President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on residents in the Greater Mukono sub-region to aggressively pursue wealth creation initiatives through government economic empowerment programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.

Addressing a public rally at St Cornelius Secondary School grounds in Kalagala Village, Buikwe District, on Sunday, the President said it is time for Ugandans to take advantage of the available resources to lift themselves out of poverty.

“Poverty and wealth are personal responsibilities. While infrastructure such as roads is a public good, wealth must be generated by individuals and families. Government has provided the tools, now it is your duty to use them effectively,” Museveni said.

The rally marked the conclusion of the President’s assessment tour of PDM implementation across districts in the Greater Mukono zone, which includes Mukono, Buikwe, Kayunga and Buvuma.

During his tour, the President inspected various projects funded under the PDM and Emyooga programmes and interacted with beneficiaries.

Citing success stories from other parts of the country, Museveni urged residents of Buikwe and the surrounding areas to replicate the same by forming productive groups and engaging in income-generating activities, especially in agriculture and small-scale enterprises.

He also directed local leaders to consistently engage the communities and reinforce the message of wealth creation.

In a bid to support local development efforts, the President donated Shs30 million each to Buikwe District Women SACCO and the Youth SACCO. He also extended Shs6 million to the Kalagala Village Chairperson to enable the purchase of a motorcycle to facilitate his mobility and service delivery.

On infrastructure, Museveni announced that government plans to tarmac the Lugazi–Kiyindi landing site road, which he said would ease transport and facilitate trade in the region.

“This is part of our broader infrastructure strategy to connect productive areas to markets and reduce the cost of doing business,” he said.

Museveni also directed police commanders in the Greater Mukono sub region to avail the toll free police sub county telephone number to all residents for easy crime reporting as he emphasized the significance of community policing model.

The President is expected to continue his regional tour in the Greater Wakiso area later this week as part of efforts to evaluate the progress of the PDM and guide its effective implementation.