President Museveni has hailed a visually impaired poultry farmer in Kasese for using the Parish Development Model (PDM) to lift herself out of poverty and become economically self-reliant.
While launching his presidential tour on the PDM in the Rwenzori subregion, President Museveni praised Biira Pelucy, the Chairperson of Persons with Disabilities in Kasese Municipality, for her remarkable transformation.
Once a beggar, Biira now operates a poultry farm with over 750 chickens and earns millions of shillings from her enterprise.
“This has been my message since the 1960s in Nyabushozi. I advised people in Ankole to settle down and rear dairy cows,” said Museveni.
“Later, we included this in the 1996 NRM Manifesto through the Four-Acre Model. One acre for coffee, another for fruits, the third for pasture, the fourth for food, and backyard poultry. Those near swamps should also do fish farming.”
He stressed that government initiatives like the PDM and Emyooga are designed to help ordinary Ugandans become financially independent.
“If you don’t follow up on this money and use it, you’re not only failing yourselves, but also the government that wants to get you out of poverty,” he warned.
To support Biira’s efforts, the President contributed Shs20 million to help her fence off her poultry farm and purchase a means of transport for her growing business.
Biira, who also highlighted the challenge of water access, said her water meter was removed due to non-payment, forcing her to buy water from neighbors or shared standpoints.
In response, Museveni said he had directed the Ministry of Agriculture to devise a plan to address water shortages in rural areas.
Biira thanked the President and PDM for changing her life.
“I used to be a beggar. Now, I can manage my needs, take care of my treatment, and run a business that gives me dignity,” she said.
The President also used the platform to criticize the police and judiciary for releasing suspects accused of theft on bond, warning that officers who fail to protect the public would be arrested.
“Any policeman giving bond to thieves will be arrested,” he said.
He urged local government leaders to take responsibility for addressing community issues.
Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Kabyanga, who attended the event, praised Biira’s determination and resilience, and thanked the President for initiating the PDM, which he said is transforming lives across the country.
