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 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 COMMISSIONS VICTORIA SUGAR LIMITED FACTORY IN LUWERO

His Excellency, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda and National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate for the 2026 general elections, today commissioned the Victoria Sugar Limited Factory in Luwero District. The President was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni. While addressing leaders, workers, and residents, President Museveni commended the management and staff of Victoria Sugar Limited for their contribution to Uganda’s industrial growth and wealth creation agenda. He reiterated the government's commitment to addressing workers’ welfare, including the issue of the minimum wage, as part of broader efforts to reduce poverty and spur economic growth. “I am aware of the issue of the minimum wage, and I am going to fix it. Tosobola kukama nte nga tosoose kulongoosa kiraalo — you cannot milk a cow before cleaning the kraal,” the President said. The President further emphasized that the government will continue working to reduce the cost of electricity, transport, and water in order to enhance industrial competitiveness and improve livelihoods. He also urged Ugandans to support the NRM and its flag bearers in the forthcoming general elections for sustained service delivery and socio-economic transformation. Speaking on behalf of the company, Mr. Jiyani Alpesh, Managing Director of Victoria Sugar Limited Luwero, welcomed the President and expressed appreciation for the stable and enabling investment environment fostered under his leadership. Mr. Alpesh noted that the Victoria Group operates across multiple subsectors, including sugar manufacturing, clean energy co-generation, distillery operations, plastics manufacturing, tarpaulins, tyre manufacturing, tiles production, steel products, cable manufacturing, recycled batteries, and household utensils. He revealed that the group directly employs over 8,000 Ugandans and indirectly supports more than 9,000 livelihoods through outgrowers, suppliers, and customers. The group’s plantations cover 17,000 acres in Luwero and surrounding areas, with an additional 10 square miles acquired in Kiryandongo for future expansion. Mr. Alpesh further highlighted the company’s contribution to Uganda’s energy security, noting that Victoria Sugar generates 15 MW of clean energy, with 10 MW supplied to the national grid, and is in the process of installing an additional 3 MW of biogas power. He disclosed that the group has invested over USD 150 million to date and contributed UGX 225 billion in direct and indirect taxes between 2018 and 2024, significantly supporting national development and public service delivery.

