PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS NUP CONVERTS, MUSLIM LEADERS, STUDENTS AND YOUTH GROUPS AT KOLOLO, REAFFIRMS FREE EDUCATION, WEALTH CREATION AND ANTI-CORRUPTION DRIVE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today met thousands of converts from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Muslim leaders, students from higher institutions of learning and youth groups at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Addressing over 10,000 NUP converts, President Museveni welcomed them to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and said it has historically been a party of the poor, founded on empowering citizens to elect their leaders from the village level (LC1) up to the presidency. He said this conviction informed his decision in 1997 to introduce free primary and secondary education, noting that many parents could not afford school fees. However, the President expressed concern that free education has been sabotaged by some leaders and head teachers, urging Ugandans to elect leaders who can effectively enforce government policies. He emphasized that free education must be implemented fully so that all children benefit. He urged the youth to strongly reject illegal charges in government schools, saying free education was introduced in 1997 but has not been properly implemented due to failure by school administrators. He also raised concerns over poor maintenance of murram roads despite annual government funding, calling for accountability and proper reporting where funds are insufficient. On wealth creation, President Museveni reiterated that government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and other initiatives were designed to lift households out of poverty. He called on every Ugandan to join their parish SACCOs and ensure parish committees help all members benefit. The President warned against the sabotage and theft of PDM funds, urging citizens to report those involved. Turning to health services, President Museveni said the government supplies medicines to public hospitals, but the persistent shortage is largely due to poor supervision and theft. He stressed that leaders must be held accountable to ensure drugs reach patients. President Museveni also addressed the issue of jobs, explaining that employment is largely generated through commercial agriculture, factories, services and ICT. He cited an example of Mr. Johnson Basangwa of Kamuli, who started poultry farming on a 50-by-100 plot and now employs over 300 people, demonstrating that wealth creation is possible even with limited land. Muslim leaders, including Sheikhs, pledged to support President Museveni in the upcoming elections. Sheikh Sulaiman Ssemakula, from Greater Mpigi thanked President Museveni for supporting Muslims and promoting unity, noting that the NRM respects all faiths without discrimination. The President assured Muslims that his role is to ensure all Ugandans, regardless of religion, access free education, healthcare, and opportunities for wealth creation. President Museveni also hailed the over 8,000 students from institutions across the country under Sauti ya Vijana, for complementing party structures. On corruption, the President urged the youth to decisively reject the vice, saying it undermines service delivery and development. Presidential Advisor, Ms. Hope Mazirwe thanked President Museveni for supporting students and establishing free education, further pledging continued student support to the NRM government. Mr. Jacob Eyeru, head of Sauti ya Vijana, said the initiative was created to engage over 3.1 million students who were in school during campaigns yet are eligible voters. He noted that the group is sensitizing students about NRM wealth creation programs and has established a WhatsApp platform to engage them during holidays on the party manifesto. In a separate engagement, President Museveni met the Unstoppable Group, led by Mr. Nelson Tugume, who assured him that the group has been traversing the country mobilizing support for the NRM. President Museveni reiterated that Uganda has made significant progress over the last 40 years, with about 70 percent of homesteads now in the money economy, and stressed that the government’s focus is to bring all households into the money economy through existing programs. He emphasized that free education in government schools and the fight against corruption remain non-negotiable priorities. The various groups reaffirmed their commitment to support President Museveni and the NRM in the forthcoming elections.

