By Aggrey Baba
President Yoweri Museveni has delivered a tough message to Uganda’s leadership class, warning that poverty in a country as blessed as Uganda is no longer acceptable, and is now a sign of failed leadership at every level.
While addressing a number of people during his ongoing Parish Development Model (PDM) Performance Assessment Tour in the Rwenzori subregion on Monday, the NRM boss said the time for excuses is over.
“People being poor in a country that has everything is a big mistake. And it’s not just political leaders failing. Even religious and cultural leaders are not doing enough,” he said, asking that if leaders are like parents, then why are their children hungry, broke, and helpless?
His frustration came after hearing inspiring stories from PDM beneficiaries who are already reaping the benefits of the program, adding that the model works when used correctly.
Among them was 24-year-old Kisembo Steve from Ntoroko District, who used UGX 1 million from the PDM fund to buy four goats, and two years later, he owns 20 goats and has sold some to pay school fees.
“This support gave me a start. Without it, I don’t know where I’d be. I’m grateful to the President for thinking about people like us.”
In Kasese Municipality, the President met Ms. Biira Pelucy, a blind woman who now runs a thriving poultry business and recently earned UGX 7 million, whose story, Museveni said, should silence all doubters.
“She has no eyesight, but she has vision,” Museveni said. “That’s the power of proper leadership and targeted support.”
Museveni emphasized that government programs like PDM, Emyooga, NAADS, and Entandikwa are not charity, but a right, and every Ugandan must be empowered to access them and thrive.
He warned, however, that some leaders are still asleep on the job, failing to sensitize and guide their communities.
“If people remain poor because leaders are lazy, then those leaders have no business in power,” Museveni added.
The Rwenzori stop is part of a broader national tour that has so far covered most regions, with Museveni keen on measuring real progress, not paperwork, but results on the ground. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
