President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in a surprising departure from his usual rhetoric, has stressed that Uganda’s true path to economic liberation lies in technology, skills, and practical education, not politics.
Museveni made the remarks during his regional tour on the progress of the Parish Development Model (PDM) project in the Rwenzori sub-region, which he started early this week, where he visited several successful farmers and launched a skilling hub constructed using PDM funds.
“I launched the Presidential Zonal Industrial Hub in Ntoroko District. Skilling hubs have specific purposes. One is to create wealth. Many had forgotten; they thought talking, singing, praying, and others were enough. During colonial times, we had kings, poets, witch doctors, and priests, but no technology. That’s how the Europeans succeeded,” President Museveni said.
“These skilling hubs are like salt that gives life meaning, especially for youth from poor families. These hubs are free of charge and provide accommodation, meals, medical care, and hands-on training. The children who studied here were like food without salt. Now, we have added salt, and it is tasty,” he added.
In his message to the leaders of the Rwenzori sub-region in Bundibugyo District, Museveni emphasised that the PDM is a transformative initiative designed to integrate every Ugandan into the money economy, beginning with development at the household level. He noted that to ensure its success, it is essential for the leaders to provide consistent follow-up and guidance within their communities.
“I would like to commend the people of Bundibugyo for their commitment to cocoa, palm oil, and fish farming. The success of Bernard Kacuuro’s farm serves as a powerful example of how you utilise your land is more important than its size,” he said, adding;
“Furthermore, the leaders should ensure the full implementation of UPE (Uganda Primary Education) and USE (Uganda Secondary Education) in government schools as vital steps toward empowering our children.”
Overview: PDM At a Glance
The Parish Development Model (PDM) is a transformative initiative launched by the Government of Uganda to integrate every Ugandan into the money economy, starting with development at the household level.
The PDM aims to empower communities, particularly in rural areas, by providing them with the necessary skills, resources, and support to improve their livelihoods.
Key Objectives of the PDM
Although the project mainly aims at fighting poverty in the country and transforming the lives of Ugandans, the PDM has several key objectives, including:
Promoting economic empowerment
By providing training and resources, the PDM enables individuals and communities to engage in productive activities that generate income and improve their living standards.
Improving livelihoods
The PDM focuses on household-level development, ensuring that every Ugandan has access to necessities like healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
Fostering community development
The PDM encourages community participation and ownership, enabling local leaders to provide guidance and support to their communities.
PDM’s Role in Fighting Poverty
The PDM plays a crucial role in the government’s efforts to fight poverty in Uganda. By providing training and resources to individuals and communities, the PDM enables them to break the cycle of poverty and improve their living standards. The PDM’s focus on economic empowerment, livelihood improvement, and community development makes it an effective tool in the fight against poverty.
Implementation of the PDM
The PDM’s success depends on effective implementation, which requires consistent follow-up and guidance from local leaders. To achieve this, the government has emphasised the importance of community participation and ownership, ensuring that the PDM is tailored to meet the specific needs of each community.
The PDM is, therefore, a key initiative in the government’s efforts to fight poverty and promote economic growth in Uganda, starting at the grassroots level upwards.
By providing training and resources to individuals and communities, the PDM enables them to improve their livelihoods and break the cycle of poverty.
With its focus on regional economic empowerment, livelihood improvement, and community development, the PDM has the potential to transform the lives of millions of Ugandans across the country.