2026-01-11

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI UNDERSCORES IMPORTANCE OF AFRICAN MARKETS TO UGANDA’S PROSPERITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today met National Resistance Movement (NRM) local leaders in Kampala, using the engagement to reflect on Uganda’s economic transformation, the importance of African markets, and the principles that have sustained national unity and peace. The meeting held at the National ICT Hub in Nakawa, followed an earlier engagement with NRM leaders in Busoga, underscoring what the President described as the interconnectedness of Uganda’s regions and their shared economic interests. Addressing the leaders led by Aminah Nanziri Lukanga, the NRM Woman MP flag bearer for Kampala City, President Museveni pointed to Uganda’s shift from dependency to production, citing concrete examples from agriculture and industry. “Uganda used to smuggle sugar from outside. Today, we produce about 700,000 tonnes, yet our internal consumption is only 300,000 tonnes,” President Museveni said, noting that without regional markets, such industries would stagnate. He said milk production had reached about 5.3 billion litres annually, while domestic consumption stood at less than one billion litres, leaving a surplus of over four billion litres. Similar trends, he added, are evident in cement, timber and other sectors. According to the President, these realities explain why Uganda’s prosperity cannot be separated from Africa’s wider market. “That is when we realised that we need Africa. Pan-Africanism is not emotional; it is about prosperity,” he said. President Museveni linked this outlook to the founding philosophy of the National Resistance Movement, which rejected politics based on identity in favour of shared interests. “For wealth creation, identity is secondary. What matters is what you produce and who can buy it,” he said, using his own farming experience to illustrate how national and regional markets sustain livelihoods beyond ethnic or religious lines. He said this thinking enabled the NRM to build a national party capable of uniting Ugandans and sustaining peace. “When we say NRM has kept peace, it is because we rejected politics of identity and focused on interests,” he said. The President also reflected on the NRM’s 40-year journey, describing peace as the first “brick” upon which other achievements were built. Without stability, he said, progress in infrastructure, education, health and wealth creation would not have been possible. Drawing from traditional Banyankore wisdom, President Museveni explained the concept of okwombeka;- to build not merely as constructing houses, but as building sustainable livelihoods. “Okwombeka is building a life: creating wealth, raising a family and solving problems at the household level,” he said, urging leaders to look beyond physical infrastructure and focus on economic activity within homes. He commended government programmes such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM), describing them as deliberate efforts to move wealth creation directly to families. “That is why we introduced Entandikwa, Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation and PDM—to ensure households work and create wealth,” President Museveni said. Reflecting on Uganda’s political history, President Museveni warned against repeating mistakes rooted in identity-based politics, which he said failed to address people’s real needs. “Whether you are from this tribe or that religion, your needs are the same; education, health, jobs and income,” he said, stressing that misdiagnosis of national problems had previously led the country into crisis. The President concluded by reiterating that Uganda’s future lies in unity, productive work, regional cooperation and values which he said remain central to the NRM’s vision. “I am very happy to be with you,” President Museveni told the leaders, expressing confidence that the principles that guided the movement’s past would continue to secure Uganda’s stability and prosperity. In her remarks, Ms. Lukanga welcomed President Museveni and thanked him for the guidance and clarity he provided on Uganda’s economic prospects. “We thank the President for his leadership and for reminding us that our focus must remain on creating wealth for Ugandans and strengthening unity across regions,” Ms. Lukanga said. She urged local leaders to take the President’s message to heart, especially the emphasis on patriotic service and accountability. “As leaders of Kampala, we commit to supporting initiatives that drive household income, strengthen markets and uphold the values of patriotism and unity,” she said. “We must continue to work closely with communities, listen to their concerns and ensure that the programs designed to uplift families are implemented effectively.” The meeting was attended by NRM Local Council I and II leaders, councillors, and other stakeholders.

