During a post-election statement, President Museveni of Uganda recognized that many rural citizens are still trapped in subsistence farming, despite various government initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation. He has emphasized the importance of programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and others designed to improve the livelihoods of rural communities. His remarks highlight the continuing challenges in transforming these subsistence livelihoods into more sustainable economic activities.

Museveni pointed out that while certain areas have benefited from these initiatives, a significant portion of the rural population still identifies with the phrase 'working for the stomach,' which signifies their struggle to meet basic needs. He shared stories of individuals who have never managed to save or hold a substantial amount of money, illustrating the deep-seated issues facing rural development. The PDM, which encourages savings and cooperative efforts at the parish level, is seen as a key tool for changing this narrative.

The president's acknowledgment of these challenges also serves to remind both citizens and stakeholders of the gaps that still exist in achieving comprehensive poverty reduction. Seeing positive outcomes from these development programs in some areas while recognizing the struggles in others could lead to increased urgency and focus on ensuring that all Ugandans can benefit from economic growth, rather than a few. Museveni's statements may push for more targeted interventions to address the critical remaining gaps in rural economic development, reflecting a blend of optimism and realism in the face of ongoing challenges.