President Yoweri Museveni is set to continue his Presidential Parish Development Model (PDM) Zonal Tours with the next stop scheduled for February 25, 2025, in the Ankole Sub-Region. The engagements are part of a nationwide mobilization drive aimed at boosting wealth creation and economic transformation through the government’s flagship PDM initiative.
During his last tour in Kigezi Sub-Region, President Museveni engaged with farmers, local leaders, and stakeholders on how to maximize productivity in the region’s agricultural sector. He emphasized the need for commercial farming, urging residents to transition from subsistence agriculture to high-value enterprises such as coffee, tea, and dairy farming. The tour also highlighted infrastructure projects meant to improve market access for farmers.
The tour, which took place from February 12 to February 14, 2025, aimed to evaluate the implementation of PDM projects and address local concerns.
President Museveni inaugurated several infrastructural projects, including the Kigezi Power Sub Station in Rubanda, the Kigezi Presidential Hub in Kamuganguzi, and the newly constructed Rushoroza Road. These developments are expected to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents.
The President engaged directly with PDM beneficiaries, model farmers, and local leaders to discuss the progress of the program. He emphasized the importance of transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, focusing on high-value crops and enterprises.
Leaders expressed concerns over delayed government commitments, such as unpaid tea nursery operators owed approximately Shs93.12 billion. This debt has adversely affected the livelihoods of many farmers in the region.
The poor state of critical tourism roads, including routes to Lake Bunyonyi and Mgahinga, was brought to the President’s attention. Improved infrastructure is deemed essential for boosting tourism and local commerce.
President Museveni acknowledged these concerns and assured residents of his administration’s commitment to addressing them promptly.
As he heads to Ankole, a region known for its extensive cattle rearing and banana plantations, the President is expected to meet with locals to assess the impact of PDM funds and encourage participation in government economic programs. The tour will likely address issues such as agricultural modernization, market linkages, and support for cooperatives.
This series of zonal tours aligns with the government’s strategy to eradicate household poverty and enhance socio-economic transformation. The President’s engagements provide a platform for citizens to interact with policymakers and seek solutions to challenges affecting their livelihoods.