2026-01-10

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TASKS WAKISO RESIDENTS TO KEENLY MONITOR UTILISATION OF DEVELOPMENT FUNDS TO ATTAIN INTENDED PURPOSE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer for the 2026 general elections, has tasked the people of Wakiso district to keenly monitor the utilisation of the government development funds to ensure that they serve the intended purpose. “The money for the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga is there and the people who steal that money can be easily arrested because they are here with us in Uganda,” he said. The President who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni made the remarks today while addressing a campaign rally at Entebbe Municipality playgrounds, Wakiso District. The President revealed that the government has increased the PDM funding to Shs300 million and has also set up a special fund for leaders, markets, mechanics and fisheries, with an aim of improving their livelihoods through wealth creation. “Own up the PDM programme to counter corrupt officials,” he urged. President Museveni also noted that the NRM government has ably laid a stable foundation in different sectors employing millions of Ugandans, thus challenging residents of Wakiso to take advantage of the job opportunities in the planned development aspects such as industries, commercial agriculture, services including tourism, skill and artisanship. The President further assured residents of Entebbe and Wakiso district at large of plans to promptly complete construction works for Kisubi - Nakawuka - Mpigi road, Nakawuka - Nateete road and several other ongoing road construction projects across the district to improve mobility and business operations. On the other hand, he cautioned the electorate against opportunistic opposition politicians who he says constantly frustrate development programs and rallied them to vote for NRM flag bearers for effective service delivery. On her part, Maama Janet attributed the immense developmental achievements for Entebbe and Wakiso district to the NRM's strategic approach founded on peace and stability. She reminded the residents never to forget the critical role of the NRM government in the development of Uganda. “God has used the NRM government, President Museveni and the UPDF to protect the peace, unity and stability in Uganda all these many years,” Maama Janet said as she rallied the people of Wakiso to vote for President Museveni and other NRM candidates in the forthcoming general elections. The NRM First National Vice Chairperson, Alhaji Moses Kigongo tasked the NRM fraternity in Entebbe and Wakiso district to scale up mobilization efforts for the party at the grassroot for a resounding win in the forthcoming elections. He reminded NRM cadres of discipline and respect for each other during and after elections. The NRM second National Vice Chairperson and Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among highlighted the several additional development initiatives in Wakiso district fostered by the NRM government that include the 35 billion shillings Lubugumu - Busabala road project, the 15.5 billion shillings Kitoolo - Kawuku road project, the 23 billion shillings Entebe - Nakiwogo road and the planned bridge at the same location. She rallied the electorate of Entebbe and Wakiso district at large to vote for the NRM for more development interventions in the area.

2026-01-05

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HOLDS TALKS WITH DIGITAL INFLUENCERS IN “JAZZ WITH JAJJA” CONVERSATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today held a candid and wide-ranging dialogue with young Ugandans (Bazukulu) during the Jazz with Jajja conversation at State Lodge, Nakasero. The interactive engagement, hosted by the First Daughter, Mrs. Natasha Museveni Karugire, brought together content creators, journalists, digital entrepreneurs and influencers. The event offered the attendees a rare opportunity to directly question the President on leadership, motivation, the digital economy, regional integration and youth livelihoods. In his remarks, President Museveni urged young people to look beyond entertainment and short-term pleasures and instead focus on the fundamentals of economic transformation. “It is interesting that many young people talk about dancing and football, which are good, but rarely talk about the regional market,” President Museveni said. “Those things are pleasure, but you must first have the basics. When I was also young, I would also dance, fight and study. The problem today is dancing all the time.” Responding to a question by TikTok influencer Sean Ibrahim, popularly known as Sean Styles, on what drives his long political journey, President Museveni traced his motivation to identity, history and a deep desire to protect Africa’s freedom. “What motivates me is that I love myself — as a Munyankore, as a Ugandan, and as an African. I love you people. I see you as my children and grandchildren,” he said. He cautioned that history has shown the world can be unforgiving to weak societies, stressing that his generation’s struggle was driven by the need to prevent Africans from disappearing or returning to servitude. “My motivation is freedom for the black race,” he said. The President also attributed his personal stamina and resilience to traditional African livelihoods, particularly cattle keeping, which he said instilled toughness and self-reliance. Broadcaster Isaac Katende, alias Kasuku, raised concerns about limited