Radio 9 89.1FM Bukwo

09/01/2025

BREAKING: Kawempe North Member of Parliament Muhammad Ssegirinya is dead

13/12/2024

Radio 9 FM News

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI LAUNCHES SEBEI ZONAL PRESIDENTIAL INDUSTRIAL HUB IN KWEEN

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday launched the Sebei Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub in Kween District.

This marked the final activity of his three-day wealth creation and Parish Development Model (PDM) performance assessment tour in the Sebei sub-region.
Sebei Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub is one of the 19 hubs constructed across the country with the aim of equipping over 12,000 youths every year under the Presidential Initiative on skilling the youth to usher them into the money economy.
Other beneficiaries include Greater Mbarara, Greater Masaka, Kayunga, Kyenjojo, Kasese, Ntoroko, Adjumani, Gulu, Lira, Mbale, Kabale, and Jinja districts.
The hub is part of a government initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged youths with hands-on skills to improve their livelihoods and contribute to Uganda’s economic growth.
Each learner is awarded with a Uganda Vocational Qualifications Level One Certificate by the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT).
The DIT certificate is equivalent to the Uganda Certificate of Education level and internationally recognized.
The hub offers vocational training in a wide range of practical skills and trades, including; Welding and metal fabrication, Baking and confectionery, Shoe-making, Tailoring and garment design, Carpentry and joinery, Hairdressing and cosmetology, Bricklaying and construction, Electrical installation and maintenance, Soap and candle making, Mechanics and vehicle repair among others.
During the launch, President Museveni emphasized the importance of equipping youths with skills that would enable them to create their own wealth and contribute meaningfully to society.
Commending the graduates and their parents, the President highlighted the need to decentralize Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) for better accessibility.
“I am glad you have formed SACCOs. We are going to put money there. However, these SACCOs should be established at the district level because the current zonal arrangement is too far for many people,” the President said.
He noted that this initiative aims to provide financial support for graduates and foster local economic growth.
For graduates, the President announced plans to introduce common user facilities to enhance productivity.
“We will start with big machines, like cutters which cannot be placed in every district. These facilities will be shared to ensure maximum benefit,” the President remarked, emphasizing the government's resolve to equip the youths with tools for economic transformation.
The President reiterated the government's commitment to offer free education through the Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) as outlined in the 1996 Manifesto.
He expressed concern over ongoing school charges in government schools, which hinder access to education for children from poor families.
“Charging school fees in government schools is a crime. It forces children out of school. That’s why we are providing free education through hubs. These hubs are expensive to maintain because students come from far away, and we must provide meals and accommodation,” he added.
The President urged communities to embrace the concept of free education, emphasizing that schools should be located closer to homes to reduce costs associated with boarding and meals.
“We want a government secondary school in every sub-county, all as day schools. This reduces costs to only paying teachers and buying books,” he explained.
Reflecting on the journey of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), the President spoke passionately about economic transformation and addressing historical inequalities.
“In colonial times, only a few elites benefitted. The masses were left out. But from the beginning, we said, ‘We want prosperity for all - Boona Bagaggawale.’ We emphasized four sectors for wealth creation: agriculture, industries, services, and ICT,” he stated.
He encouraged Ugandans to engage in commercial agriculture with proper planning (ekibaro) and diversify into sectors such as dairy farming, coffee, fruits, and poultry.
“Planting maize or cotton on a small scale cannot generate sustainable income. Instead, focus on ventures like coffee, fruits, and dairy cattle. For those near wetlands, fish farming is another viable option,” he advised.
The President praised initiatives like the hubs, which aim to equip youth with practical skills for wealth creation.
“This hub is doing a great job in imparting skills. Whether it’s factory work, services like baking, or the ICT sector, these are all pathways to wealth,” he said.
The President concluded by emphasizing the importance of community participation and heeding government advice.
“The problem is people don’t listen carefully to our message. If Ugandans had followed the strategies outlined in the 1996 manifesto, we would have progressed much further. Those who listened are earning a lot of money today,” he remarked.
On his part, Hon. Kisos Abdi Fadhil Chemaswet, the Member of Parliament for Soi Constituency, commended President Museveni for his unwavering commitment to transforming the Sebei region.
“Your Excellency, you have given us security in this area, ensuring that our communities live and thrive in peace. You have also supported the irrigation scheme in Nyenye, which is a lifeline for our agricultural productivity,” Hon. Chemaswet remarked.
The MP highlighted the positive impact of the government’s initiatives on the lives of the people, especially in combating poverty and improving skills.
“This industrial hub is a beacon of hope for the youths and women of Sebei. It is an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the country’s economy,” he added.
Hon. Chemaswet further urged the local communities to embrace the project wholeheartedly and utilize the skills acquired to transform their lives.
Ms. Justine Yeko, the Commercial Officer for Kapchorwa District, lauded the hub's impact on the community, emphasizing its role in empowering youth and driving local development.
“This hub is the best testimony of socio-economic transformation. Since its inception, the hub has taken on a total of 912 youth, 470 girls and 442 boys, many of whom have gained skills that are already changing their lives. The hub has also created 37 direct jobs, contributing significantly to wealth creation in the region.”
She added that the facility offers free training in skills such as carpentry, tailoring, welding, and other trades.
“Students are provided with free accommodations, and the staff at the hub receive competitive wages.”
Ms. Yeko also hailed the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) for enhancing the hub's safety, ensuring a secure environment for both trainees and staff.
She highlighted the participation of parents from Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo Districts in supporting the hub’s programs.
“By embracing the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative, we’re reducing reliance on imports and ensuring our people have the tools to create locally made products that meet national needs,” she noted.

