The National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer, Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oudo, has called on the people of the Busoga Subregion to focus their efforts on eradicating household poverty by embracing government empowerment initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, among others.
Amb. Nekesa made the appeal on Saturday while speaking at Mbigiti Memorial Technical Institute in Makuutu Town Council, Bugweri District, during a fundraising event organized by the Bugweri Muslim SACCO to raise capital for their association.
Representing the Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, who was away on party duties, Amb. Nekesa served as the chief guest at the function.
“I thank everyone who has come here today. Your presence is a testament to your commitment to fighting poverty. As the ruling party, we support the idea of coming together to mobilize resources for socioeconomic transformation, which aligns with the NRM manifesto of securing the future,” Amb. Nekesa stated.
She urged local residents to channel their energy into improving family welfare instead of criticizing the government.
“Your responsibility is to create wealth for your families through small-scale manufacturing, commercial agriculture, and taking advantage of improved services such as good roads, schools, and electricity,” she emphasized.
In addition to supporting SACCO initiatives, Nekesa encouraged leaders in Busoga to actively lobby for and educate communities about available government poverty alleviation programs to foster sustainable development.
“Leaders should promote the utilization of government funds and ensure their return for others to benefit, as these are revolving resources,” she added.
Amb. Nekesa commended the people of Bugweri for their contribution to Uganda’s liberation struggle, particularly through prominent sons like the late Rt. Hon. Alhajj Kirunda Kivejinja.
“Hajji Kivejinja sacrificed his youthful years for the peace and stability we enjoy today, following the five-year liberation war in the Luweero Triangle,” Nekesa said.
She credited Uganda’s four decades of stability to President Yoweri Museveni and freedom fighters like the late Kivejinja. She noted that the absence of state-instigated violence is a result of the NRM government’s commitment to peace and security but warned against the risks posed by poor leadership.
“To preserve our progress, we must renew President Museveni’s mandate in 2026,” she urged.
Amb. Nekesa highlighted the NRM government’s achievements in sectors such as roads, education, and health, and assured that even more development is in the pipeline.
On behalf of the Secretary General, Amb. Nekesa handed over UGX 10 million to the Bugweri Muslim SACCO leadership as a show of continued commitment and support.
The Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, lauded the SACCO’s vision and those leading it for their efforts to uplift communities through wealth creation.
“I pray to Allah to grant you the strength and vision to grow the SACCO into a fully-fledged microfinance institution,” Sheikh Waiswa said.
