NTUNGAMO- President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated that all people who are bent on preaching the politics of identity based on religion will be identified, isolated and exposed because under the constitution, practicing such sectarian tendencies is a crime.
President Museveni made these remarks on Saturday while engaging members of the media fraternity from Kigezi Sub Region which took place at Irenga State House in Ntungamo District.
The President was reacting to a question made by one of the journalists who wondered how the Parish Development Model will progress when politics of identity have infiltrated the program based on sectarian religious sentiments which will destroy it.
However President Museveni who completed 3 days traversing Kigezi Sub-region to assess the implementation of Parish Development Model program said that sectarian acts are criminal and any one practising it will be crashed and advised them to stop it.
The President however said that he was happy that Parish Development Model program has taken off and will in the near future when more money is got have the amount of money being given in each Parish increased.
The Media interaction was attended by the Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa and the Minister of ICT and National Guidance Hon Dr Chris Baryomunsi and the State House Comptroller Ms Jane Barekye among many others.
Meanwhile President Museveni has pledged to support journalists in the Kigezi region with Ugx 100 million for their SACCO and a vehicle to facilitate their work.
Journalists requested a direct link with the President through the Presidential Press Unit (PPU) to report concerns from residents, including corruption among PDM officials and other government officials as they emphasized their close relationship with locals, who often share information about corrupt officials with the media.
In response, President Museveni promised to address the journalists’ proposal and vowed to take decisive action against corrupt Parish Development Model officials and emphasized his commitment to weeding out corruption and ensuring accountability.
Earler yesterday President Museveni has condemned the practice of rearing cattle in wetlands, emphasizing that wetlands should be preserved for sustainable activities such as fish farming.
The President made the remarks yesterday as he concluded his 3 day tour of performance assessment the Parish Development Model (PDM) and wealth creation in Kigezi sub-region.
As part of the tour, President Museveni officially launched the Kigezi Zonal Industrial Hub in Mulambo Village in Bulanga Parish in Kamuganguzi Sub-county in Kabale District and also launched the recently UMSID road that connect Rushoroza hill to the main Kabale – Katuna Road.
While at Kamuganguzi, President acknowledged their initiative of setting up a fish pond in the wetland but cautioned them against keeping cattle in the natural resource saying it is a lucrative venture, offering substantial returns.
“I appreciate the fish pond you have set up, but I advise you to move your cattle out of the wetland because it is not a suitable environment for livestock. Wetlands are meant for fish farming, not cattle,” the President said.
The Kigezi Zonal Industrial Hub is focused on equipping youth with practical skills such as carpentry, bakery, tailoring, hairdressing, shoe-making, and welding. The aim is to train 1,000 youth annually, providing them with the skills needed to create wealth and contribute to economic development.
The President expressed satisfaction with the way parents have embraced the initiative of providing free skills training to their children and also announced the expansion of the program to include three additional courses: plumbing, motor mechanics, and electrical installation.
“We will continue to expand the skills training here, ensuring that our children are fully equipped for the job market,” the President said.
President Museveni contributed 40 million shillings to the four most skilled finalists and 20 million shillings to the Youth SACCO, to enable them to access capital for wealth creation.
However, President Museveni raised concerns about the increasing number of school dropouts, especially when such valuable programs are available free of charge. He reiterated the government’s plan to establish a primary school in every parish and a secondary school in each sub-county, where students can commute from home to save on accommodation and feeding costs.
“This approach would allow the government to focus its resources on paying teachers and covering other school expenses,” He explained.
The President also emphasized that regional industrial hubs would help children from remote areas by providing them with opportunities for skill development and economic empowerment.
While speaking at the same event, Kabale District, Woman Member of Parliament Hon Catherine Ndamira expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his continued support to practical skills training for the youth; ensuring they are better equipped for the workforce.
The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, Ministers Jim Muhwezi, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Henry Musasizi, David Bahati, Deputy Bank of Uganda Governor Augustus Niwagaba , Bishop Gad Akanjuna, Members of Parliament, Kabale District Political Leaders among other leaders.
Later the President addressed a mega rally at Rwamucuucu Sub-county Headquarters in Rukiga District where he lectured the residents about wealth creation as the only way to transform livelihoods in Uganda.
