By Patriot Corps
KAMPALA – President Yoweri Museveni is set to resume his countrywide zonal tours next week, aimed at monitoring wealth creation initiatives and accelerating socio-economic transformation across Uganda. The Vice President, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, who will chair the tours, announced that the president will begin with the Bukeddi, Karamoja, Sebei, Bugisu, Teso, Busoga, and Lango sub-regions, as part of an effort to cover the remaining 15 sub-regions.
The tours, which commenced last year under the theme *“Wealth Creation and Prosperity for All,”* focus on the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the Four-Acre Model, key government programs aimed at uplifting communities, especially those who were previously outside the money economy. The programs are designed to promote grassroots development by improving agricultural productivity and financial inclusion, with a strong focus on local economies.
Alupo noted that previous visits to Acholi, West Nile, and Greater Masaka sub-regions were successful, with the local population enthusiastically participating in open Barazas. These public forums provided a platform for communities to discuss issues related to government initiatives, with people openly volunteering information that impacted the implementation of these programs. She emphasized that the open engagement during the tours led to reduced mismanagement of government funds, as corrupt officials were exposed by the public, resulting in a decrease in corruption cases in the zones already visited.
Several high-ranking government officials are expected to accompany the president on the tours. Among them will be State Minister for Disability Hellen Asamo, Minister for Ethics and Integrity Rose Lilly Akello, Principal Private Secretary to the President Gloria Asio, and Commissioner for the National Secretariat for Patriotism Hellen Seku. These officials, along with technical officers from various ministries, will be key participants in addressing service delivery issues raised by local communities during the Barazas.
Alupo highlighted the importance of continued cooperation from Members of Parliament, urging them to be vigilant in supervising government programs aimed at improving livelihoods. She further pointed out that the tours have successfully mobilized many Ugandans to join the money economy, particularly targeting the 39% of the population that had been excluded from economic participation. A mid-term review report is expected to provide further insight into the program’s overall impact.
The Parish Development Model has been central to the government’s wealth creation efforts, particularly in rural areas where agriculture forms the backbone of livelihoods. During the tours, President Museveni is expected to engage with local leaders, farmers, and community members to assess the progress of these programs. The tours also provide an opportunity for local government leaders to interact directly with ministers and technical officers, fostering better coordination in service delivery.
The vice president reiterated that the population’s active involvement in these tours has led to greater accountability and transparency, reducing the number of corruption cases in the regions visited. She appealed to MPs to offer maximum cooperation, just as they did during the previous tours, to ensure the continued success of the government’s efforts to transform the country’s socio-economic landscape.
With the next phase of the tours set to begin, the government remains committed to promoting wealth creation, empowering local communities, and ensuring that the benefits of development programs reach all Ugandans.