government support for digital media, particularly following the shutdown of social media platform; Facebook, despite the sector providing livelihoods for many young people. In response, President Museveni explained that Uganda had deliberately invested in undersea fibre-optic cables to reduce the historically high cost of the internet, which had previously relied on expensive satellite communication. “There were attempts by telephone companies to monopolize, and we said no,” he said, noting that government intervention significantly lowered data costs by expanding infrastructure. On Facebook, the President maintained that the shutdown was prompted by misuse of the platform. “We closed it because some people thought they could insult and play around with us,” he said, adding that the government remains open to engagement if platforms operate responsibly. President Museveni also revealed ongoing discussions with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk on the possibility of introducing Starlink satellite internet to Uganda, should it prove affordable. “If the satellite becomes cheaper, we shall allow it,” he said. In a question posed by journalist Simon Kaheru, the President reiterated that prosperity lies at the heart of the National Resistance Movement’s ideology, warning that Africa faces danger if young people fail to understand how wealth is created. “Prosperity does not come from begging. It comes from producing a good or service and selling it sustainably, with calculation — ekibaro.” He explained that Uganda’s diverse, multi-tribal structure created natural economic complementarities, which later informed the NRM’s ideological pillars of Patriotism, loving Uganda as a market, and Pan-Africanism, embracing the wider African market. “Uganda alone is not enough,” he said, noting that the country now produces surplus milk, maize, bananas, cement and steel, which rely on regional and continental markets to remain viable. Economy, Skills and Structural Transformation: Responding to questions from Christine Mawadri on Uganda’s youthful population, the creative sector and innovation, President Museveni traced the country’s economic challenges to the narrow colonial enclave economy based on raw exports. By independence, he said, Uganda’s economy revolved around the 3Cs- Cotton, Coffee and Copper and the 3Ts- Tobacco, Tea and Tourism covering only about four percent of homesteads. “When the NRM came to power in 1986, even that small economy had collapsed,” he said, explaining that the government had to rebuild from scratch. He outlined progress made since then, including restoring and expanding traditional exports, diversifying into dairy, fisheries, fruits and manufacturing, adding value to raw materials, and transitioning into a knowledge economy with local production of vehicles, vaccines and computers. However, he noted that by 2013, 68 percent of homesteads were still outside the money economy, prompting the introduction of Operation Wealth Creation and later the Parish Development Model (PDM). “The key is guiding people into enterprises that make economic sense for their land size,” President Museveni emphasized. On youth migration for work, raised by content creator Osman Kaweesa, popularly known as Jobless Billionaire, the President said many young people had not fully understood where jobs come from. “Jobs and wealth will mainly come from four sectors, commercial agriculture, manufacturing/ artisanship, services and ICT,” he said, once again stressing the Four-Acre Model as a practical pathway to household income. President Museveni also highlighted the role of Presidential skilling hubs and the ongoing education curriculum reform, saying Africa’s biggest challenge remains mindset. “We export coffee at $2.5 per kilo, but after value addition it can earn $40,” he said, noting that while coffee is a $460 billion global business, Africa earns a small fraction because it exports raw materials. “That is the mindset change we are struggling with,” he added. Closing the session, Mrs. Natasha thanked the President for opening space for dialogue and assured participants that similar engagements would continue. “There shall be more interactions like this. Thank you, Your Excellency, for allowing us to have this conversation,” she said.

2026-01-04

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ASSURES BUVUMA LANDOWNERS OF COMPENSATION FOR OIL PALM PROJECT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer for the 2026 general elections, has assured the people of Buvuma District that the government will fully compensate landowners who surrendered their land for oil palm growing. The President who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni made the assurance today while addressing a campaign rally in Buvuma District. He said that the money is available and the matter is now being handled decisively. He explained that the long-delayed compensation would be resolved after careful verification to ensure that only rightful landowners are paid. “On compensating the oil palm landowners, we are going to discuss who should be compensated and who should not. The money is there, but we must study the matter very carefully,” President Museveni said. He disclosed that his legal team has already prepared a detailed report to guide the process. “My lawyer has a report for me. I am going to study it, and we shall work on it immediately,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd. Shs24bn Set Aside: Earlier, the NRM Vice Chairperson for the