2025-12-30

GOMBA: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI EMPHASIZES PROPER PRIORITIZATION TO ACCELERATE DEVELOPMENT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, has called on Members of Parliament and local leaders to focus on proper prioritization of development projects. He said that delays in service delivery are often due to elected leaders not understanding how to prioritize resources. “Delays come because we prioritize something that your MPs don’t understand,” he said. The President made the remarks today during his first campaign rally of the day at Nsambwe Primary School in Gomba district. President Museveni also highlighted the transformation of Kisozi and surrounding areas as an example of what prioritization can achieve. “When I came here in Kisozi after buying land here, it was a desert. There was no school, road, electricity, nothing. Today we have Mpigi- Kibibi- Gombe- Kanoni- Sembabule-Masaka,” he said. He urged residents to focus on practical outcomes rather than political expectations. “Our principle is one kamu kamu gwemuganda [One by one makes a bundle]. Let’s prioritize,” President Museveni said. On infrastructure, he listed key projects that are ongoing or planned. “The Kifampa- Bugomola- Kyamuribwa- Villa Maria road will be worked on, while the Kanoni- Maanyi- Mityana- Ssekanyonyi-Busunju road has been delayed but shall also be worked on. Kyahi sub-county will also get electricity,” he said. He further said the NRM emphasizes wealth creation and used his own experience as an example. “In 1967, my father was a cattle keeper. I went to Rwakitura. There was no road or electricity, nothing. The cows don’t eat tarmac road; they eat grass. I went and bought land. Later, all these developments found me. I came and looked for another place; they told me there is some land in Kisozi, but they tried to discourage me saying the place was undeveloped,” he said. On the Parish Development Model (PDM), the President reminded citizens how they can fight poverty through such government programs. “The people of Gomba, the money that we send you in Operation Wealth Creation, PDM is to help you get out of poverty,” he said. “At first, we sent entandikwa, OWC, but had complaints saying they served themselves. That’s how I changed and said from today send money to parishes. 18 years and above adults should join a parish SACCO, after joining the SACCO, they choose the committee that serves. Therefore, it’s your role to fight for your demands,” he said. President Museveni also reported the outcome of his earlier meeting at his Kisozi farm with the youth who had deserted NRM in Gomba. The meeting aimed at discussing their points of discontent, among other issues. He informed the over 500 youth that corruption has long existed and urged them to participate actively in development structures. On the other hand, President Museveni reminded residents of Uganda’s peace and stability. “Uganda has been at peace for 40 years, and we cannot dare disrupt it. Whoever tries will regret it.” The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Gomba District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. The NRM First National Vice Chairman, Alhajji Moses Kigongo, called on the people of Gomba to vote for the NRM, describing the party as one founded on truth and service. “NRM people do not lie. From the beginning, this party has loved everyone and upheld clear standards,” Alhajji Kigongo said. He urged residents to be truthful when raising issues with the President, noting that honest feedback helps the government respond effectively. “When you are speaking to the President, always tell the truth. Be honest with yourselves and continue supporting the NRM,” he added. On her part, the Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, thanked residents for turning up in large numbers, saying the attendance reflected strong support for the ruling party. “I want to thank the people of Gomba for coming. I am very happy to be here. Even in the village of Hon. Bobi Wine we see such a big turnout at this rally,” she said. Turning to infrastructure, Rt. Hon. Among acknowledged progress on the Masaka–Bukomansimbi–Sembabule–Gomba road but called for urgent works on sections that remain in poor condition. “We thank His Excellency for the road, but the 10-kilometre stretch from Masaka to Vila-Maria needs attention before it completely deteriorates,” she said. Rt. Hon. Among further called for the establishment of a regional referral hospital to serve Gomba and neighbouring districts of Kazo and Sembabule, as well as irrigation schemes to support farmers in the cattle corridor. On party cohesion, the Speaker cautioned NRM leaders against internal conflicts, urging unity behind party flag bearers. “Let us stop fighting our flag bearers. If we love the party and support President Museveni and all NRM candidates, service delivery in Gomba will improve,” she said. The NRM Chairperson for Gomba District, Mr. Godfrey Tumwiine, commended the government for what he described as steady progress in security, economic empowerment and service delivery, saying peace and stability have enabled communities to focus on development. Mr. Tumwiine highlighted the impact of the PDM, under which Gomba District has so far received Shs17.49bn. Of this, Shs15.04bn has already been disbursed to 15,162 households, representing 31 per cent of all households in the district. He explained that the program is targeting families still outside the money economy, while those already economically active continue to benefit from other government interventions. On enterprise financing, the Chairperson said the Emyooga program has supported 36 SACCOs with 11,377 members in the district, with the government disbursing Shs1.28 billion to boost small-scale businesses and household incomes. In the education sector, Mr. Tumwiine reported that Gomba has 91 government primary schools and nine government secondary schools providing Universal Primary and Secondary Education. However, he noted that 13 parishes still lack a government primary school, while five sub-counties remain without a government secondary school. He said the ongoing construction of a seed secondary school will help narrow the gap. He further outlined progress in health service delivery, noting that the district currently has one Health Centre IV and eight Health Centre IIIs, with a new HCIII under construction in Maddu Sub-County. He acknowledged that one sub-county is still without a health facility, but plans are underway to address the shortfall. Mr. Tumwiine also cited improvements in water access, saying 77 per cent of rural villages now have access to safe water following borehole rehabilitation and the construction of piped water systems serving thousands of residents. He said additional projects are planned to extend coverage to the remaining villages. On production and livelihoods, the Chairperson highlighted government investments in valley tanks, earth dams and irrigation infrastructure to support livestock and crop farming, noting that water for production has boosted incomes and created jobs at community level. He further reported that Gomba District is now connected to the national electricity grid, with seven out of nine sub-counties already electrified. He said the remaining two sub-counties are expected to be connected in the next phase of government expansion. Mr. Tumwiine concluded by reaffirming the district’s support for government programs, urging leaders and beneficiaries to safeguard public resources and ensure they translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-12-23

SEMBABULE: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES MAJOR ROAD UPGRADES AS HE CONCLUDES GREATER MASAKA CAMPAIGN TRAIL

