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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Saturday, May 24, 2025, attended a thanksgiving ceremony held by Mr. Kissakyamukama Yiga and his family in Degeya Village, Maddu Sub-County, Gomba District.

While addressing attendees, President Museveni reiterated his unwavering commitment to fighting poverty in Uganda. He shared a personal reflection, noting that his advocacy for wealth creation dates back to the 1960s, when he encouraged communities in the Ankole region to abandon nomadic pastoralism in favor of settled dairy farming. He commended those who embraced his guidance, acknowledging the significant improvement in their livelihoods.

The President also revisited the “four-acre model” introduced in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) 1996 manifesto, designed to benefit households with limited land. He urged farmers to adopt the model by planting coffee on one acre, fruits on the second, pasture for animals on the third, and food crops for home consumption on the fourth. He further recommended poultry or piggery projects (for non-Muslims) and fish farming in the backyard for those living near wetlands.

“If you implement these seven activities, you cannot remain in poverty,” President Museveni emphasized.

He expressed gratitude to Mr. Kissakyamukama for his commitment to truth and his stand against corruption, pledging continued support in the fight against the vice.

Reflecting on his own experience in Gomba, the president recalled finding the area in deep poverty when he purchased land in Kisozi in 1990. In response, he built schools that offered free education to local children and distributed coffee seedlings to neighbors, encouraging them to shift from poverty to wealth creation. He expressed pride in Mr. Kissakyamukama’s progress—from struggling in poverty to building a decent home for his mother and rising to a respectable status in society.

Mr. Kissakyamukama, who was recently appointed as the Presidential Assistant on Service Delivery, expressed deep appreciation for the President’s support, saying it had transformed his life “from grass to grace.” He also thanked the President for assisting with his mother’s medical care.

During the event, President Museveni pledged several interventions aimed at boosting local economic development. These included the provision of 1,000 goats to be distributed to the youth and tractors to support agricultural mechanization. He also committed UGX 100 million to support women’s SACCOs in Gomba District.

On the issue of disputed forest land, the president promised to engage government bodies to issue leases to long-time residents. However, he cautioned against further illegal encroachment and encouraged residents to plant trees such as avocados as part of environmental conservation efforts.

In appreciation, Mr. Kissakyamukama and his family gifted President Museveni four Ankole cows, thanking him for transforming their lives. He also raised concerns about poor service delivery in the district, citing technical incompetence, corruption, and nepotism among some officials.

Hon. Sylvia Nayebare, the Woman Member of Parliament for Gomba District, praised President Museveni’s leadership. She noted that under his government, even children from humble backgrounds, particularly those in the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program, had managed to succeed.

President Museveni concluded the event by stressing his vision for a transformed Uganda, free of poverty. He said that when he bought land in Kisozi, it was never his intention to live among impoverished communities.

“I want transformation for all Ugandans,” the President affirmed.