The NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong on Monday, April 25 urged leaders to invest in income-generating projects in their communities to spur development and reduce household poverty by creating employment opportunities.
He was delivering a lecture of opportunity during a four-day retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi district to a section of leaders both elected and civil servants from Busoga, Bugisu, Bukedi, Sebei and Karamoja sub-regions.
“I urge you all to invest in income-generating projects in your communities. Create employment opportunities, reduce household poverty, and spur development,” Todwong said.
Todwong said that while President Museveni was in the West Nile sub-region for a wealth creation tour recently, he challenged everybody in the country to engage in income-generating activities, saying that the war on poverty remains the main focus of the government.
The president was hopeful that with the implementation of the parish development model and emyooga programs, more people will join the money economy.
“I commend the NRM government for bringing peace and stability to the country. What is left is the social-economic transformation of all people. The 39% population still strapped for subsistence production must be assisted and patiently guided by you leaders until they join the money economy,” Todwong said.
Todwong further urged the leaders, noting that rural transformation is a process.
“Rural transformation is a process. It is not an event. So, don’t give up on our people,” he added.
He also cautioned the leaders against corruption and misuse of public resources, saying the vice has been a major cause of poor service delivery in the country.
“We cannot look on as government efforts of assisting citizens are being undermined by some corrupt officials. We shall arrest and prosecute anybody involved in these crimes,” Todwong said.
He added that the President is fed up and tired of the song about corruption and said that the district leaders are under surveillance.
He called upon all leaders across the political divide to carefully study the NRM manifesto saying that, “Our manifesto is a bible or Quran”. It details all issues and concerns of our people up to the grass root.”
The NALI director, Brig. Charles Kisembo asked the participants to be patriots who put their country first in service delivery.
Among the categories of leaders present include; RDCs, CAO’s and LC5 Chairpersons
