His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to provide special funding for the construction of bridges in Bunyangabu District. The President made the commitment during his visit to Kyakahinda Village in Kibiito Town Council on Thursday, where he met and interacted with beneficiaries of the government’s anti-poverty initiative, the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The visit was part of an ongoing nationwide effort to assess the impact of the PDM and reinforce government support to transform subsistence households into commercial enterprises.

In his address to the President, Mr. James Ategeka Mugarama, the Bunyangabu District LCV Chairperson, reminded the Head of State of a previous presidential pledge to allocate special funding for roads and bridges in the district. He lamented that despite following up with several relevant offices, the district had not received the promised support.

“Your Excellency, you made a commitment to support Bunyangabu with special funding to improve our roads and bridges. We followed up with the Ministry of Finance and the former Uganda Road Fund, but were told there was no money for us,” Mr. Mugarama stated.

He emphasized that the unique topography of Bunyangabu, which is traversed by several large rivers and valleys, makes infrastructure development both urgent and expensive — beyond the district’s regular funding allocations.

President Responds with Assurances

In his response, President Museveni acknowledged the need for special consideration for Bunyangabu and instructed that the matter be formalized for immediate action.

“Now I’m going to get you the money to build the bridges separately,” the President said. “But let [Hon Minister] Mutuuzo put it in writing clearly because now this is a verbal request. Put it in a document… because this one is official so that I respond and you get that money.”

The crowd, made up of community members, farmers, and leaders, erupted in cheers and ululations in appreciation of the President’s directive.

President Museveni likened Bunyangabu’s situation to other strategically unique areas such as Karamoja and the Luweero-Rwenzori, which receive special funding due to their historical or geographical importance.

“If there is something special about an area, we plan for it separately. That money is there. This is in addition to the regular Shs 1.3 billion meant for road maintenance,” he explained.

Celebrating PDM Success: Katuramu’s Story

A highlight of the event was the recognition of Mr. Deo Katuramu, a PDM beneficiary and former hawker in Kampala, whose inspiring transformation story moved many in attendance, including the President himself.

Katuramu narrated how he received Shs 1 million under the PDM programme two years ago and used it to begin a small piggery project with just three pigs. With guidance from extension workers from the Bunyangabu District Production Department, he was able to expand the venture, selling piglets to acquire a cow and establish a banana plantation.

“I now sell bananas, cow feeds, and organic manure. I earn more than Shs 500,000 monthly,” he told the audience, crediting the program for lifting his household from poverty to self-reliance.

Visibly impressed, the President awarded Katuramu Shs 30 million to purchase a water tank, two additional cows, and a tricycle (locally known as a Tukutuku) to boost his farming business.

“I want you to become an example to others,” the President said, praising Katuramu for his discipline and commitment. He also gave Shs 10 million to other PDM beneficiaries who had gathered for the event.

The Bunyangabu District Commercial Officer, Mr. Peter Nyakaana, reported to the President that the PDM had registered over 10,000 active beneficiaries in the district, with Shs 12.5 billion disbursed so far to support various household-level enterprises. He added that beneficiaries were using the funds to engage in agriculture, animal husbandry, and small-scale trade, thereby improving household incomes and reducing rural poverty.

The State Minister for Gender and Culture, who also serves as the Woman MP for Bunyangabu, Hon. Peace Regis Mutuuzo, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure that all subsistence farmers in the district are integrated into the PDM framework.

“We have resolved as a district to ensure that no one is left behind,” she said. “We are also developing plans to establish value addition facilities to help our farmers access regional and international markets.”

She welcomed the President’s commitment to infrastructure funding, noting that improved roads and bridges would significantly ease transportation of agricultural produce and other goods.

Education Sector Boost

Also speaking at the event, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, commended Bunyangabu District for its progress and resilience, especially in leveraging government programs to foster development.

She described Mr. Katuramu’s journey as a “testament to Uganda’s transformation story” under the leadership of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

“We are also working to revamp traditional schools across the country as part of efforts to strengthen universal education programs,” she added. “Access to quality education must be guaranteed for every Ugandan child, regardless of their background.”

The President’s visit to Kyakahinda Village was not only a celebration of grassroots success through the PDM but also a reaffirmation of government’s continued commitment to inclusive development. The promise of special funding for bridges in Bunyangabu has renewed hope among locals, many of whom have long struggled to access markets, schools and health centres due to impassable roads and collapsed bridges.