Central Region, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, acknowledged that compensation for land acquired under the oil palm project has been a long-standing concern among residents. Hon. Kasolo revealed that the government committed Shs24bn to compensate affected landowners, noting that Shs14bn has already been released. “The money that has been released should go to the rightful landowners. Every person who surrendered land for oil palm growing will be paid fairly. No one will be left out,” Hon. Kasolo said. He added that the government plans to establish an oil palm processing plant in Buvuma as part of the value-addition strategy to ensure sustainable incomes for farmers. President Museveni reminded residents that peace has enabled development across the country, including in island districts like Buvuma. “Everybody can see that we now have peace. We have development, roads, electricity, telephones, water, and internet,” he said. Turning to the fishing sector, the President blamed the degradation of Lake Victoria on human activity rather than enforcement agencies, urging fishermen to take responsibility for protecting the resource. “It is the fisheries that spoiled the lake. Don’t use the army as an excuse. The problem came from overcrowding and people entering breeding areas,” he said. President Museveni recounted how Uganda once had a thriving fish export industry, warning that indiscipline nearly destroyed it before government intervention revived the sector. He also pledged that the government will set up a fish processing factory in the district. The President acknowledged that Buvuma remains the only district in Uganda not connected to the national electricity grid but assured residents that the government is addressing the challenge. “We are working on it in two ways. One is using solar energy to generate electricity, and the other is extending power cables from Mayuge. I don’t know why it was delayed, but I have directed those responsible to report to me,” he said. On infrastructure, President Museveni said roads in Buvuma, though limited by geography, deserve upgrading. He also announced plans to upgrade Buvuma Health Centre IV into a district hospital, saying access to quality healthcare is critical for island communities. President Museveni welcomed the growth of education facilities in the district, describing it as a sign of progress. “There are now 20 government primary schools and 64 private primary schools. That shows development,” he said. He added that Buvuma has two government secondary schools and five private secondary schools, reiterating the government's plan to have at least one government secondary school per sub-county. Comparing island livelihoods to those of Karamoja, the President emphasized the need for boarding schools to support families whose children are affected by fishing schedules. “We need boarding schools. You take your child to school and go fishing without worrying,” he said, noting that First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet had taken note of the concern. On water access, President Museveni said the government has made progress but noted that more work is needed. Out of 213 villages, 112 now have access to safe water, representing 53 percent coverage, with several piped water systems completed, rehabilitated boreholes, and new solar-powered schemes underway. He also pointed to population growth as an indicator of stability and development. “When Buvuma became a district, there were about 50,000 people. Now there are over 110,000. That shows progress,” he said. As the NRM intensifies its nationwide campaigns, President Museveni called on the people of Buvuma to continue supporting the party, assuring them that outstanding issues , particularly compensation will be conclusively addressed. The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Buvuma District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. On her part, the First Lady urged Ugandans to remember the progress achieved under NRM over the past 40 years and to protect these gains by voting for the party and President Museveni in the upcoming elections. She emphasized that citizens must acknowledge the role of God and the NRM in Uganda’s development. “We have gathered here today to remember where the Lord has brought us from over the last 40 years. He has used the NRM to serve the entire country,” she said. “As it was said to the Israelites, do not forget where the Lord has brought you from. Likewise, we as Ugandans must remember that God has used the NRM all these years, and He will continue to protect the gains we have achieved.” Maama Janet urged the residents to support NRM candidates in the elections, linking their vote to the protection of national progress and future development. “Everyone must remember that you have a responsibility to vote for the incoming government. Don’t assume victory just because we are a big crowd here. On voting day, make your vote count so that our achievements become reality and let us maintain peace,” she said. Hon. Kasolo said, “Maama Janet, thank you for standing with the President and for coming to Buvuma. The people here are happy to welcome you.” He also commended the President for the development interventions extended to the island district, particularly the oil palm project, which he said is already yielding results. Hon. Kasolo noted that the first harvest of oil palm fruits was realised in October last year, marking a major milestone for farmers who embraced commercial agriculture