News Articles | MINISTRY OF ICT AND NATIONAL GUIDANCE

14 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMENDS KABALE DIOCESE FOR SUPPORTING GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Kabale Diocese for its role in supporting government programs aimed at transforming rural communities and boosting household incomes. He made the remarks today while commissioning the Rushoroza- Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) Road at Kabale Diocese in Kabale Municipality. President Museveni assured the people of Kabale that the government is committed to strategic planning and effective prioritization of national resources. He emphasized that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government prioritizes security to stabilize the country, enabling citizens to conduct their businesses peacefully. The President added that this foundation allows for investments in health, education, and poverty alleviation programs such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga. He stressed that while infrastructure development, such as roads, is essential, it must be complemented by initiatives that boost household income. “Good roads and infrastructure are beneficial, but they do not make sense when people are poor. That’s why the NRM government prioritizes household income,” President Museveni remarked. He also expressed gratitude to Bishop Callist Rubaramira of Kabale Diocese for leading efforts to transform Kabale into a money economy by supporting initiatives that empower local communities. Additionally, President Museveni reiterated his commitment to supporting community empowerment through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and financial literacy, ensuring sustainable economic growth and development for all Ugandans. The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba noted that the developments include stormwater drainage at Mwanjari Business Centre, Mukombe Road, and along Katuna Highway, as well as street lighting along Trail of Road. These improvements have boosted property values, extended business working hours, and enhanced safety and access to social amenities such as schools and hospitals. She further noted that the enhanced infrastructure has significantly increased Kabale Municipality’s revenue collection from UGX 900 million in 2019 to UGX 1.9 billion last year. Bishop Rubaramira highlighted the positive impact of the USMID Program, which has enhanced local infrastructure and improved livelihoods in Kabale Municipality. He noted that the program has empowered communities through education, financial literacy, and hands-on training. Bishop Rubaramira requested President Museveni’s continued support to expand the USMID program to other municipalities, consolidating the gains achieved so far. He also appreciated the opportunity given to local contractors which has boosted local capacity and economic growth. He further explained that St. Ignatius University, in collaboration with Kabale Diocese, has dedicated 10 hectares of land for research to maximize productivity and address land fragmentation challenges. The university is also promoting financial literacy and microfinance programs, equipping rural families with financial management skills and providing affordable loans to enhance household incomes. The university’s charitable department is driving community development by launching projects that support food security and value addition. Local farmers are benefiting from machinery that processes fruits such as passion fruit and pineapple, thus increasing their earnings. The university representatives expressed gratitude to President Museveni for supporting socio-economic transformation programs, which have significantly contributed to poverty reduction. Under the USMID Program, Kabale Municipality has witnessed substantial infrastructure improvements, including the rehabilitation of municipal roads, street lighting installation, and upgrading of water drainage systems. Executed between 2019 and 2024, these projects have enhanced mobility, security, and employment within the Municipality.

