President Museveni urges Ugandans to embrace commercial agriculture, avoid land fragmentation, and maximize the Parish Development Model (PDM) to escape poverty.
During his visit to Luwero on May 21, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni emphasized the importance of wealth creation through structured land use and full implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Addressing local leaders, Museveni cautioned against the dangers of land fragmentation, citing the collapse of productive estates due to generational division of land.
“I had a neighbor in Kisozi with four square miles and 500 cows. When he died, the land was divided among the children and the estate vanished. We must adopt collective investment,” he urged.
Museveni reiterated his long-standing land use plan from the 1996 NRM Manifesto for households with 4 acres:
- 1 acre for coffee
- 1 acre for fruits
- 1 acre for livestock fodder
- 1 acre for food crops
- Plus space for backyard poultry, piggery, or fish farming
National PDM Coordinator Dennis Galabuzi Ssozi reported that Shs62 billion has been distributed to 240 SACCOs across Greater Luwero. The district leads with 28,000 beneficiaries out of 65,414 households.
Women account for 51% of beneficiaries, while youth participation remains low at 26%—below the national average of 38%. Galabuzi attributed the gap to unemployment and disengagement among young peopl
“We must investigate why youth in Greater Luwero are underrepresented in PDM activities,” Galabuzi said.
He noted logistical challenges including a shortage of extension workers, poor electricity supply, and lack of water for production during dry seasons.
Minister of State for Microfinance Haruna Kasolo raised concerns over mismanagement of Emyooga and PDM funds by SACCO leaders.
“We’ll enforce repayment. This money isn’t for the government—it’s for your community. When you fail to repay, others miss out,” he warned.
To date, over Shs3.2 trillion has been disbursed to Uganda’s 10,717 parishes under the PDM program.
Minister of State for Investment Evelyn Anite underscored the theme of Museveni’s countrywide tour: “Securing Your Future Through Wealth Creation.”
“In 1986, standing at Parliament’s stairs, the President promised fundamental change. Today, we are seeing it where the revolution began—Luwero,” she said.
Minister of Lands Judith Nabakooba addressed land rights and the 2022 presidential directive protecting squatters from illegal evictions. She encouraged leaders to use the Ministry’s zonal offices and digital tools to verify land ownership and avoid disputes.
