ANKOLE, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has contributed Shs 300 million towards the completion of St Peter’s Cathedral Bweranyangi in Bushenyi District, while urging residents of Sheema District and the wider Ankole sub-region to prioritise household income generation as a pathway to wealth creation and socioeconomic transformation.
The President made the contribution and delivered the message during the Thanksgiving ceremony of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Sheema County South Member of Parliament, Hon. Professor Ephraim Kamuntu, held at Bugongi Town Council Playground in Sheema District on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Museveni called on households to identify viable income-generating activities suited to their available resources, local conditions and market opportunities, emphasising that sustainable development begins with families actively participating in productive economic activities.
He highlighted seven key enterprises that residents can embrace to improve their livelihoods: coffee growing, fruit farming, dairy farming, food crop production, poultry keeping, piggery and fish farming.
The President cautioned households against engaging in economic activities without a clear income-generating plan, urging them to concentrate on enterprises capable of generating sustainable returns.
He also encouraged residents to take advantage of government programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), noting that beneficiaries in Rubirizi, Butambala and other areas had reported progress in their wealth creation journeys after investing in productive activities.
Museveni expressed optimism that the PDM would achieve its objectives as more households outside the money economy embrace income-generating enterprises, proper financial planning and sustainable investments.
Four-acre model and agricultural mechanisation
The President further guided farmers in Sheema District on implementing the four-acre model through integrated farming and the strategic utilisation of available land to maximise agricultural productivity and household earnings.
He encouraged farmers to adopt improved agricultural practices, including the proper application of government-distributed fertilisers and irrigation, while emphasising the need to conserve wetlands.
Museveni also pledged to provide two tractors to Sheema District to support agricultural mechanisation, reduce the burden of manual labour and enable farmers to expand production.
He tasked district leaders and intended beneficiaries with ensuring that the tractors are properly utilised and maintained to deliver the intended benefits to farmers.
Roads and healthcare infrastructure
On infrastructure development, Museveni outlined plans to improve road connectivity across the Ankole sub-region, including the construction of the 92-kilometre Buzibwera–Kabwohe Road and the 99-kilometre Kabwohe–Mitooma Road.
He also committed to ensuring the timely completion of the Ishaka–Bushenyi Road, which is expected to improve transportation, facilitate trade and support economic growth in the region.
In the health sector, the President committed to upgrading Kitagata Hospital as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to quality medical services.
The proposed upgrade comes alongside ongoing developments at Kapchorwa and Bundibugyo Regional Referral Hospitals, reflecting continued government investment in expanding healthcare capacity.
Tayebwa highlights industrialisation drive
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa highlighted what he described as progress in industrialisation and infrastructure development under Museveni’s leadership.
Tayebwa cited the availability of five square miles of land in Ruhengyere, road construction projects, including the Buzibwera road stretch, and plans relating to refugee settlements among the interventions expected to support development in the area.
Kamuntu reflects on longstanding friendship with Museveni
Professor Kamuntu reflected on his longstanding relationship with President Museveni, recounting their 65-year friendship dating back to their school days and continuing throughout their respective leadership careers.
The minister used the Thanksgiving ceremony to reflect on his journey and relationship with the President, bringing together themes of public service, leadership and development.
Kamuntu also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Uganda’s security institutions through modern technology, artificial intelligence and forensic services.
He said security agencies would benefit from advanced tools, including DNA testing, closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance and canine units, to improve crime prevention, detection and investigation.
The minister expressed confidence that the strategic application of modern technologies would strengthen the country’s capacity to combat crime, urging security personnel to remain committed to protecting citizens and maintaining law and order.
Bishop calls for accountable leadership
The day’s preacher, Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, urged leaders to ensure that their service delivers tangible benefits to communities and the country at large.
The bishop emphasised the importance of impactful and accountable leadership, calling on public officials to remain focused on improving the welfare of the people they serve.
The Thanksgiving ceremony brought together messages of faith, public service, agricultural development, infrastructure investment and economic transformation, with household income generation emerging as a central theme of the President’s address.