13 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CALLS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EGG PROCESSING FACTORY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said that the government will establish a processing factory to add value to eggs in order to strengthen the economy, improve nutrition and food security. According to the President, the volume of eggs is increasing yet the market is not enough, and instead of selling them raw, which are often consumed locally, processing them in the form of powder and liquid will fetch higher prices locally and internationally. “We need to establish factories to process these eggs into products such as baby foods and nutritional foods to feed the elderly and the sick for the whole country and also for export,” he said. The President made the remarks on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, while visiting Ms. Akampurira Evas, a poultry farmer and beneficiary of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Bubare trading center, Bubare sub county in Rubanda county east, Rubanda district. President Museveni, who is in the Kigezi sub region on the assessment tour of the PDM and wealth creation programs, said whether boiled, scrambled, or mixed with chapati, commonly known as Rolex, cannot be exported, but once properly processed and packed, it can even attract international markets, like is the case with the dairy industry. “My people in Nyabushozi started milking a lot of milk—5.3 billion liters per year, yet Ugandans can only consume 800 million liters. What we did was process the milk into different forms and pack it, and now we are exporting to countries like Nigeria, Algeria, and the rest. This is what we want to do with the eggs and the pigs,” he explained. Speaking to the residents, the President reminded the Kigezi people that the only medicine to poverty is intensive agriculture by using their small portions of land but going for products with high returns under the 4 acre model and the recommended seven activities, which include one acre for coffee, another acre for fruits (mangoes, oranges, and pineapples), another one for food crops for the family (cassava, bananas, Irish potatoes, or millet), and the last one for pasture for dairy cattle (about 8 of them). On top of this, one can add on poultry for eggs in the backyard, piggery and fish farming. “This is what we have been preaching since 1996, but the people don’t care,” the President noted, adding that the government has been introducing support programs starting with Entandikwa, the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture (PMA), the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), but people did not pay attention, thus failing to get out poverty. “We started hearing complaints that our soldiers under OWC are mismanaging the OWC program by extending support to their relatives. We now introduced the PDM and said, Let’s send you the money directly through your parish saccos by giving you shs. 100 million each year. I want to thank you for using this money very well to get out of poverty. Please continue,” President Museveni stated. He also urged that demanding roads, electricity, and hospitals may not necessarily solve their household income problems, saying that the government can provide tarmac roads, extend electricity, schools, and hospitals, among other infrastructure, but it cannot create wealth for every household. “Whenever you return home, you will find poverty waiting and warmly welcome you back. So, please, seek first household incomes, and the rest will be added unto you,” the President said. On her part, Ms. Akampurira welcomed President Museveni to her home and expressed gratitude for the PDM program, which she said has changed her life. “I heard the president in 2022 when he was launching the PDM to get Ugandans out of poverty. I also said I want to benefit from this money. I started preparing myself by constructing a poultry house,” she narrated. In September 2023, Ms. Akampurira received shs. 1 million, which later became shs. 990,000 after deduction of bank charge of shs. 10,000. She later spent shs. 375,000 and bought 50 young birds of chicken each at shs. 7500. She used the balance to buy chicken feed and drinking materials. “After 3 months, I sold each at shs.35,000 and got shs. 750,000 as profits. I later bought 100 layer chicks at shs.3500 each, and in 5 months I started collecting eggs,” Akampulira said, adding that after selling off the grown-up layers, she counted shs. 7,950,000 million as profits. She later added on piggery and sells each pig at shs. 800,000. “This PDM has really worked for me because I’m selling chicken, eggs, and chicken manure, and I’m now able to pay school fees for my children, some of whom had sat home. Those who got money for the PDM and know what to do must now be rich,” she informed the President. The Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. Henry Ariganyira Musasizi, informed President Museveni that over shs. 14 billion has been distributed to the SACCOs in 70 parishes of Rubanda. Hon. Musasizi, who is also a Member of Parliament for Rubanda East constituency, said the commissioned Mirama-Kabale high-voltage power line will facilitate industrialization in the region. He also engaged President Museveni on the identification of potential investors who can establish an iron ore factory in the region. The ceremony was also attended by the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, Ministers, Members of Parliament, officials from the PDM Secretariat, and district leaders. While in Kigezi, the President will visit several PDM beneficiaries, hold a live media interaction, and address public rallies in the sub-region.

