President Museveni Reaffirms Support for Large-Scale Farmers, Infrastructure, and Wildlife Protection in Mitooma Rally

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural productivity, improving infrastructure, and addressing community concerns during a rally held in Mitooma District. Accompanied by the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, and senior NRM leaders, the President interacted with thousands of residents who gathered to hear the government’s priority interventions for the region.

In his address, President Museveni emphasized the importance of boosting agricultural production, particularly among large-scale farmers who play a central role in ensuring food security and supporting Uganda’s export capacity. He announced that government will capitalise a dedicated fund to support access to fertilisers.

He explained that this intervention will complement other ongoing agricultural programs, forming part of what he described as “contributions we shall consolidate in the next term.”

The President stressed that agricultural transformation remains a pillar in Uganda’s socio-economic strategy, noting that improved soil fertility directly translates into increased yields and greater household incomes.

Infrastructure development featured prominently in the President’s remarks. He reminded residents that government successfully upgraded the Ishaka–Kashenshero road, a project that has significantly improved transport, trade, and access to services in the region.

In response to community appeals, President Museveni said the road will be extended to Rukungiri, a move expected to enhance regional connectivity, support agricultural markets, and ease the movement of goods and people. He reaffirmed that good infrastructure is essential for supporting wealth creation and accelerating development across districts.

Residents of Mitooma and neighbouring areas expressed concern over wild animals from Imaramagambo Forest that frequently invade farms and destroy crops. Acknowledging the long-standing challenge, the President directed the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to install an electric fence around the forest boundary.

According to him, protecting farmers’ efforts is just as important as supporting them with inputs. By addressing human-wildlife conflict, government aims to reduce losses, boost food security, and ensure peaceful coexistence between communities and conservation ecosystems.

President Museveni used the rally to deliver a powerful message on mindset change and household economics—an issue he has consistently emphasized throughout his leadership. He challenged residents to first improve the economic wellbeing of their households before discussing wider development.

He asked: “How is your home? Are you engaged in government programs that lift households out of poverty?”

He reminded the meeting that the wealth creation message is not new; he and fellow leaders like Gen. Kahinda Otafiire advocated it as far back as the 1960s.

The philosophy was later clearly captured in the 1996 NRM Manifesto, which outlined practical steps for households to join the money economy. The President reiterated that programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and other government initiatives were designed to help families transition from subsistence to commercial production.

Museveni encouraged the residents of Mitooma to fully utilise available government funds and initiatives. He reminded them that the money allocated to wealth creation programs belongs to the citizens and must be used productively.

He stressed that government interventions only yield results when citizens take ownership and implement them at the household level. He called on leaders at all levels to continue mobilizing, guiding, and monitoring communities to ensure that government programmes create lasting impact.

The rally in Mitooma District underscored the government’s focus on agriculture, infrastructure, and community wellbeing as key pillars for Uganda’s progress. With commitments to support large-scale farmers, extend crucial infrastructure, resolve wildlife conflicts, and strengthen wealth creation, President Museveni signaled a continued drive toward transforming household livelihoods and building a resilient, modern economy.