President Museveni Urges Women Leaders to Prioritize Economic Empowerment Over Politics

By Gad Masereka

In a recent address to leaders of the National Women’s Council and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Women’s League, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasized the importance of shifting focus from politicking to economic empowerment. At the gathering held at State House-Entebbe, President Museveni challenged women leaders to advocate for greater participation in the money economy, stressing the need for every homestead to be actively involved.

“Every homestead must join the money economy with ‘ekibaaro’ and those with small pieces of land should use the four-acre model of farming,” President Museveni reiterated.

He outlined the four-acre model, encouraging individuals with limited land resources to diversify their agricultural activities. The model includes allocating one acre for coffee cultivation, another for fruit trees, a third for staple food crops, and the fourth for pasture and animal husbandry. Additionally, he suggested engaging in backyard farming practices such as poultry, piggery, and fish farming in ponds.

President Museveni highlighted the potential of commercial agriculture to alleviate poverty, promising to organize tours for women leaders to witness successful implementations of his wealth creation strategies, such as Mr. Richard Nyakana’s endeavors in Rwengaju, Fort Portal, and neighboring communities in Kisozi, Gomba.

In addition to agriculture, President Museveni emphasized the importance of embracing initiatives like the Emyooga program and small-scale manufacturing, including shoemaking and tailoring, as pathways out of poverty. He encouraged women leaders to promote engagement in the services sector, including transportation, healthcare, and education, as well as the burgeoning field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Addressing the political landscape, President Museveni asserted that the NRM’s success stems from prioritizing people’s needs over identity-based politics. He urged NRM leaders to advocate for poverty eradication using the party’s principles and assured the gathering that their proposal for his candidature in the upcoming 2026 elections would be considered within the NRM structures.

Hajjat Faridah Kibowa, Chairperson of the National Women’s Council, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his support of women in leadership and reiterated the group’s endorsement of his candidacy for the 2026 presidential elections.

The meeting, attended by Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, served as a platform for robust discussions on economic empowerment and political strategy, underscoring President Museveni’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership and prosperity in Uganda.