12 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS MIRAMA-KABALE POWER-LINE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasised the importance of conserving wetlands, saying they act as reservoirs for water that is always used in generating hydropower electricity. President Museveni made the remarks today while commissioning the Mirama-Kabale high voltage power-line and its substation at Hamuko village in Rubanda district. The commissioning is part of the Presidential performance assessment tour on the Parish Development Model (PDM) and wealth creation in Kigezi Sub-region which commenced today. “The commissioned high voltage power substation is aimed at boosting industrialization and job creation in this area. People must be reminded that while they celebrate the commissioning of this electricity, they have a role to play in conserving the wetlands because the water used in generating this electricity at Jinja originates from the wetlands where small rivers get the water they pour to River Nile through other rivers like Kagera,” President Museveni said. The Hamuko, Kabale Substation, Rubanda District electricity project, which traverses through Ntungamo, Rukiga, Kabale and Rubanda districts, was financed by the Islamic Development Bank with a loan of USD 83.75 million, under the oversight of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. The Ministry was also pleased to highlight that most project-affected persons (PAPs) had been compensated, with 2,467 paid out of the 2,529 individuals. In her speech, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support from the local leadership and communities of the Kigezi region. She highlighted the project's significance in enhancing power stability, supporting rural electrification, and driving socio-economic development. “Today, we are witnessing the commissioning of a transformative project that will significantly enhance power stability in Southwestern Uganda, particularly in the Kigezi sub-region. This project will in addition to delivering electricity; create opportunities for industrial growth, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the nation’s overall economic development,” said Hon. Nankabirwa. According to the CEO of Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) Mr. Joshua Karamagi, the successful completion of the project to ensure energy security for the Kigezi region has been made possible as a result of a collaboration with various stakeholders including; the Government of Uganda, the Islamic Development Bank, the local community and leadership and Colenco Consulting Ltd. (Nigeria), CCC-GTSCC Consortium (Nigeria), and Ceylex Engineering PVT Ltd. (Sri Lanka). The Rubanda district LCV chairman Mr Stephen Kasyaba thanked the government for establishing the electricity substation in his area and urged the community members to use it for the establishment of small and big industries to spur development in the region.

10 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS GLOBAL CARBON ASSET MANAGER ECONETIX TO DISCUSS PARTNERSHIP ON UGANDAN CARBON MARKET

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni received an Austrian-based delegation this afternoon who called on him at State House Entebbe to discuss, among other issues, Uganda’s carbon removal potential. The delegation was led by Mrs. Olivia Mugabe Mitterer, a Ugandan investment advisor; former consul general Mr. Karl Wipfler; H.E. Elisabeth Koestinger, the former Minister of Environment and Agriculture of Austria; Jakob Zenz and Paul Nimmerfall, the founders of EcoNetix. President Museveni welcomed the Austrian entrepreneurs and urged them to exploit the opportunities available in the country. “The Chinese have capital and entrepreneurship, and we have labor and land. So, I am very happy to see some European entrepreneurs,” he said. The delegation presented a groundbreaking partnership aimed at positioning Uganda as a leader in the carbon markets. With over 3 million hectares of forest and 14 million hectares of agricultural land, Uganda has enormous carbon removal potential. As part of this collaboration, EcoNetix is set to become one of Uganda’s implementation partners, helping to elevate the country’s farmers and forestry projects to new levels of sustainability and economic potential. “EcoNetix is delighted to work with the government of Uganda to unlock its full carbon removal potential,” said Mr. Jakob. The initiative is expected to generate up to $500 million in investments, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to climate resilience while driving significant financial benefits for local communities. The collaboration will focus on scaling up high-integrity carbon credit projects that align with Uganda’s sustainable development objectives.