under the project. “This is a clear sign that the President’s vision is working. The oil palm trees are now producing, and our people are beginning to see the benefits,” he said. The NRM chairperson for Buvuma District, Mr. Fred Wandera, commended the government for key infrastructure and livelihood interventions on the islands, while calling for urgent action on electricity, roads and social services to improve residents’ welfare. Mr. Wandera thanked President Museveni for the modernised ferry services, saying they have significantly eased transport between the islands and the mainland, improving trade and access to essential services. “The new ferry has transformed movement on the lake. Our people can now transport goods and travel with more ease and dignity,” Mr. Wandera said, noting that transport had long been one of Buvuma’s biggest challenges. Mr. Wandera highlighted the impact of the Parish Development Model (PDM), describing it as a critical intervention for households transitioning into the money economy. Buvuma District, which has nine sub-counties and town councils, 38 parishes and 213 villages, has a population of 110,832, according to the 2024 census. He reported that the district has so far received Shs13.56bn under PDM, with Shs11.59 bn (86.2%) already disbursed to 11,756 beneficiary households. “This programme is helping families invest in productive activities, but we still have many households to reach,” Mr. Wandera said. Under the Emyooga programme, Mr. Wandera said Buvuma has 16 SACCOs with 8,018 members, which have collectively received Shs500 million to boost income-generating activities. On health services, Wandera said all sub-counties have at least a Health Centre III, with Buvuma HCIV serving as the highest-level public health facility in the district. Mr. Wandera said the government is implementing four large solar-powered water supply schemes in several villages, alongside new boreholes, borehole rehabilitation and additional piped water systems. Under Water for production, he highlighted completed solar-powered irrigation schemes in Lwalwanda, Bowoya and Buvuma Town Council, which are supporting crop production and generating millions of shillings annually for farmers. “These projects show what is possible when government interventions reach island communities,” Mr. Wandera said. “What we now need is electricity and improved road infrastructure to fully unlock Buvuma’s potential.” The rally was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2026-01-03

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ASSURES BUIKWE ON MINIMUM WAGE, SAYS GOVERNMENT MUST FIRST LOWER COST OF DOING BUSINESS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured Ugandans that the long-awaited minimum wage will be established once the government completes key interventions aimed at enabling investors to operate sustainably and profitably. Speaking on Saturday 3rd January 2026, during a campaign rally in Lugazi Municipality, Buikwe District, President Museveni said the government is deliberately sequencing reforms to avoid harming businesses and job creation. President Museveni, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer for the 2026 general elections, was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, as he addressed thousands of supporters who braved a heavy downpour to attend the rally. The President acknowledged growing public concern over low wages, especially among workers in factories, farms, and service industries, but emphasized that introducing a minimum wage prematurely could backfire. “We are still handling the issues of salaries, and we have not concluded. Why? It is because we are still organizing the manufacturing sector, and our job has been to attract more investors,” he said. He explained that Uganda’s strategy has focused on first creating conditions that reduce the cost of production, allowing investors to remain competitive while paying workers better in the long run. “These different forms of wealth — commercial agriculture, factories, hotels, and ICT — have created jobs and wealth for our people but there is the issue of wages or salaries for workers,” he said. President Museveni cited peace and regional market access as the foundation of Uganda’s industrial growth, noting that the East African Community (EAC) market provides a ready destination for locally manufactured goods. “First of all, we created peace. Secondly, we created the East African Community market so that when we produce, we have somewhere to sell,” he said. Lowering production costs: The President outlined three major areas the government is prioritizing before implementing a minimum wage: electricity costs, transport infrastructure, and access to affordable credit. “One of the things we must do is to get enough electricity so that investors can have low electricity costs,” President Museveni said, adding that energy affordability remains a key determinant of factory profitability. He also pointed to transport costs, particularly the movement of goods between Uganda and the Kenyan port of Mombasa. “That’s why our solution is the railway, which has lower transport costs than road transport,” he said, noting that cheaper logistics would allow manufacturers to save costs and improve worker pay. On access to finance, President Museveni said the government is working to reduce interest rates so that businesses can borrow at affordable terms. “The cost of money in the banks must come down so that investors can borrow at a low interest rate,” he