A monument was unveiled in Rushere town council, Kiruhura district in recognition of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s significant role in the development of the Greater Ankole region. Erected by the engineering brigade of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the monument commemorates Museveni’s efforts in promoting dairy farming, discouraging nomadism among cattle farmers, and advocating for settled living for socio-economic transformation in the cattle corridor.
Expressing his appreciation for the gesture, President Museveni noted the historical significance of Rushere, where he initiated the campaign to educate farmers in 1966. He emphasized the monument’s role in educating the younger generation about the socio-economic transformation in Greater Ankole.
While pleased with the progress, Museveni expressed concerns about the declining socio-economic transformation in the cattle corridor. He attributed this to challenges such as the failure to transition from free-range grazing to zero grazing and wealth fragmentation after the death of family heads. President Museveni encouraged cattle farmers to embrace dairy farming, highlighting its potential to generate income even in small land areas through zero grazing practices.
Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, acknowledged President Museveni’s impact in urging Ankole residents to shift from subsistence farming to income-generating activities. He noted that Museveni’s message had resonated beyond Ankole and reached all regions of Uganda.
Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, expressed gratitude on behalf of the UPDF, pledging to uphold the peace brought by the NRM government, which has significantly contributed to Uganda’s development.