08 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ATTENDS EAC AND SADC SUMMIT TO TACKLE DRC CONFLICT

The President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni left Uganda this morning to attend the joint summit of Heads of State and Government from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The purpose of the joint meeting was to find possible solutions for the peace and stability of the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is currently engaged in armed conflict. The meeting was co-chaired by the Chairman of the EAC and President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. William Samoei Ruto, the Chairman of SADC and President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Emmerson Mnangagwa, and their host, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. Also in attendance were His Excellency, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo; His Excellency, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa; His Excellency, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia; His Excellency, Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia. His Excellency, Lieutenant General Gervais Ndirakobuca, the Prime Minister, representing His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi; His Excellency, Ambassador Téte António, Minister of External Relations, Republic of Angola representing H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço President of the Republic of Angola; Honourable Nancy Gladys Tembo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing H.E. Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi. Honourable Deng Alor Kuol, Minister of East African Community Affairs, representing His Excellency, Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan; Honorable Lieutenant General Lala Monja Delphin Sahivelo, Minister of the Armed Forces, representing H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar. The opening session of the Joint Summit was also attended by H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Giving the welcoming remarks, President Samia emphasised that dialogue is the best way to achieve lasting peace and security in the DRC. She stated that all parties should be engaged in peace dialogue and mediation to find possible solutions to the situation in the DRC. “This meeting provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate our readiness and commitment to seeking peace and security for our brothers and neighbours in the DRC. It is my hope that, through our unity, we will carry out this duty with the highest level of integrity,” said President Samia. Speaking at the meeting, the EAC Chairman and President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. William Ruto, reiterated calls to the parties in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and take positive actions to allow meaningful dialogue aimed at restoring stability. “We stand together to call on all parties to actualise the ceasefire; and specifically, on the M23 to halt further advancements, and the armed forces of the DRC, to cease all retaliatory measures. An immediate ceasefire is the only way by which we can create the necessary conditions for constructive dialogue and the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement,” he said. For his part, the SADC Chairperson and the President of Zimbabwe, H.E. Emmerson Mnangagwa, urged the meeting to develop a comprehensive strategy to resolve the long-standing conflict in the DRC, noting that its impact has not only affected the well-being of the DRC but also the entire EAC and SADC. The Heads of State then held a closed-door session and later issued a joint communique which among other resolutions mandated the Chiefs of Defence Forces from EAC and SADC to convene within five days. Their focus will be to establish an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and devise a securitization plan for Goma and surrounding areas. Additionally, they will address the reopening of key supply routes, Goma Airport, and recommend further necessary interventions to stabilize the region.

07 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS SOMALI PRESIDENT H.E HASSAN SHEIKH MOHAMUD

At the invitation of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud paid a one-day official visit to Uganda on Friday, February 7th, 2025. He was accompanied by Somalia’s Minister of Defence and other government officials. At State House Entebbe, President Museveni welcomed H.E Mohamud and commended the strong bilateral relations as well as the enhanced cooperation between the two countries. Recalling the discussion held at State Lodge, Nakasero during H.E Mohamud’s last official visit to Uganda on October 19th 2024, the two heads of State reviewed bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. They further exchanged views on the security situation in Somalia and the region; underscoring the need to maintain peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the entire continent. The leaders also paid tribute to the Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) to the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali Security Forces for the sacrifices made since 2007 in fighting against Al-Shabaab. President Museveni commended H.E Mohamud, his government and the people of the Federal Republic of Somalia for the commitment, resilience and efforts made in stabilizing Somalia. On his part, H.E Mohamud commended President Museveni, his government and the people of Uganda for the sacrifice and commitment to peace and security in Somalia since 2007. He further appreciated the symbolic gesture of goodwill and warm hospitality accorded to him during the visit. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Jeje Odongo, the Minister of State for Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Oleru, Amb. Nathan Mugisha, Deputy Head of Uganda Mission in Somalia, Mr. Robert Mugimba, Uganda Embassy’s Counselor in Mogadishu, Lt Gen. Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (D/CDF), among others.