said. According to President Museveni, once these structural challenges are addressed, the government will proceed with setting and enforcing a minimum wage. “When you hear people talking about the minimum wage, we are planning for it but we have not implemented it because we still have assignments on our side,” he explained. The NRM candidate cautioned that imposing wage regulations too early could push investors out of the country. “If we become harsh on them now, they will make losses and take their business elsewhere or collapse and go away from Uganda,” he said. The President also clarified the division of responsibility between the government and investors. “The assignment of the investor is to set up the factory using their money and create jobs. Ours is to make sure there is peace in the country, make electricity affordable, provide low-cost transport, and reduce the cost of money in the banks,” he said. Drawing from his guerrilla warfare background, President Museveni likened the government’s approach to military strategy. “We are guerrillas. While in Luwero, we did not attack Kampala immediately, even though it was very near. We could not do it until we were ready,” he said, adding that patience and timing are critical in economic transformation. President Museveni also addressed land disputes, particularly on Mailo land, which have increasingly affected communities in central Uganda. He announced that Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka would be tasked to clarify the matter publicly. “I will ask the Attorney General to clarify the issue of land on TV so that people understand their rights,” President Museveni said. Turning to the NRM’s manifesto, President Museveni outlined what he described as the party’s seven key contributions to Uganda over the last four decades. “The first one is peace. Development is the second — roads, health centers, schools, electricity, and water,” he said, adding that government records demonstrate tangible progress in these areas. The third pillar, he said, is wealth creation at the household level. “The NRM insists on wealth per family and household. You don’t sleep on the tarmac road; you sleep in your house,” President Museveni said, revisiting the Four-Acre Model, first introduced in the 1996 NRM manifesto, which allocates land for coffee, fruits, pasture, and food crops, supported by backyard enterprises such as poultry, piggery, and fish farming. He cited success stories under the Parish Development Model (PDM), including that of Harriet Nampa from Mangaliba village in Mukono District. “This lady feared the Shs1 million PDM money because she had never touched one million in her entire life. She received Shs500,000 and invested in piggery,” he said. According to the President, Nampa’s piggery business grew to over Shs4 million, enabling her to buy a cow and venture into dairy farming. “These are small-scale people who are just starting, and many more are doing well,” he said. President Museveni also cited large-scale agricultural success stories, including Kalera Phillip of Gomba District, who operates a demonstration farm that began in 2003. He said Kalera diversified into Friesian dairy cows, coffee on 50 acres, poultry, and other ventures after initially struggling with poor rearing methods. “He harvests coffee twice a year, earning between Shs18 million and Shs20 million per acre, and Shs9 million from matooke alone per harvest,” President Museveni noted. The farmer reportedly earns over Shs1.5 billion annually in profit. On employment, the President emphasized that jobs are generated through commercial agriculture, manufacturing/artisanship, services, and ICT. He cited Johnson Basangwa of Jeka Poultry Farm in Kamuli District, who earns about Shs20 million daily from egg production and employs over 300 people. “You here in Lugazi have testimonies of sugar factories where many of your children are working,” President Museveni said. He highlighted industrial parks such as Sino-Mbale, which hosts 75 factories employing about 12,000 workers, and Namanve Industrial Park, with 273 factories employing over 24,000 people. “Mukono also has many factories employing our youths,” he added. President Museveni urged citizens to actively monitor PDM funds to prevent misuse. “All of you should ask the SACCO committee where the PDM money is. You need to learn to follow up on what belongs to you,” he said. He acknowledged past challenges with earlier programs such as Entandikwa, NAADS, and Operation Wealth Creation, which were criticized for benefiting a few individuals. “That’s why we decided to work directly with the poor people at the parish level,” President Museveni said. On her part, while addressing the crowd, the First Lady, Maama Janet praised residents for enduring the rain to attend the rally. “Sometimes we stand in the sun, sometimes in the rain, to build Uganda,” she said, crediting Uganda’s progress to peace, stability, and unity, urging voters to renew NRM’s mandate. “We must stretch out our hands and vote for NRM so that our children and grandchildren can be proud of the Uganda we are building,” she said. NRM Second National Vice Chairperson and Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among informed the President that Buikwe District faces challenges of absentee landlords and alleged theft of PDM funds. She called for investigations into the misuse of public resources. The rally marked his final campaign stop in greater Mukono after canvassing Buvuma, Kayunga, and Mukono districts.

2026-01-03