By Dallen Namugga and Ivan Tsebeni
Present Museveni has urged Ugandans to cut loose from subsistence farming which according to him, is the source of poverty in Uganda.
Museveni’s remarks during the Fire and Anointing pastors’ conference at Youth Sharing hall in Nsambya, Kampala on Tuesday are contained in a speech read by former premier Ruhakana Rugunda.
According to President Museveni, Ugandans are poor because they are stuck growing food for the purpose of eating and not for sale, which he said stagnates economic growth.
“Poverty in Uganda is caused by the fact that about 39% of the population is still relying on subsistence agriculture alone. This only makes you satisfied, but not rich,” he said.
Museveni advised that it is important to produce more rather than buy everything needed to sustain livelihoods.
He added that even if many people are unwilling to venture into it, commercial farming is the only way out of poverty and the solution to the slow development of the country.
“Through the wealth creation campaign, we have managed to ensure transformation through four areas of; commercial farming, services, industries and information technology, ” President Museveni said.
Fostering economic development
Museveni explained that the Government has tightened security and pursued better trading policies to ensure national development. According to him, this has attracted more investors both internationally and locally to develop the country.
He also said that the Government is ensuring the economic advantages that have been created are translated into jobs and wealth.
“Uganda continues to accelerate towards political stability, job and wealth creation to improve livelihoods of our people. You should therefore join and support wealth creation programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) if we are to develop as a country,” Museveni told churches.
Edith Nakalema, the head of the State House Investors Protectorate Unit, asked Christians to lead by the example of Christ and ensure that their deeds glorify the creator.
“The Church has been so instrumental in bringing peace and tranquillity in the world. Without the Church, I think, we would be in wars all the time,” Nakalema said.
The Fire and Anointing Pastors’ conference is a two-day event graced by a 20-member delegation from the United States of America, led by Dr. Michelle Corral, an American philanthropist, president and founder of Breath of the Spirit International Ministries.
Corral urged Christians to obey the Government and preach peace saying it is one way to avert sin in the world.