09 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ATTENDS EAC AND SADC SUMMIT TO TACKLE DRC CONFLICT

06 February 2025

“WITH OIL, OUR RATE OF GROWTH WILL GO INTO DOUBLE DIGITS”- PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ASSURES UGANDANS AT THE 44TH TAREHE SITA ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has assured that Uganda’s economy will grow into double digits when the country starts producing its oil. “After June (this year), our economy will grow by 7.3 percent without oil. That's a high growth speed, very few countries can achieve that. With oil, our rate of growth will go into double digits; more than 10 percent,” he said. The President who was in the company of the First Lady and the Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, made the remarks today during the 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations at Kasasa Township Grounds in Kyotera District. The celebrations ran under the theme: “Celebrating Pan African Solidarity and People’s Sacrifice in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-Economic Transformation”. Tarehe Sita is observed annually on 6th February, and it is a symbol of the founding of the people’s army. The day commemorates the heroic efforts of the founding fathers and the people’s revolution. The President noted that the economy of Uganda is growing progressively, all in the account of the five phases that the economy and society have gone through since 1986. “As a consequence of all this, although we still have a lot to do, our economy will be USD59.3 billion by June 2025 using the Foreign Exchange Method but USD168.5 billion by the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) method. Remember we started with USD4 billion in 1986,” he said. “The phases include minimum economic recovery by bringing back the 3Cs (Coffee, cotton and copper) and 3Ts (Tobacco, Tea and Tourism) of the colonial economy which Idi Amin has destroyed, the second phase was to expand this small economy, that is why with coffee now, we are at 9 million bags, we used to be at 2 million bags. Phase three is to diversify the economy, phase four is adding value and lastly, phase five, we have entered the knowledge economy which include automobile and vaccines.” The President also pledged to handsomely award local scientists who have been able to come up with different innovations like vaccines. “We must congratulate our people. Our university and some factories are now manufacturing most of the diagnostics we need. We are self-sufficient in sanitizers.” Additionally, President Museveni urged Ugandans to ensure value addition to their products if they are to benefit more from their economic sweat. “The value addition with coffee we are moving. We are supporting a number of groups. Therefore, when we tell you that we are targeting an economy of USD 500 billion, in the next few years, take serious note of what we are saying,” he said. “The Greater Masaka area is moving forward in terms of commercialization of coffee, palm oil and milk. Add irrigation to your efforts and the sky will be the limit. In the Katonga flood plain we can do a lot of fishing. This rice I see there, I don't think it's a good idea, we shall talk about it.” President Museveni further revealed that the National Resistance Army (NRA) from the beginning was fighting for certain philosophical, ideological and strategic principles and targets, citing them as some of the reasons why Uganda has been peaceful all these years. “I assert that the philosophical, ideological and the strategic stand has enabled Uganda to be peaceful all these years by building a strong army and other state institutions, expanding education and health services, modernising infrastructure, electricity, ensuring freedom of speech and worship and emphasising Pan-Africanism through regional and political integration,” he said. He also congratulated Ugandans for reaching the 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary when the NRM attacked Kabamba in 1981. “I congratulate the combatants and the people of Uganda on the victories we have scored since that day. We thank God for these victories,” he said. “Since we are in Kakuuto, I cannot fail to thank the people of Greater Masaka for their support to the liberation in 1972, 1979, 1985-86. Big and historical battles were fought here, I thank you for your support.” On the other hand, President Museveni directed the Ministry of Works and that of Finance and Planning to start consolidating the old roads before working on new ones. “But I need to apologize to the people of this area, we have done many roads in Uganda but the people in the planning Ministry and that of the Ministry of works had made some mistakes. They build new roads and forget old ones. That is how this road from Mutukula to Masaka deteriorated, and they came to work on it when it's a bit late. We have now told them very clearly that we should consolidate the old roads before you work on new ones. That scattered planning, we have stopped it.” President Museveni concluded his speech by reiterating UPDF’s capacity to protect Ugandans and their property. “Like the CDF Gen. Muhoozi has assured you, the UPDF has all the capacity to protect you, supported by you as well as protecting your property.” The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth informed the President that as the political leadership at the Ministry, they work closely with the leadership of the army to achieve the goal of maintaining peace and security in Uganda. “The only thing I should say is that all of us should guard and protect the achievements by the NRM without fear or favor,” he said. “Your Excellency, you took the risk to stage an armed struggle with less equipment and now the CDF has said that our capability as a country has been enhanced so as Ugandans we should stay put and safeguard what God has given us.” The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba said during the event, Uganda commemorates the day the liberation struggle against dictatorship was launched by Gen. Museveni and 27 other gallant fighters. “This event marks a significant day in the history of the UPDF and the NRM and it demonstrates how far we have come and where we aim to go as a country. Ours has been a journey of continuous growth, some challenges notwithstanding,” he said. “We honour and revere all those who sacrificed their lives in the Struggle for this country. With the guidance of our seniors and experience, we shall continue with the agenda of fundamental change in our country as best as we can including by granting security to all our citizens.” Gen. Muhoozi also expressed deep gratitude to President Museveni and all those who believed in his [the President] vision of a liberated, free and prosperous Uganda and Africa. “To everyone who contributed to the liberation struggle, we owe you our heartfelt thanks. Tarehe Sita is special in our hearts, not only for its historical significance in the eventual NRA victory but also for the enduring achievements we continue to witness in our nation,” he said. “As UPDF we have continued to work tirelessly to consolidate the fruits of the liberation struggle to ensure not only peace and security within our border but also supporting our brothers and sisters across the continent. This Pan-African spirit will remain a cornerstone of our mission as UPDF.” At the same function, 41 individuals were awarded with medals for their exceptional contribution towards Uganda’s liberation. The event was also attended by the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, NRM First National Deputy Chairman, Alhajj Moses Kigongo, the NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senior security officers, among others.

