President Yoweri Museveni has called on residents of Kitagwenda District to prioritize household income generation as the foundation for economic stability. Speaking at a rally held at Kichwamba Secondary School, the president, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni, commended the people of Kitagwenda for maintaining peace and rejecting rebel activities. He attributed the prevailing stability to the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s policies, which emphasize economic interests over identity politics, promote women’s empowerment, and reject discrimination based on religion or tribe.

While acknowledging the importance of infrastructure such as roads and electricity, President Museveni stressed that these developments alone cannot lift individuals out of poverty without a steady source of income. He explained that true financial progress begins at the household level, where families must engage in productive activities to sustain themselves. To illustrate his point, he cited the example of Richard Nyakana from Fort Portal, who has successfully managed a thriving one-acre farm, proving that even small landholdings can yield significant returns when properly utilized.

The president highlighted the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a key government initiative designed to support low-income Ugandans who lack startup capital. Under this program, each parish receives Shs 100 million annually, with eligible beneficiaries able to borrow up to Shs 1 million at a low-interest rate of 6%, repayable over two years. He assured the public that these funds are meant to remain in the hands of the people and will not be returned to government coffers. He also warned against mismanagement, urging residents to report any officials found misusing the money.

In addition to economic empowerment, President Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to education, emphasizing the importance of free primary and secondary schooling in government institutions. He revealed plans to increase investments in teacher recruitment and classroom construction to improve the quality of education. As a gesture of support, he donated buses to Kichwamba Secondary School and Humura Secondary School and contributed Shs 60 million toward the construction of Kitagwenda Mosque.

Local leaders expressed their gratitude for the president’s initiatives. Kitagwenda Woman Member of Parliament Dorothy Nyakato and Kitagwenda County MP Nulu Byamukama thanked him for creating the district and introducing the PDM program, which they believe will uplift many households. Byamukama also appealed for the tarmacking of roads in the area to facilitate the transportation of coffee to markets, a request that underscores the need for infrastructure to complement economic activities.

President Museveni’s message was clear: while the government continues to invest in large-scale infrastructure, individual prosperity depends on households engaging in income-generating activities. By leveraging programs like the PDM and adopting modern farming techniques, even families with limited resources can achieve financial stability. The rally not only reinforced the NRM’s development agenda but also provided practical guidance for residents seeking to improve their livelihoods.

The event concluded with a sense of optimism among attendees, who left with a clearer understanding of how to harness government initiatives for their benefit. With continued peace, proper utilization of PDM funds, and improved infrastructure, Kitagwenda District is poised for meaningful progress. The president’s visit served as a reminder that sustainable development requires both government support and active participation from citizens at the grassroots level.

As Uganda moves forward, the emphasis on homestead income generation reflects a broader strategy to ensure that economic growth reaches every household. The success of programs like the PDM will depend on transparency, accountability, and the willingness of communities to embrace new opportunities. For the people of Kitagwenda, the path to prosperity lies in combining government resources with hard work and innovation at the family level.

President Museveni’s rally not only addressed immediate concerns but also laid out a vision for long-term economic resilience. By focusing on household income, education, and infrastructure, the government aims to create a foundation upon which all Ugandans can build a better future. The people of Kitagwenda now have both the tools and the encouragement to take charge of their economic destiny, ensuring that growth is not just a national statistic but a reality in every home.