Museveni Blasts ‘Lazy’ Ugandans: Stop Enjoying Poverty
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has encouraged citizens to stay proactive and take advantage of financial opportunities to help eliminate poverty in the country.
Speaking to the people of Uganda, Museveni stressed the need for a collective effort, noting that many have become too comfortable with their difficult financial situations.
“I decided to come here because I heard that some of you have accepted poverty as a normal way of life,” Museveni stated. The Ugandan media quoted him saying this while addressing the public. Museveni has been in power since 1986 after leading a successful five-year guerrilla war.
He assured Ugandans that the government would continue providing financial aid but urged them to take bold steps to improve their economic status.
To support this initiative, Museveni announced plans to increase funding for the Parish Development Model (PDM) program. Currently, beneficiaries receive Ugsh. 1 million each, but further increases will depend on how effectively the targeted 36% of households utilize the current funds.
He shared an example of Ms. Tumusiime Deziranta, who used her PDM funds to start a livestock farm, raising pigs and goats.
“Poverty may be your struggle, but it also troubles me to see it. If you continue using the funds wisely, we will provide more over time. I want you to completely reject poverty,” said the 80-year-old leader.
Museveni commended Rubirizi District for managing the PDM funds well and avoiding corruption. He encouraged other regions to follow their example.
“Many Ugandans have never held a million shillings in their hands. Imagine being 64 years old and never seeing that amount. You are fortunate here not to have corruption issues,” he remarked.
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He outlined a plan where the government will invest Shs500 million per parish over five years. By the third year, 500 families will have benefited, and by the final stage, each parish will receive Shs800 million through a savings and credit cooperative system (SACCO).
“I want this money to stay within your communities and support long-term development,” he explained.
Museveni also cautioned against dividing land into small portions when family heads pass away, stating that this practice limits economic potential.
“One of your biggest problems is splitting land among family members when the head dies. Why not keep the land whole and work together as a family? Small plots restrict opportunities. Think about your children’s future,” he advised.
The Parish Development Model, launched on February 26, 2022, aims to bring government services closer to the people and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.
Rubirizi District, home to 167,835 residents and 36,330 households—of which 33,786 rely on subsistence farming—has been a primary focus of the program.
Museveni began his tour of the Ankole sub-region with visits to Rubirizi, Sheema, and Ibanda districts, meeting beneficiaries of the PDM initiative.
Museveni Blasts ‘Lazy’ Ugandans: Stop Enjoying Poverty
