“I Had Never Touched Shs. 1 Million of My Own,” PDM Beneficiary tells Museveni.
RUBIRIZI. President Yoweri Museveni was yesterday treated to an inspiring Rags-to-Riches story by the first Parish Development Model Beneficiary he visited in Rubirizi District, as he kicked off his Ankole Sub-region tour.
The Head of State commenced his PDM tour with a visit to Mrs. Desiranta Tumusime, a resident of Kizurugu village in Rubirizi district’s Bunyangabo constituency.
Mrs. Desiranta, a symbol of hope for Ugandans stuck in the subsistence economy, had never touched Shs. 1 million in her life. Her story is a familiar one, echoed in the lives of many Ugandans who struggle to make ends meet.
Her life took a dramatic turn when she received Shs. 1 million from the PDM SACCO to start a pigs and goat farm.
With this initial investment, Mrs. Desiranta’s life began to transform. She expanded her farm, and her fortunes changed. Today, her farm is valued at at least Shs. 5 million, a far cry from her humble beginnings. As she shared her testimony, President Museveni listened intently, his eyes gleaming with pride.
“I had never touched Shs. 1 million of my own, and I had never reared a single bird at my home,” Mrs. Desiranta recounted, her voice filled with emotion.
Her story resonated deeply with President Museveni, who emphasized that the PDM initiative aims to reach Ugandans like Mrs. Desiranta, who have been left behind and are still stuck in the subsistence economy.
Museveni took the opportunity to provide guidance on how to utilize each acre of land under the four-acre model. He emphasized the importance of diversification and commercial agriculture, highlighting the need for Ugandans to move away from subsistence farming.
As the President continued his tour, he visited Mrs. Harriet Ahimbisibwe, another beneficiary of the PDM initiative, in Kyarukobwa village, Kyaruhanga ward, Kagongo division, Ibanda municipality.
Mrs. Ahimbisibwe’s story is another testament to the impact of the PDM initiative, as she has transformed her life and livelihood through pig farming and other entrepreneurial ventures.
In response to critics who question his focus on ordinary Ugandans, President Museveni defended his approach.
“I saw someone in the newspaper asking why I am visiting people with pigs and chickens instead of the well-established. I will respond to them through my social media and remind them that Jesus Christ himself said he came for the poor, not those already doing well,” he said.
Museveni emphasized that his government has always prioritized moving Ugandans from subsistence farming into the money economy.
“In the 1960s, only 10% of the population was engaged in the money economy, while 90% were asleep. Today, 68% have woken up and joined the money economy,” he noted.
As President Museveni’s tour of Ankole Parish continues, his message of hope and empowerment resonates with ordinary Ugandans. His commitment to uplifting those stuck in the subsistence economy is a testimony to his government’s efforts to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve livelihoods.
