EDITOR
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has criticized leaders and residents of the Kigezi sub-region for focusing more on politics than on government initiatives aimed at reducing household poverty. While commissioning the 132KV Mirama–Kabale transmission line and the Kabale substation at Hamuko Village, Igomanda Parish, Hamurwa Sub-county in Rubanda District during his Parish Development Model (PDM) tour, Museveni expressed frustration over the region’s reluctance to embrace government programs designed to improve livelihoods.
The President attributed persistent poverty in Uganda, including in Kigezi, to people’s failure to heed government advice on participating in poverty reduction initiatives. He cited programs such as the Parish Development Model and Operation Wealth Creation, emphasizing their role in uplifting households. As an example, he highlighted the success of Angello Nsekanabo from Rutare Village, who benefited from Operation Wealth Creation in 2016 and has since thrived by fully utilizing government support.
Museveni also condemned the increasing trend of land fragmentation in the region, despite its fertile soils, warning that it undermines agricultural productivity. He urged residents to adopt both extensive and intensive agricultural practices to ensure sustainable household incomes.
Additionally, the President noted that despite the government’s efforts to extend electricity to the region, poverty remains a challenge. He called on local leaders to prioritize educating the population on effective strategies to combat poverty.
The Hamuko-Kabale Substation project, covering Ntungamo, Rukiga, Kabale, and Rubanda districts, was financed through an $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.
