President Museveni Calls for Hard Work to Combat Poverty During Visit to Lango

By Jimmy Krapf Olot 

LIRA, UGANDA: The Luo Natives | President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on the people of Lango to abandon laziness and embrace hard work as a pathway to eliminating poverty. 

The President delivered this message during his visit to the home of Vicky Apio, a successful Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiary, in Amac Town Council, Lira District, on Tuesday.

The President praised Vicky Apio and her husband for their remarkable achievements through the PDM initiative, highlighting their story as a shining example of how government programs can transform lives. He noted that idleness remains a major obstacle to development in Uganda and Africa, urging citizens to seize opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

Reflecting on his own 60-year struggle against poverty, President Museveni shared how he mobilized his community during his high school years to embrace agriculture as a sustainable means of living. 

He criticized the persistent mindset of idleness, symbolized by people content with sleeping in grass-thatched huts, which he described as a sign of stagnation. He encouraged the Lango community to adopt a diligent work ethic and aim for better standards of living.

Positive Impact of the PDM Initiative

The President commended the Parish Development Model for its effectiveness in directing funds to communities and empowering individuals to break free from poverty. 

He expressed gratitude to beneficiaries like Vicky Apio and her husband, whose dedication has yielded tangible results.

In Kole District, the President met with Akoli Rose, a woman who has uplifted her family's status with the help of 1 million Ugandan shillings PDM fund. Through her efforts, she has acquired a bull, six goats, and started a piggery project after investing the PDM fund. Inspired by her progress, the President provided financial support to help her purchase land for further expansion. 

The President applauded her initiative and encouraged her to continue striving for greater success.

First Lady Emphasizes Family Unity in Wealth Creation

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni, commended the active participation of families in the implementation of PDM. She expressed joy at seeing couples like Vicky Apio and her husband working together on family projects.

"PDM has brought a new culture where women and men collaborate on family ventures, unlike in the past. Men should not be left out or undervalued. The NRM government has worked hard to uplift women, but families thrive when both parents are involved," she stated.

She emphasized that a family without a father faces significant challenges and urged families to maintain the spirit of teamwork and unity in their projects.

President Museveni's visit to Lango demonstrated the transformative power of PDM and reinforced his commitment to eradicating poverty through diligence, collaboration, and proper utilization of government initiatives.