you live near a swamp,” he recommended.

He noted that such activities could result in great returns even on small pieces of land, and he urged leaders to sensitize citizens on how to go about it.

Tough Stand on PDM Funds Mismanagement

On the issue of corruption in the PDM, Museveni vowed to act tough on those who were bleeding the program.

“Anyone stealing money meant for the poor will face justice,” he warned. The President also disclosed that investigations are going on, and police cases have already been opened against the culprits. He also halted the bank deductions from the PDM beneficiaries, ensuring the receivables get their due as stipulated.

“The government shall pay for the bank charge. My people must have their full Shs 1 million,” he clarified.

Rebuff to Identity Politics

President Museveni warned against politics of identity based on tribe, religion, or gender, saying these were harmful to national development.

“In 1962, Uganda had only two women in Parliament. When we came to power, we ensured women had representation by creating special seats for them in every district,” he noted. He went on to highlight the mass-line approach of the NRM, focusing on inclusive policies for all Ugandans.

He attributed Uganda’s population growth-from 14 million in 1986 to 46 million today-to effective mass-line programmes like immunization. “Our approach is always for everyone, and it works,” he said.

Support for Disaster-Prone Areas

Recognizing the challenges faced by people in disaster-prone areas like Bugisu, Museveni ordered the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development to help build standard homes using cement blocks. He urged the need for resilience against natural disasters such as floods and landslides that frequently affect the region.

Ban on Imported Furniture

In another directive, Museveni prohibited the importation of furniture, emphasizing the availability of locally made products. He recounted how the Ministry of Education was previously importing furniture until the First Lady intervened.

“We stopped that treachery. Uganda can make its own furniture,” he asserted.

Praises and Endorsements

NRM’s Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, Capt. Mike Mukula, lauded Museveni’s dedication to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

President Museveni has struggled day and night to make Uganda one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa and the world,” said Mukula.

Bungokho Central MP Richard Wanda echoed similar sentiments, thanking Museveni for the prompt response whenever disasters struck, like landslides and floods in Bugisu. He also praised the government’s poverty eradication programs such as PDM and the youth livelihood initiative.

In turn, the leaders from Bugisu showered appreciation by declaring Museveni the sole candidate for NRM during the 2026 presidential elections. The meeting was joined by ministers, MPs, and other officials to assure unity of purpose in the fight against poverty through agriculture and innovation government programs.

A Vision to Transform

The message from President Museveni was clear: Agriculture holds the key to unlocking potential toward livelihood transformation. In this, with strong support mechanisms such as the PDM, coupled with innovative farming methods, a pathway into sustainable development opens for rural communities in Uganda, including those in Bugisu.