03 February 2025

“AFRICA SHOULD NOT IMPORT ANY FOOD,” SAYS PRESIDENT MUSEVENI

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has re-emphasized the need for Africa to achieve self-sufficiency in food production rather than relying on imports. “You shouldn't import any food. You can grow and then also process, because we have a lot of raw materials,” H.E. Museveni said, while emphasizing the need to add value to other non-food agricultural products and earn more. “If I sell a kilo of cotton, I may get $1, but if the kilo of cotton is made into shirts, I will get something like $20 from the same kilo. So, when you export cotton, you are donating money to Asians and also jobs,” he added. The President made the remarks on Monday, February 3, 2025, while meeting a group of Gabonese military officers who have been undergoing refresher training at the Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka, in Jinja. They included Major Jason Dimitri Raivire, Captain Stephen Obouba, Captain Stephane Meboung and Captain Mathieu Collard. According to the President, to get rid of this sense of dependency, it will require strong government policies to leverage the good climate and fertile soils to invest in agriculture. “Here we don't import any food, except what is not eaten by us. I don't eat rice because I'm not an Asian. I don't eat bread because I'm not European. I eat my food, cassava and millet. But some of these people eat rice. They're the ones who import some rice. Otherwise, all the other foods we have in plenty,” he added. After their training, the Gabonese Army officers also toured several agricultural institutions in Uganda to appreciate their critical role in achieving food security through enhancing food production, improving farming techniques, and ensuring sustainable agricultural development. About security, President Museveni emphasized the need for Africa to take responsibility for its own security and defense rather than relying on Western nations. “Why don't you defend yourself? Really bad mentality. It's not good if you have children. When the child is beginning to grow and to walk, you encourage him to walk on his own. You don't say, don't walk. I will carry you. Then you enable the child. Why doesn't the West want their allies in Africa to walk on their own?” the President wondered. “Here, we don't have any foreigners with us. They can train and go. But to defend us? That's a vote of no confidence in ourselves.” The meeting was also attended by officials from Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and scientists from the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO).

