President Museveni has urged Ugandans to embrace the Parish Development Model (PDM) due to its significant potential to lift them out of poverty and create more employment opportunities than the government can provide.
Speaking to residents in Nakasongola, Greater Luweero, Museveni emphasized that wealth creation at the grassroots level, particularly through commercial agriculture and small-scale enterprises, is key to sustainable job creation in Uganda.
“People waste a lot of time seeking government jobs, and leaders often fail to explain that in a developing country, the private sector offers far more opportunities than the government. Government jobs, including civil servants, police, the army, teachers, and health workers, total only 480,000. With Uganda’s population at 46 million, how can these jobs satisfy everyone? Those participating in the PDM are already creating employment,” Museveni said.
He cited examples of successful individuals, such as the Minister of State for Transport, Fred Byamukama, who employs 26 people on his four-acre model farm, and Nyakana Richard of Rwengaaju in Kabarole, who employs 15 people using just 1.2 acres of land.
“Uganda has 40 million acres of arable land. If we used only seven million acres, as Nyakana has done, with each acre creating 15 jobs, we could generate 105 million jobs—more than enough for Uganda’s entire population. We would even need to import workers,” the president noted.
Museveni highlighted that factories in Uganda already employ 1.2 million people, three times more than the government sector.
“Parents, advise your children that government jobs are limited. Prepare yourselves to work in commercial farms, factories, or service sectors, or become job creators in commercial agriculture,” he urged.
The president stressed that while development projects such as roads, health centers, schools, and electricity are essential, wealth creation and combating household poverty should be everyone’s priority.
“The road to Gulu was tarmacked shortly after independence and has remained so for 60 years, yet many people living along it remain poor. The NRM wants to focus not only on development but also on increasing household incomes,” he said.
Museveni highlighted success stories, including Joseph Ijara of Serere, who earns over Shs 1 billion annually from poultry and livestock on two and a half acres, with profits exceeding Shs 800 million per year from selling eggs and milk. Other examples include Hajjat Mariam Baiga in Ssekamuli, Bamunanika in Luwero; Nalubowa Aida of Nakaseke; and 64-year-old Tumusiime Deziranta, who started with Shs 1 million from the PDM and is now thriving.
Under the PDM, beneficiaries who receive Shs 1 million are expected to repay it after two years with only Shs 120,000 in interest.
“Please don’t neglect this opportunity. I’ve heard complaints about Sacco leaders prioritizing family and friends. This happens because you don’t participate. A parish Sacco is for everyone above 18 in that parish. Get involved, attend meetings, and elect your Sacco leaders,” Museveni urged.
He also promised to establish a special fund for fishermen after leaders commended him for protecting lakes through the Fisheries Protection Unit, which has streamlined fishing activities.
The NRM Vice National Chairperson for the Central Region, Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi, thanked President Museveni for visiting Greater Luwero.
“We know the president cannot reach everyone, but his visit is a gesture of appreciation for the wealth creation efforts in Greater Luwero,” Kiwanda said.
