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At a thanksgiving event in Mitooma, President Museveni honored Mzee Daudi Bangirana, father of Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, for his contributions to family and education. He also spoke on the dangers of identity politics and encouraged modern agricultural practices to enhance prosperity.

President Museveni cutting cake with Mzee Daudi Bangirana and his family in Mitooma on Sunday 28h July 2024

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Mzee Daudi Bangirana, the father of Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, for his hard work and for educating his children to become responsible citizens.

On Sunday 28h July 2024, the President met the Deputy Speaker’s family at Nyamiyaga, Bitereko, Ruhinda, Mitooma district, during a thanksgiving ceremony celebrating Mzee Bangirana’s 80th birthday and 48 years of marriage.

In honor of Mzee Bangirana, who became an octogenarian on July 20, President Museveni presented him with five Friesian cows.

President Museveni arriving at Rwakitandare grounds in Ruhinda North to address a rally during a thanksgiving ceremony for Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and his father Mzee Daudi Bangirana

Later, at a rally at Rwakitandara playground, President Museveni cautioned Mitooma residents against engaging in identity politics based on religion and tribe, stating that such divisions undermine the prosperity of Ugandans.

He emphasized that since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government came into power in 1986, it has advocated for interest-based politics focused on addressing citizens’ needs.

“We started with immunization for all, then we introduced free education for all through Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE/USE). We also ensured security,” he said.

The President warned head teachers against charging fees in government-owned schools, noting that such charges cause children from poor families to drop out of school.

President Museveni addressing the rally at Rwakitandara playground

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all Ugandans become prosperous by joining the money economy.

He encouraged the people of Mitooma to adopt the four-acre model of farming to improve their livelihoods.

“On one acre, grow coffee; on the second, grow fruits; on the third, practice zero-grazing; and on the fourth, grow food crops. Additionally, engage in poultry and piggery for those who are not Muslims. If you are near swamps, consider fish farming,” he said.

He also urged them to adopt modern farming methods, such as irrigation, to increase productivity.

The President advised the people of Mitooma to avoid land fragmentation by allocating shares to family members in percentages, thereby preserving the average land holding of one and a half acres per family and sharing profits accordingly.

President Museveni reiterated his strong stance against corruption.

“Accounting officers, you should be very strict. Do not allow anyone to mislead you. If anything goes wrong, you will be held responsible.”

Rally in Ruhinda North, Mitooma district during Mzee Daudi Bangirana and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa’s Thanksgiving celebrations on Sunday

Earlier, a new church, St. Karoli Lwanga in Kigarama Catholic Parish Bitereko, was commissioned. The church was constructed by Tayebwa with the help of friends, in honor of his late grandmother, Julita Kaijarubi Tiruhongyerwa.

Tayebwa praised his late grandmother, who took care of him from the age of six, for her love and care.

“It was so authentic, it’s hard to put into words,” he said.

Tayebwa also shared how his highly spiritual grandmother groomed him to live for God from a young age.

“The holistic makeup of spirituality, hard work, and education are the life-important disciplines she instilled in me that have shaped me into the man that I am today.”

The ceremony was attended by Speaker Anita Among, former prime ministers Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda and Amama Mbabazi, ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, business people, and others.