02 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TAKES FIRM ACTION AGAINST CORRUPT OFFICIALS IN LANGO

In a decisive move to combat corruption within the ranks of local officials, His Excellency the President, Gen. (rtd). Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to revoke police bonds granted to officials implicated in corrupt practices related to the Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries in the Lango sub-region. In a statement released today on his Twitter (X) account, the President emphasised his commitment to ensuring that public officials uphold their responsibilities and act in the best interest of the Ugandan people. Following his recent visit to the Lango sub-region and the disturbing report by the late Brig. Gen. Charles Oluka (RIP) dated 25 January 2025, which detailed the extortion of funds from PDM beneficiaries by corrupt officials, the President has made it clear that accountability must prevail. “Any official who does not do their duty in prosecuting those thieves(suspected) will be held accountable,” said President Museveni. The President's directive aims to restore public confidence in governance and protect the rights of PDM beneficiaries. The government remains steadfast in its fight against corruption and is committed to enhancing transparency and integrity within its institutions.

29 January 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI IMPRESSED BY PROGRESSIVE IMPACT OF PDM IN LIRA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady, also the Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni were on Tuesday 28th January 2025 hosted at the home of Mrs. Vicky Apio in Alingiri village, Amach town council, Lira District. Mrs. Apio is one the beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) initiative. President Museveni who is on a Zonal tour to assess the progress of the PDM program and popularize wealth creation drive in Lango Sub-region, noted that the PDM program was making a progressive impact on many parts of the country including Lira District. He particularly praised Mrs. Apio for her resilience and utilising the PDM money well to expand her farming project. “I want to thank Vicky Apio for waking up from sleep. Apio is moving very well, she started by growing maize, rearing sheep and bought a plot then continues to grow maize. So you, the production officers of the district, need to come in and consolidate these people. You heard what Apio was telling you that one challenge she is faced with is that of water. How do you solve the problem of water?” he inquired. President Museveni also offered financial support to Mrs. Apio to expand her projects. He also contributed a tricycle for transportation as well as pledged to provide her with a borehole to deal with the challenge of water. The President further recognized 10 successful farmers, who are PDM beneficiaries from Erute South Constituency for their hard work and gave them Shs1 million each. Maama Janet was equally delighted to note that the PDM program is bearing fruits in Uganda including the Lango sub-region where it is now progressing into a robust family unifying factor. “I am honored to be in this village and to see what is happening in the new PDM families. In all the places we stopped today, what I admire most is what the PDM is planting in villages, the culture of a man and his wife working together. While women in the past were really being overlooked and were just walked over and not given any respect. Now it is good to see women holding hands with their husbands and working together in the family,” she said. The First Lady also noted that this culture will ultimately lift up the children in their families, village communities and will subsequently consolidate the unity of the nation. Maama Janet, however, reminded women not to leave out men in the financial projects but to work together as a team. On her part, the 37-year-old mother of 6 expressed her profound gratitude to President Museveni for the PDM program that she affirmed has pulled her out of poverty. Mrs. Apio, flanked by her husband Ojok Peter Nelson together with their 6 children and 2 foster ones, recounted her journey that saw her move from abject poverty to improved livelihood. “Before receiving PDM funds, life was extremely difficult. I was struggling with the basic needs in the family. Children dropped out of school due to lack of school fees. Life later turned round for the better when I heard President Museveni talking on Radio about PDM funds and I also got the money from our Banya-Amach Town Council SACCO. I planted 3 acres of maize, harvested 45 bags, and sold 40. I earned Shs 2.8 million. I used Shs1 million to buy 10 sheep, saved Shs1 million for the next planting season and shs. 800,000 I used it to pay school fees,” she narrated. “In 2024 I again planted maize, harvested 50 bags, and earned Shs4 million. I used Shs2.7 million to buy a plot of land at Amach Town Council and I have saved Shs1 million for planting more maize this season,” she said. Mrs. Apio affirmed that the PDM program has not only changed her life and that of her family members for the better but has also broadened her thinking. She is planning to start coffee and dairy farming as well as to add value to her maize. She also implored Ugandans not to take the wealth creation gospel of President Museveni for granted but to embrace it wholeheartedly. “I appreciate President Museveni for empowering women, and I thank him for the PDM program,” she said. The event was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, among other leaders.

