President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni convened with Gomba and Sembabule district leaders on Thursday at his Kisozi farm in Gomba District to discuss the progress of a project initiated in 2011.
The project aimed to uplift communities in nine villages across both districts by enhancing household income.
During the meeting, President Museveni emphasized the critical role of prioritizing household income, stating that it serves as the cornerstone for overall development within communities. He emphasized, “The roads, electricity, and other infrastructures are not the cure for poverty. The remedy lies in bolstering household income or ensuring a fair wage.”
Initiated in 2011, the project involved the distribution of livestock, coffee seedlings, and financial support to households in nine villages spanning Gomba and Sembabule Districts. President Museveni underscored his long-standing commitment to poverty alleviation, dating back to the 1960s, citing his efforts in the Ankole region.
Acknowledging past successes, President Museveni highlighted the need to expand the project to encompass additional villages within the two districts and he pledged ongoing support and encouraged leaders to mobilize communities to embrace government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga to combat poverty effectively.
In response, local leaders expressed gratitude for President Museveni’s leadership and the positive impact of the projects on their communities. They affirmed their commitment to promoting the message of increasing household income through various government programs.
Gomba West Member of Parliament, Hon. Robina Rwakoojo thanked the President for his visionary leadership and will to change the lives of the people he leads. She added that as leaders, they are already preaching the President’s message of increasing household income to the people through several government initiatives like PDM.
Hon. Shartsi Musherure, the Member of Parliament for Mawogola North, thanked President Museveni for bringing forth the projects which are causing development in Gomba, Sembabule and the whole country. She assured the President that the people of Sembabule have embraced the PDM project and the money is being utilised well for the right cause.
Gomba District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Sylvia Nayebale also commended President Museveni for being an exemplary leader who works towards improving the welfare of Ugandans. She also appreciated the President for the project that has improved the livelihoods of the people of Gomba and Sembabule.
These views were also echoed by Sembabule District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Mary Begumisa.
Project Coordinator Ms. Sarah Nalwanga lauded the transformative impact of the initiative, noting significant improvements in the lives of beneficiaries. She highlighted the substantial increase in livestock ownership and coffee production, reflecting the project’s success in fostering economic empowerment.
To date, the project has benefited 2035 households, marking a significant step towards sustainable development and poverty reduction in the region.