Museveni Emphasizes Personal Wealth Creation Over infrastructure in Uganda’s Serere District
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently addressed citizens in Serere District, delivering a key message: growth and wealth are not synonymous.He stressed that while government-led infrastructure projects are vital, true prosperity lies in individual economic empowerment.This visit, part of his ongoing campaign efforts, highlighted both successes and ongoing challenges in the region.
Distinguishing Development from Wealth
Museveni clearly articulated the difference between national progress and personal financial gain. “Development is government work, but wealth is personal,” he explained, urging citizens to actively participate in the “money economy” to improve their livelihoods. He believes focusing on individual wealth creation will ultimately benefit the entire nation.
This message resonated especially strongly given the context of infrastructure development in the area. While roads and hospitals are crucial,they don’t automatically translate into financial security for individuals and families.
A Local Success Story: Joseph Ijala’s Example
To illustrate his point, the President spotlighted Joseph Ijala, a local farmer from Serere. ijala’s journey from poultry farming to a thriving agricultural enterprise serves as a powerful example of the NRM’s wealth creation vision.
Here’s a snapshot of Ijala’s success:
* Daily Milk Production: 814 liters
* daily Milk Revenue: UGX 800,000 (approximately $215 USD)
* Daily Egg Revenue: UGX 6 million (approximately $1,615 USD)
* Employees: 38, including four university graduates
* Collaborating Farmers: 33 other milk producers
Museveni praised Ijala, noting that his prosperity exists despite the lack of paved roads in the area.”You don’t have a tarmac road here, but Ijala is already rich,” he stated, contrasting this with the poverty seen even in Kampala, the nation’s capital.
Addressing Historical Grievances: cattle Compensation
The President also revisited the sensitive issue of cattle compensation for communities in Teso, Lango, and Acholi. These regions suffered meaningful livestock losses during periods of conflict and cattle rustling.
Past attempts at compensation were hampered by legal challenges and inefficiencies, resulting in Shs139 billion (approximately $37.3 million USD) spent with limited results. Museveni pledged a renewed, decisive approach to resolving this long-standing issue.
“We have now resolved to handle it once and for all,” he assured local leaders, promising completion of the compensation process with continued NRM support. Government records show that 11,056 claimants in Teso have already received Shs 55.9 billion (approximately $15 million USD), including 923 beneficiaries in Serere receiving shs 6.18 billion (approximately $1.66 million USD).
Infrastructure Commitments & Local Support
Alongside the focus on individual wealth, the government reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure development in Serere. Anita Among, Second National Vice Chairperson, announced funding for:
* The Kumi-Ngora-Brooks Corner-Serere road project.
* The construction of a new district hospital, included in the National Development Plan IV.
The rally also saw strong displays of local support for the NRM. Echodu Calvin, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, highlighted Serere’s historical importance to the President, recalling their first meeting 45 years ago. He also requested a review of local fishing policies to better support communities.
Serere District: A Key Electoral Area
Understanding the political landscape of Serere is crucial. The district’s demographics reveal:
* Population (2024): 358,123
* Sub-counties: 15
* Parishes: 70
* Villages: 284
* Registered Voters (2021): 130,290 (60.6% turnout)
* 2021 Presidential Election Results:
* Museveni (NRM): 38,555 votes (51.2%)
* Amuriat (
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