29 January 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI LAUNCHES CONSTRUCTION OF AKII-BUA OLYMPIC STADIUM

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni have today performed the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City. The construction of the US$ 129 million state-of-the-art facility is to be undertaken by an Egyptian firm SAMCO National Construction Company and Khater Sports and is projected to take a record period of 20 months to complete. President Museveni used the occasion to explain the cause of the delay in the construction of the Stadium while at the same time castigating some political actors who are spreading lies tying the upcoming Presidential and general elections to the project. “No Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, no votes for NRM. So please we are tired of lies. Elections based on lies are not good elections, they should be based on the truth. If you have elections based on lies then you are killing your country,” President Museveni warned. President Museveni explained that the government had to prioritize the implementation of the competing programmes on a small resource envelope. He said the government did not deliberately abandon sports or the construction of stadiums but had to first deal with the basic necessities in the country like peace, infrastructure, education and health, among others. “Therefore, the delay of the construction of Akii-Bua Stadium was not because we did not care, it was because we had to survive first; peace, food, education, health and infrastructure, among others,” he said. “When some people try to say, Oh, this government is useless, they have forgotten sports- I am a sportsman myself, but I couldn’t start with sports when there was no peace or food in the country. It is not that we didn’t know about sports but one by one makes a bundle,” President Museveni explained. He also cautioned the wanainchi against some political actors who claim to be able to do everything at once and always to treat them as liars. President Museveni also informed the audience that the day was about celebrating the sports legend John Akii-Bua and also to fulfill the commitment of co-hosting the AFCON tournament with the sister East African countries of Kenya and Tanzania. He stressed that Uganda is to fast track the construction of the stadium as AFCON is an international event, adding that Uganda will not fail to do her part. “This time we agreed with other East Africans- Kenya and Tanzania to host the Afcon. Now that we have committed with other East Africans, we must do the 3 stadiums the AFCON people want. We have Namboole, Nakivubo and initially Akii-Bua stadium,” he elaborated. President Museveni further explained that the AFCON group brought in other conditions of having an International Airport near the stadium leading to Hoima stadium coming on board because of Kabalega International Airport. President Museveni assured the nation that the government will construct other smaller stadiums regionally in a phased manner. Maama Janet praised God for the event, describing it as a new chapter in the sports sub-sector. She commended President Museveni for supporting sports in the country. “Thank you, Mr. President, for always finding time in your busy schedule to be part of our sports events and for your commitment to the development of Sports in the nation,” she said. She additionally acknowledged the guidance the President has offered to the young generation of the country. “You have guided us; you have cheered our young people on. Some of them look up to you as their coach and cheerleader. We cannot thank you enough,” the First Lady said. Maama Janet also noted that the delay of the construction of Akii-Bua stadium was due to several competing demands but strongly believed that God's timing is the best as the long-awaited event finally took place. She further announced the ongoing construction of Hoima City Stadium, the renovation of Mandela stadium and plans to undertake the second phase of works at the stadium to ensure its compliance with the International Standards in preparation for AFCON. “The beauty of the investment is that all these facilities will bridge the gap in sports infrastructure even at community level because they will serve beyond the AFCON tournament,” she observed. She further announced other government’s commitments like the construction of Buhinga, Kakyeka stadiums and Lugogo Sports complex among others, pointing out that all the investments are capital intensive in nature and will be handled in a phased manner. The Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng saluted President Museveni and the First Lady for gracing the event. She also thanked the people of Lira City and beyond for turning up in large numbers on a short notice. She assured the President and Maama Janet that the people of Lango love sports and have generated several local football clubs that are doing very well in the sub-region, having some of their players in the country’s big teams. The function was also attended by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Hon. Betty Amongi and the Minister of State for Northern Uganda, Dr. Kenneth Omona. Others who attended included the former Egyptian Diplomat in Kampala Ambassador Mohamed El- Hamzani and the SAMCO project Manager Mohamed Nazih.

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