Museveni pushes household wealth creation at Owiny-Dollo homingcoming

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on households across northern Uganda to turn even the smallest pieces of land into productive enterprises, saying the country’s economic transformation depends on families actively engaging in wealth creation.

Museveni made the call while attending a homecoming ceremony in Gulu held in honour of Uganda’s Retired Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, where leaders and residents gathered to celebrate his service to the nation.

The President told wananchi that the path to prosperity lies in shifting from subsistence living to deliberate income-generating activities at household level.

“Uganda’s transformation will come from households engaging in wealth creation,” Museveni said.

He added that even with small pieces of land, families can generate income through enterprises such as poultry, dairy, coffee growing, fruit farming and fish farming.

Museveni emphasised that intensive agriculture where farmers maximise production on small plots using modern methods offers rural communities a realistic pathway out of poverty.

According to Museveni, the government has long encouraged households to adopt commercial farming and diversify agricultural activities to improve incomes and strengthen rural economies.

“Instead of only producing for consumption, families should look at farming as a business,” he said, urging communities to embrace multiple enterprises that can provide steady earnings throughout the year.

Museveni praised Owiny-Dollo for what he described as unwavering integrity in public service and his role in strengthening the country’s judiciary.

“I thank him for his service to Uganda, he has demonstrated integrity in public service, contributed to strengthening the judiciary, and promoted unity and reconciliation in Northern Uganda,” the President said.

Owiny-Dollo, who hails from northern Uganda, has been widely recognised for his involvement in peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts in a region that endured decades of conflict.

Wealth creation agenda

During his address, Museveni reiterated that wealth creation at the household level remains a cornerstone of the government’s long-term development strategy.

He argued that economic progress cannot be achieved solely through government programmes unless families themselves actively participate in productive activities.

“Government can support with infrastructure, education and guidance,but wealth must ultimately be created by the people in their homes and communities,” he said.

Museveni urged households to explore a range of agricultural ventures suited to their land sizes and local conditions.

Enterprises such as poultry keeping, dairy farming, coffee growing, fruit production and fish farming, he noted, can generate income even for families with limited acreage if managed properly.

The President also encouraged farmers to adopt improved practices, including better breeds, irrigation and proper farm management, to increase productivity and profits.

Museveni’s message comes as northern Uganda continues to rebuild and expand its economic opportunities after years of insurgency that disrupted livelihoods and development.

The region has seen growing investment in agriculture, trade and infrastructure in recent years, with government officials repeatedly highlighting wealth creation as a key strategy for poverty reduction.

Local leaders at the ceremony welcomed the President’s emphasis on enterprise development, noting that many households in the region still depend largely on subsistence farming.

They said expanding small-scale commercial agriculture could help families increase incomes while also strengthening local markets.

As celebrations continued in Gulu throughout the weekend, Museveni urged residents to embrace the culture of productivity and enterprise.

“Every home must produce wealth,” he said, stressing that Uganda’s future prosperity will be built not only through national policies but through the efforts of ordinary households transforming their land into sources of income.

The ceremony drew political leaders, cultural figures and residents from across the Acholi sub-region, many of whom gathered to celebrate his achievements and influence within Uganda’s justice system.