12/12/2024

Radio 9FM News

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES LEADERS TO PRIORITIZE GRASSROOT ACCOUNTABILITY IN WEALTH CREATION PROGRAMS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today urged the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders to prioritize accountability at the grassroots levels in the wealth creation programs.

During his meeting with Sebei leaders, the President encouraged leaders to closely monitor the distribution and impact of resources sent to parishes, highlighting the transformative potential of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“NRM leaders should concentrate on eliminating mass poverty. Don’t be superficial and stay up there. Go for the homes. We are sending UGX 100 million per parish annually—check the papers, follow it up, and make sure it makes an impact,” the President emphasized.
“I want the NRM leaders to follow up on the resources we send and ensure they make an impact. We are sending UGX 100 million to each parish annually. But it’s not just about distributing money; you must check how many families are joining the money economy and which ones are still lagging behind. Accountability is key to the success of these programs.”
He also urged Members of Parliament and local leaders to provide detailed reports on the progress of wealth creation efforts parish by parish.
“You live near the people and know which households are struggling. Track these programs, evaluate their impact, and give us results,” the President emphasized.
President Museveni reiterated that wealth creation is central to his government’s agenda.
“Our mission is to move every Ugandan household from subsistence farming to the money economy. This requires targeting individual households rather than focusing solely on broader, superficial issues,” he said.
The President further cautioned leaders against prioritizing elite concerns like salaries and administrative boundaries at the expense of ordinary citizens.
“If you focus only on public salaries and city matters, you are forgetting the majority. Start with the masses and address their problems directly,” he said.
President Museveni highlighted the transformative potential of PDM by sharing the story of Elder Koko Rafanisa Kissa, an 84-year-old widow from Aloman Parish, Kaptum Sub-county in Kween District.
“Koko Kissa was a young woman in 1977. That year, her young husband was killed by Karamojong raiders who also stole all their cows. At that time, they had 12 cows and some goats. She remained with six children: five boys and one girl and one acre of land. They survived by working for other people. That is how they have been living until the government brought the elderly allowance. That’s how she got some support,” President Museveni narrated.
“She says if that support hadn’t come, she would have died by now. Recently, PDM came, and she got UGX 1 million. With this money, she bought one cow, which now has a calf. So now, she is very happy not only because of the cow but also because of the security because the Karamojong are no longer disturbing them. Her family has now grown to 40 children.”
President Museveni further explained the strategy behind the Parish Development Model, aimed at transitioning Ugandan households into the money economy.
“We are sending UGX 100 million each year, which should cover 100 people in a Parish. In four to five years, we shall have handled 500 families. The plan is that after 24 months, those who got the money first will start paying back,” he said.
“That means by the third year, the repayments will enable others to benefit. By the end of five years, the groups should have paid back, leaving us with UGX 300 million in circulation. This is how we plan to scale up wealth creation in each Parish.”
He emphasized the four-acre model, which he described as a tailored approach for households with small landholdings.
“After a careful study of Uganda, we designed the four-acre model for families with four acres or less. This model recommends seven activities. One acre should be for coffee, another for fruits. In cold areas like Kapchorwa, high-value crops like apples and grapes can do very well,” he said.
“The third acre should be for pasture, and the fourth for food crops for your family. For the backyard, we advise poultry for eggs, which doesn’t require much space, and piggery. Those near wetlands should do fish farming not in the center of the swamp but at the edges,” he said.
Reflecting on Uganda’s economic history, President Museveni highlighted how, at independence, only 9% of Ugandans were involved in the money economy.
“By independence in 1962, Uganda was producing coffee and was ranked as one of the top producers in the Commonwealth. Yet only 9% of Ugandans were involved in the money economy. The rest were producing only for their stomach. How can a country develop with only 9% of its population participating in the economy?” he asked.
“This is where the NRM started. As a student movement, we questioned why so few Ugandans were in the money economy. By 2013, the figure had risen to 32%, but that was still too low. Through programs like Operation Wealth Creation, we raised it to 61% by 2019. With PDM, we aim to push this figure even higher.”
The President reminded leaders that NRM’s approach has always been to prioritize the masses over elites.
“When we prioritize public salaries, we only serve a fraction of the population. The mass line is about uplifting everyone, not just the elite,” he said.
On his part, Hon. William Chemonges, the Member of Parliament for Kween County, expressed gratitude for the government’s transformative initiatives that have propelled Sebei Sub-Region towards socio-economic progress.
Hon. Chemonges warmly welcomed the government delegation, commending their commitment to fostering prosperity and inclusive development.
“On behalf of the people of Sebei, allow me to express our heartfelt appreciation for your wise and enabling leadership, which has steered this country to middle-income status,” Hon. Chemonges said.
The MP highlighted key government programs such as the Parish Development Model and Operation Wealth Creation, and noted that these have significantly uplifted the welfare of the people in the region.
In attendance were also the Vice President H.E Jessica Alupo; Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi; NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong; NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, Capt. Mike Mukula; members of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), Members of Parliament, among others.

