President Museveni Commends Progress of PDM Beneficiaries in the Busoga Sub-Region
The President visited three model farmers who are making significant strides in transforming their livelihoods through the PDM initiative. The beneficiaries included Ms. Buwala Tolofisa from Namutumba District, Mr. Mukasa Eliot from Luuka District, and Mr. Michael Kazibwe, a model farmer from Jinja District. Speaking after his visit, President Museveni expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in the region, noting that the Basoga are actively working to lift themselves out of poverty. He highlighted that during Uganda’s independence in 1962, only 19% of Ugandans participated in the money economy, with the remaining 81% relying on subsistence farming. He identified underdevelopment and the underutilization of resources as the main challenges at the time.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has resumed his Parish Development Model (PDM) Zonal Performance Assessment tours, with his latest visit focusing on the Busoga Sub-Region. The President visited three model farmers who are making significant strides in transforming their livelihoods through the PDM initiative. The beneficiaries included Ms. Buwala Tolofisa from Namutumba District, Mr. Mukasa Eliot from Luuka District, and Mr. Michael Kazibwe, a model farmer from Jinja District.
Speaking after his visit, President Museveni expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in the region, noting that the Basoga are actively working to lift themselves out of poverty. He highlighted that during Uganda’s independence in 1962, only 19% of Ugandans participated in the money economy, with the remaining 81% relying on subsistence farming. He identified underdevelopment and the underutilization of resources as the main challenges at the time.
President Museveni acknowledged the historical contribution of the Basoga to Uganda’s money economy through cash crops such as cotton and sugarcane. However, he noted that many farmers previously lacked "ekibalo" (calculation), a key element in maximizing profits and wealth creation. He pointed out that this gap often hindered their ability to reap full benefits from their hard work.
"I am glad to see that people are waking up and listening to what we have been preaching about wealth creation," the President remarked. "The Basoga are hardworking, and it is encouraging to see them embrace the principles of the Parish Development Model to improve their productivity and incomes."
Ms. Buwala Tolofisa, one of the PDM beneficiaries, has effectively utilized funds from the initiative to boost her agricultural activities. Similarly, Mr. Mukasa Eliot and Mr. Michael Kazibwe have demonstrated exemplary farming practices, serving as role models for other farmers in the region. These success stories underscore the transformative potential of the Parish Development Model, which aims to bring 39% of Ugandan households still in subsistence farming into the money economy.
As part of his tour, President Museveni is scheduled to meet local leaders from the Busoga Sub-Region on Thursday 23rd January 2025, to discuss strategies for sustaining the gains of the PDM. He emphasized the importance of leadership in ensuring that government programs are effectively implemented and reach the intended beneficiaries.
The President's visit serves as a reminder of his commitment to addressing poverty and underdevelopment through targeted interventions like the Parish Development Model. With continued support and guidance, the Busoga Sub-Region is poised to become a beacon of economic transformation in Uganda.
The PDM initiative is proving to be a game-changer in empowering communities to transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. President Museveni’s visits to PDM beneficiaries not only highlight the success of the program but also inspire other Ugandans to take advantage of such opportunities. By fostering a culture of "ekibalo" and encouraging local leadership involvement, Uganda is on a steady path toward achieving inclusive economic growth and development.