The Director of the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Colonel Okei Rukogota, has urged residents of Mayuge District to engage in income-generating activities rather than succumb to extremist ideologies that threaten community stability.
Speaking in Kigulu Village, Kigandalo Sub-county, during a government awareness campaign, Rukogota emphasized poverty as a key driver of extremism and called for active participation in Uganda’s "money economy" at the household level.
“Poverty has become a security concern,” Rukogota said. “The army, along with other government agencies, is taking the lead in promoting wealth creation and service delivery because poverty is one of the root causes pushing people toward extremism.”
He highlighted Mayuge’s history as a hotspot for extremist groups and stressed the importance of sustainable economic strategies, particularly through President Museveni’s Four-Acre Model, which encourages productive use of small land parcels.
Plans are underway to establish a demonstration model farm at the sub-county level to be replicated throughout the district, aiming to build patriotism and improve leadership skills.
Sarah Nakagolo Mawejje, coordinating member of the Son team Group—which partners with NALI—said their efforts focus on mobilizing especially women and youth to access government programs and improve livelihoods through activities such as rearing indigenous animals and growing fast-maturing crops.
Veteran soldiers from the Reserve Force attending the event voiced concerns about financial hardships and health challenges, with some forced to work on private farms to survive.
Diphas Kalungu, commander of the Reserve Force in Kigandalo, appealed to President Museveni to enhance welfare programs for retired soldiers.
While not officially representing the armed forces, Rukogota noted that a bill awaiting presidential assent aims to improve soldiers’ pensions, healthcare access, and establish military shops.
The Directorate of Veteran Affairs, in partnership with the National Enterprises Corporation (NEC), is also working on financial support initiatives to help retired officers engage in farming and other economic activities.