08/12/2024

President Museveni will be in the Sebei sub-region in continuation of his Parish Develop Model Performance Assessment Tour.

28/10/2024

Works on the long-awaited 73-kilometre Kapchorwa-Suam road project has been completed and now awaits official commissioning, Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) executive director Allen Kagina has said.

20/10/2024

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10/10/2024

*Subject: Urgent: District-Wide Power Outage for Four Days*

Dear UEDCL Management,

We, the residents of Bukwo District, are writing to express our extreme frustration and disappointment due to the prolonged power outage that has affected our entire district for the past four days. The absence of electricity has brought our lives and businesses to a standstill, causing significant economic losses and inconvenience.

We understand that occasional outages can occur, but a four-day district-wide power failure is unacceptable. We urge you to take immediate action to:

1. Identify the root cause of the problem
2. Mobilize necessary resources to restore power
3. Provide a detailed plan and timeline for resolution

The prolonged outage has resulted in:

- Disruption of businesses and economic activities
- Health risks due to lack of refrigeration and medical facilities
- Inconvenience to students and educators
- Increased security concerns

We request that you:

- Prioritize the restoration of power to our district
- Provide regular updates on the status of the restoration efforts
- Consider compensation for the economic losses incurred by residents and businesses

We hope that you will treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and take prompt action to restore power to our district.

Sincerely,

Chemos Silas
Station Manager
Radio 9 FM Bukwo

14/09/2024

Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei finally laid to rest in Kapsiywo village, Muimet Parish, Bukwo Sub-County. She was given full military honours with a three-gun salute

14/09/2024

Rebecca Cheptegei's father partly attributes his daughter 's death to her failed first marriage.

"If the first husband had loved my daughter, Cheptegei wouldn't have died the way she did. When they got a misunderstanding and Rebecca went to Kenya, the husband sold her properties (plots of land). My daughter had a lot of family challenges. She was lucky to be able to have two daughters, " Joseph Cheptegei stated.

13/09/2024

VIDEOS:
The body of Rebecca Cheptegei, the Ugandan Olympian who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend in Kenya has arrived home in Bukwo for burial on Saturday.

05/09/2024

BREAKING: Rebecca Cheptegei, the Ugandan Olympic athlete who was set on fire by her Kenyan boyfriend has has passed on at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret where she was admitted to the ICU.

She sustained burn injuries after her alleged boyfriend poured petrol on her and set it ablaze.