Museveni urges Kigezi leaders to prioritise poverty alleviation over politics
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has criticized leaders and residents of the Kigezi sub-region for prioritizing politics over government programs aimed at alleviating household poverty.
While commissioning the 132KV Mirama–Kabale transmission line and its associated Kabale substation at Hamuko Village, Igomanda Parish in Hamurwa Sub-county, Rubanda District, as part of his Parish Development Model (PDM) tour on Wednesday, Museveni expressed frustration over the region’s tendency to engage in politicking rather than embracing government initiatives designed to improve livelihoods.
The President lamented that many Ugandans, including those in the Kigezi sub-region, continue to live in poverty due to their failure to follow government advice on participating in poverty alleviation programs. He cited initiatives such as the Parish Development Model, Operation Wealth Creation, and other government schemes intended to uplift households from poverty.
President Museveni highlighted the success of Angello Nsekanabo, a resident of Rutare Village in Rutare Parish, who benefited from Operation Wealth Creation in 2016 and has since prospered by embracing government programs. He also condemned the increasing trend of land fragmentation in the region, despite its fertile soils, warning that such practices undermine agricultural productivity.
“This lack of listening to guidance is not correct. There is a problem there,” Museveni said before switching to the Runyankole language.
Instead, he urged residents to adopt both extensive and intensive agricultural practices to ensure sustainable household incomes.
The President further noted that despite the government’s efforts to extend electricity to the region, poverty remains a significant challenge. He called on local leaders to prioritize educating the population on effective poverty-fighting strategies.
The Hamuko-Kabale Substation project, which spans Ntungamo, Rukiga, Kabale, and Rubanda districts, was financed by a USD 83.75 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa reported that most project-affected persons (PAPs) had been compensated, with 2,467 out of 2,529 individuals receiving payments.
