By Brian Atuhura

Masindi District has made significant progress in environmental conservation,protection of public assets and implementation of government wealth creation programmes,with 4,250 hectares of land restored and 15 government land titles secured during the 2025/2026 financial year.

The achievements were highlighted by the District Chairperson,Patrick Wobusobozi,while presenting the State of the District Address for the financial year 2025/2026 during a council session held at the District headquarters.

According to the report,the District has continued working closely with communities to combat wetland destruction through restoration initiatives aimed at protecting the environment,promoting sustainable land use and preserving natural resources for present and future generations.

The acquisition of 15 government land titles is another milestone in safeguarding public assets,strengthening land ownership documentation and protecting government property against potential land disputes and encroachment.

The report also highlighted progress registered under various government wealth creation and Social protection programmes designed to improve household incomes,promote entrepreneurship,alleviate poverty and support vulnerable groups across the District.

Under the Parish Development Model(PDM),Masindi District received shs 18.7375 billion,of which shs 16.222 billion was disbursed to 16,222 households through 46 Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations(SACCOs).

The beneficiaries are engaged in various income-generating enterprises,including poultry farming,dairy production,piggery,fruit growing and tree planting.

These enterprises are expected to enable participating households to increase production,generate sustainable incomes and gradually transition from subsistence to commercial production.

Under the Emyooga programme,the District received shs 1.34 billion in seed capital,benefiting 2,582 people organised into 258 associations operating through 36 SACCOs.

The programme supports individuals engaged in similar economic activities to organise themselves into associations and SACCOs,enabling them to access financial resources,strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

The Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme(UWEP)also registered progress during the reporting period,with shs 889.976 million received and disbursed to 134 women groups,benefiting 1,560 individuals.

Under the Youth Livelihood Programme(YLP),Masindi District received and disbursed shs 857.292 million to 149 youth groups,benefiting 1,618 young people.

The programme is intended to empower young people economically by supporting them to establish income-generating enterprises,develop practical business skills and improve their livelihoods.

The State of the District Address further indicated that Masindi District received shs 2.901781 billion under the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment(SAGE),benefiting 1,300 older persons.

The programme provides financial assistance to eligible older persons to support their welfare and help them meet some of their basic needs.