NRM National Treasurer Amb. Barbara Nekesa Rallies Busoga Residents to Tackle Poverty through Government Empowerment Programs

Bugweri District, Uganda – May 10, 2025 – The National Treasurer of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo, has called upon the people of Busoga Subregion to channel their efforts toward eradicating household poverty by fully embracing government empowerment programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and other poverty alleviation initiatives.

Amb. Nekesa made the appeal on Saturday while officiating as the chief guest at a fundraising event organized by Bugweri Muslim SACCO at Mbigiti Memorial Technical Institute, Makuutu Town Council in Bugweri District. The event aimed at mobilizing resources to strengthen the SACCO’s capital base and foster grassroots economic development.

Representing the NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, who is away on party duties, Amb. Nekesa commended the community's efforts to collectively fight poverty, emphasizing that such initiatives align with the NRM manifesto of “Securing the Future.”

“I thank everyone who has come here because it shows their commitment to fighting poverty. As the ruling party, we welcome the idea of coming together to mobilize resources that will aid in socio-economic transformation,” she said.

Amb. Nekesa urged residents to focus their energies on improving family welfare through commercial agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and entrepreneurship, rather than constantly criticizing government interventions. She reiterated the need for communities to take personal initiative in wealth creation.

“Your responsibility is wealth creation for your families through small scale manufacturing, commercial agriculture and services. Utilize the existing infrastructure like roads, electricity, schools, and health centers provided by government,” Nekesa advised.

She called upon local leaders in Busoga to intensify their lobbying and awareness campaigns to educate the public on government development programs and ensure proper utilization of the revolving funds under initiatives like PDM and Emyooga.

“Leaders should encourage people to embrace and properly utilize government funds and return them on time so that others can also benefit,” she stressed.

In a moving tribute, Nekesa acknowledged the historical contribution of Bugweri District to Uganda’s liberation struggle through notable figures like the late Rt. Hon. Alhajj Kirunda Kivejinja, who served in various high-level government positions and was instrumental in securing the country’s stability.

“Hajji Kivejinja greatly sacrificed his youthful age for the prevailing peace and stability after the five-year protracted people's war in Luweero Triangle. Uganda has been stable for the last 40 years, thanks to President Museveni and his combatants like your son, the late Kivejinja,” she said.

She emphasized that peace and security remain the bedrock of Uganda’s development, warning that the country could regress in the absence of visionary leadership. She thus urged citizens to renew President Yoweri Museveni’s mandate in the upcoming 2026 elections to ensure continued progress.

On behalf of the NRM Secretary General, Amb. Nekesa donated UGX 10 million to Bugweri Muslim SACCO, pledging continued support towards economic empowerment of the Muslim community and the region at large.

“We are committed to investing even more in such initiatives that uplift our people,” she noted.

The Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, who also graced the occasion, lauded the SACCO’s leadership for promoting financial inclusion and community-driven development.

“I pray to Allah to give you strength and more vision to expand the SACCO into a bigger microfinance institution that benefits even more people,” said Sheikh Waiswa.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, Iganga Woman MP Hon. Sauda Alibawo, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), and various local government leaders.

The event concluded with a call for unity, resource mobilization, and disciplined utilization of development programs to transform the socio-economic landscape of Busoga Subregion.