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer for 2026 general elections, has pledged major investments in road infrastructure and electricity for Sembabule District as he concluded his campaign trail in the Greater Masaka sub-region. President Museveni made the commitments on Tuesday, 23rd December 2025, while addressing a massive campaign rally in Sembabule. The rally drew thousands of supporters despite heavy Focusing on economic infrastructure, President Museveni highlighted the progress already registered in the district, particularly in road construction, which he said had transformed Sembabule from a once-remote area into a connected production zone. “When you come to the issue of roads, Sembabule was very far. But the NRM extended the tarmac road from Mpigi–Kibibi–Gombe–Kayenje–Mpenja–Kanoni–Kabulasoke–Maddu up to Sembabule, and through to Villa Maria, connecting to Masaka,” he said. The President assured residents that government plans include upgrading the Sembabule–Mateete–Mbiriizi road, drawing loud applause from supporters. He also announced ongoing works on the historic Lusalira– Kasambya– Kabamba– Nkongi–Makoore–Rubejere–Ntuusi–Sembabule road, which he said he once used during the guerrilla war against the Obote regime. “They have started working on it. Later, we also want the road from Ntuusi to Nyabitanga and Rushere worked on, and another road from Mateete to Kyabakuza. All these are part of our road plans,” he assured supporters. Turning to peace — one of the key pillars of the NRM’s 2026–2031 manifesto, Gen. Museveni said Uganda had been ungovernable before the NRM came to power, largely due to sectarian politics based on religion and ethnicity. “We abandoned that politics and said everyone is important according to what they do, not what they are. That approach enabled us to build a national party and strong national institutions, including a strong army and judiciary, which have kept Uganda peaceful for the last 40 years.” On water, President Museveni noted that the government would tap into the fresh water from River Katonga to solve the challenge of saline water in some parts of Sembabule. On social infrastructure, the President said Sembabule has 187 government primary schools but expressed concern over gaps in equitable distribution across the district’s 65 parishes. “You need equal distribution of government schools as per our policy,” he noted. He praised the district for having 10 government secondary schools and outlined plans to strengthen the health sector. Currently, the district has two Health Centre IVs and eight Health Centre IIIs. President Museveni announced plans to upgrade several Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs, including facilities in Kasaalu, Mutima, Burongo, Mitete and Kabundi, and to construct new Health Centre IIIs in Nyabitanga and Katwe sub-counties. However, President Museveni emphasized that while peace and infrastructure are essential, they do not automatically lift individuals out of poverty. “When we realized that people sleep in their homes and not on roads, we understood that development alone is not enough. That is why we added wealth creation,” he said. Large screens at the rally displayed videos of successful farmers who had adopted NRM-recommended production models. One such example was George Matongo, a livestock farmer from Nakaseke District who produces over 900 litres of milk daily and earns approximately Shs29 million per month despite having no formal education and living far from a tarmac road. President Museveni reiterated the four-acre model introduced in the NRM’s 1996 manifesto, encouraging households to allocate land to coffee, food crops, fruits, and pasture, while using backyards for poultry, piggery or fish farming. He cited MPs and private farmers, including Hon. Fred Byamukama and Joseph Ijala, whose small-scale but intensive farming enterprises generate hundreds of millions of shillings annually. “But here in Ssembabule, you find someone with a huge chunk of land not utilising it well,” he said, urging residents to abandon free-range grazing and embrace commercial dairy farming and irrigation. President Museveni called on residents to actively monitor Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to ensure accountability. “This PDM welcomes everyone above 18 years. You elect your own parish SACCO leaders. Stop lamenting — the system is in your hands,” he said. On employment, President Museveni dismissed the idea that government jobs could absorb Uganda’s growing population, noting that public service employs only about 480,000 people out of a population nearing 50 million. “Jobs must come from agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT,” he said, citing large poultry farms and industrial parks such as Namanve and Sino-Mbale as examples of private-sector-led job creation. On the other hand, the President thanked the people of Sembabule for braving the rain to attend the rally and listen to his message. He praised their resilience and commitment, describing them as the “grandchildren of freedom fighters” who had demonstrated unwavering support despite the harsh weather. “When the rain came, you stayed,” President Museveni said, noting that the same spirit had been displayed by NRM supporters in Kassanda, Kyankwanzi, and Bukomansimbi, where crowds also endured downpours to follow his campaign message. The rally was also addressed by the NRM First National Vice Chairperson Alhajji Moses Kigongo, Central Region Vice Chairperson, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, and Sembabule District NRM Chairperson, Gen. Phinehas Katirima, among other party leaders.

2025-12-23