President Museveni Pledges Irrigation Support, Announces Major Health Investments in Sheema

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasized the central role of peace, irrigation-led agricultural transformation, and strengthened health systems in enhancing household wealth and improving livelihoods across Sheema District and the wider Ankole sub-region. He made these remarks during his mobilisation engagements, where he commended the district for maintaining stability and embracing government development programmes.

The President noted that Sheema, like many places across Uganda, continues to enjoy deep-rooted stability. He recalled that during the Parish Development Model (PDM) mobilisation tours, he observed an encouraging atmosphere even late into the night.

“During the PDM tours, even at 9pm people were freely walking and enjoying themselves in the trading centres. That is the fruit of peace,” President Museveni said.

He explained that such safety is a direct result of Uganda’s hard-won stability, which the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has prioritised for decades. According to the President, this peace must be preserved and leveraged as a launchpad for economic transformation.

Irrigation to Boost Agricultural Productivity

Turning to agriculture, President Museveni underscored the need to integrate irrigation into farming systems to reduce reliance on unpredictable weather patterns. He specifically addressed tea growers in Sheema and surrounding areas, acknowledging the challenges they face due to seasonal variations.

“We must now add irrigation to this stability, and I will study how best to support our tea growers so production does not depend on the weather,” he promised.

The President reiterated his consistent message that for farmers to sustainably create wealth, agriculture must be commercialized, climate-resilient, and market-oriented.

Differentiating Wealth from Development

President Museveni once again emphasized the difference between development and wealth creation—an economic principle he regularly shares with citizens.

He reminded the people that while infrastructure development is critical, it does not automatically translate into household prosperity. He offered an example from his early years as a teacher in the region.

“The Mbarara to Kasese road was tarmacked even in the 1960s when I taught at Bweranyangi, but many households along it remained poor. Household income must be the focus.”

The President urged residents to take advantage of peace, infrastructure, and government programmes like PDM to grow household wealth through commercial agriculture, value addition, and entrepreneurship.

Significant Improvements in the Health Sector

Sheema District has registered notable progress in its health infrastructure development. President Museveni highlighted ongoing and upcoming interventions that will further strengthen service delivery in the area.

Current facilities include: 

Kitagata General Hospital

Two Health Centre IVs

Twelve Health Centre IIIs

He announced new plans aimed at ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for the expanding population.

“We plan to build Masheruka HC III, upgrade the district hospital and elevate Kitagata to a regional referral,” the President revealed. 

These upgrades will improve access to specialized care, ease patient congestion, and reduce the long distances residents travel for advanced medical services.

As he concluded his engagements, President Museveni reiterated the need for mindset change and consistent focus on wealth creation at the household level. He urged leaders at all levels to guide communities on best practices that increase incomes and reduce poverty.