Masindi leaders urged to ignite money economy mindset

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Jona Jackson Balikwira, the senior presidential advisor on special duties and commissioner for national guidance in the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, has challenged Masindi’s religious and political leaders to mobilise the population to leverage existing government programmes and embrace the "money economy."

"With the help of technocrats, you need to take the lead in this. People must engage in meaningful production with the support of various government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP), and Youth Livelihood Program (YLP), among others. This will help improve people's livelihoods and even benefit churches," Balikwira stated.

He made the remarks on March 31, 2026, during a one-day ideological orientation training on mindset change for local government leaders held at the district headquarters.

While discussing democracy in a multiparty environment, Balikwira urged Masindi district leaders across all sectors to ensure that people understand the ideological dynamics of nation-building, noting that this would improve service delivery.

"Dedicate significant time and emphasis to the concepts of mindset change if citizens are to truly transform. Discover different potentials and put them to use. Approach society with reality and avoid ideological manipulation," he advised, adding that "a society without ideology is like a household without God."

Pastor Robert Rwomushana, Robert Kibuuka (R) from Masindi Miracle Centre with Oyambi and Balikwira of ICT ministry. (Photo By Yosam Gucwaki)

He further urged leaders to empower people to think, become economically secure, and be ideologically grounded. He said this would enable the population to consistently vote for capable leaders, making them less susceptible to manipulation.

"I want to see the people of Masindi change because it's not rocket science. All of us have a role to play in addressing the issue of socio-economic transformation," Balikwira said, adding that "public trust is fundamental for the growth of a healthy society."

Work as one

John Oyambi, a project officer at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, called on elected and appointed district leaders to coexist and collaborate to improve service delivery.

"When you coexist, it fosters good working relationships, guides people's thinking in the right direction, and encourages teamwork. We want mentally stable leaders who can work harmoniously with others and create opportunities. That's why we are here to empower them across all aspects," Oyambi explained.

He said that after the training, they expect improved teamwork, harmony, and a commitment to consultation before taking action.

"I encourage the religious leaders, political leaders, cultural leaders, and technocrats to work together and always engage in self-reflection if people are to be served diligently," he added.

The training was attended by incumbent and elected leaders, technocrats, religious leaders, and cultural leaders. Some of the leaders welcomed the initiative, saying it was long overdue.

Patrick Wobusobozi, the elected LC5 chairperson for Masindi, said such training should be continuous and extended to the grassroots to empower citizens.

"I promise that we are going to carry on the message of mindset change and also mobilize citizens to embrace the different government programs available," said Wobusobozi.

Rogers Amanyire, the mayor-elect for Masindi Municipality, applauded the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance for the initiative, noting that such training should be routine.

"The time we have spent here has not been wasted. What we have learned will shape how we approach different issues," he said.

Jane Akiroru, the deputy chief administrative officer for Masindi, said the training would improve working relationships between technocrats and elected leaders.

"We are going to improve how we approach issues and seriously tackle the problem of biting poverty. We are going to embrace the message of socio-economic transformation because it's very hard to govern poor people," said Akiroru.

The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance is currently conducting a countrywide tour to train local government leaders on ideological orientation and mindset change.

Masindi leaders were also trained on Vision 2040, NRM ideological principles, the role of civic education in improving service delivery, civic duties, and understanding democracy in a multiparty system.

The main objectives of the training include raising awareness of national ideological principles, civic duties, and responsibilities, strengthening mindset change and service delivery among local government leaders, and equipping participants with techniques for behavioural and attitudinal change.