Lango Subregion, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s nationwide Parish Development Model (PDM) tour reached Kole District, where he was welcomed on Tuesday January 28, 2025 by key figures including Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua, Kole WMP (Chairperson Lango Parliamentary Group) Judith Alyek, Kole North MP Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, Kole South MP Peter Ocen Akalo, Northern Youth MP Boniface Okot, Bishop of Lango Diocese Prof. Alfred Ogwal, LCV Chairperson Moses Andrew Awany, and RDC Josephine Omara Olili.
In a press briefing, Hon. Obua highlighted the President’s strategic plan to bolster regional development. He noted that President Museveni had commenced his tour in Amolatar District where he proceeded to Kole and Lira Districts.
The tour aims to assess the impact of the PDM, into which the government has invested over UGX 2.4 trillion nationwide.
Obua emphasized that testimonies from PDM beneficiaries demonstrate the program’s potential to eradicate poverty, urging all Ugandans to utilize the six government poverty eradication initiatives: PDM, Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Program Fund, Women’s Fund, Special Grant for Older Persons, and Special Grants for PWDs.
These programs target the 39% of Ugandans not yet integrated into the money economy.
Dr. Opio Acuti expressed optimism that the President’s visit would act as a catalyst for farmers in the Lango Subregion to transition from low-value cash crops to high-value perennial crops.
He commended President Museveni for adopting a grassroots approach, engaging directly with rural communities to understand their challenges and successes.
Opio emphasized that the PDM transcends political affiliations, aiming to uplift all Ugandans living in poverty, regardless of their political stance.
Prof. Alfred Olwa, Bishop of Lango Diocese, lauded the PDM as a significant government initiative to combat poverty.
He encouraged Christians to embrace the 4-hectare model farming through PDM funds but acknowledged challenges such as climate variability and the need for mindset change among the populace.
Moses Andrew Awany, Kole District LCV Chairperson, presented a longstanding request to President Museveni regarding a bus for Aculbanya Secondary School, previously utilized by soldiers during the liberation struggle.
He noted that efforts to fulfill this request have been ongoing, with all necessary documentation finalized.
A highlight of the visit was the testimony of Rose Akori, a PDM beneficiary from Eastern Ward ‘A’, Kole Town Council.
Akori received UGX 1 million, which she invested in livestock. Her initial investment in pigs and goats multiplied, enabling her to earn UGX 2,950,000 from pig sales and expand her farming activities, including purchasing an ox for plowing.
She expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the PDM initiative that transformed her life and requested support for better animal shelters, a dairy cow for milk production, additional farmland, a community tractor, a motorcycle for transporting animal feed, and improved access to water and electricity.
In response, President Museveni commended Akori for her industriousness, likening her to a child learning to walk and emphasizing the importance of starting small and persevering.
He pledged to provide another ox, directed the State House Controller to construct a borehole to address water scarcity, and ensure the building of a proper animal shelter. Additionally, he granted Akori UGX 15 million to purchase an ox and acquire additional farmland.
The President’s tour continued to Alingiri, Banya Ward, Amach Town Council in Lira District, accompanied by delegates including Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, State Minister for Northern Uganda Dr. Kenneth Omona, Senior Presidential Advisor Sam Engola, Lira District Woman MP Linda Agnes Auma, among others.
Hon. Auma highlighted challenges arising from the creation of Lira City, which has caused accessibility issues between Erute South and Erute North constituencies.
She revealed that proposals have been submitted to the Ministry of Local Government for the creation of a new district in Erute South.
Auma also requested the construction of a multi-purpose hall, library, and laboratory at Amach Complex Secondary School, the only A’ level government-aided school in the district, and called for the renovation of Amach Health Centre IV, citing its dilapidated state.
Vicky Apio, a PDM beneficiary and mother of six, shared her success story. With UGX 1 million from the PDM, she purchased maize seeds, leading to a harvest that enabled her to earn UGX 2.8 million.
She reinvested in livestock, paid school fees, and acquired a plot of land. Apio plans to construct a better home, start a coffee plantation, and expand her livestock farming. She requested assistance with water access, a silage machine, and a dairy cow to further enhance her farming activities.
President Museveni praised Apio and her husband for their diligence and reiterated the importance of mindset change in overcoming poverty.
He directed the District Production Officer to address water issues by constructing a borehole and provided a tricycle motorbike worth UGX 9.7 million to assist in transporting animal feed.
Additionally, he granted UGX 15 million to Apio and her husband to purchase land for a coffee plantation, cautioning them to maintain humility and cooperation.
He also provided UGX 1 million to each of the ten other farmers present and UGX 6 million each to the LC1 chairpersons of Alingiri, Otweo Tai, and Akaidebe villages for motorbikes.
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, expressed her pleasure at witnessing the positive impact of the PDM, noting its role in uniting families and empowering women.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration between spouses in fostering strong families and communities.
Senior Presidential Advisor on Lango Affairs, Sam Engola, highlighted the success of the tour, citing the exemplary farm of Mr. Jowel Okello in Amolatar District, who received a tractor and solar water pump from the President. Engola affirmed the PDM’s tangible benefits and urged skeptics to recognize its effectiveness.
President Museveni’s transformative journey to empower Ugandans continues to gain momentum in the Lango Subregion, as he emphasizes wealth creation, support for farmers, and community-led initiatives under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
