PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES GHETTO YOUTH TO SAFEGUARD PEACE AS A PATHWAY TO WEALTH

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today called on the ghetto youth to guard the peace Uganda currently enjoys, describing it as the bedrock of development, service delivery and personal wealth. Addressing hundreds of youths at Kawempe Mbogo Mosque Playground in Nabukalu Zone, Bwaise II, Kawempe Division, the President emphasized that peace is not just a political achievement, but a personal investment that benefits every citizen, especially the young people in urban areas. “I greet you all, people of Kawempe. I am happy to be here to talk to you. Peace is the first and most important thing. Without it, nothing else is possible. No roads, no schools, no hospitals, no jobs,” President Museveni said. The President pointed to the booming infrastructure across Uganda from rural farms to urban factories, as visible fruits of peace. He displayed images of ongoing development projects and buildings in Kalangala and Kampala to illustrate his point. “You may say those buildings are not yours, but let me tell you, every bag of cement, every tonne of steel, every nail used in those buildings pays tax. That tax is what we use to immunize your children, build roads, and bring piped water to your homes,” he said. To demonstrate the long-term value of peace and tax-funded public health, President Museveni invited a woman living with polio to address the gathering. She confirmed that she was born in 1974 before the NRM took power. “That child is for UPC. Since 1997, no child under my government has suffered from polio, thanks to immunization programs funded by tax revenues, these few that could have gotten it is because their parents did not take them for immunization. That’s the value of peace.” He urged the youth to look beyond the surface and recognize how national progress benefits them personally. “When you support peace, you are supporting yourself. If you doubt it, go and see countries without peace and see what life is like there,” the President stressed. President Museveni then shifted focus to development and wealth creation, reminding the crowd that having infrastructure alone is not enough. “You can have a tarmac road in your area, but at night, you don’t sleep on it, you sleep in your house. If that house is full of problems, then development alone isn’t enough. That’s why, from the beginning, NRM has emphasized wealth at the household level,” he said. The President also revealed that over the past four years, the government has sent over shs10bn to Kawempe through the Parish Development Model (PDM), with shs100m going to each of the 22 parishes every year. “Kawempe is not in Congo or South Sudan, it is right here in Kampala. Go to the Town Clerk and ask where the shs10bn has gone,” he said. The President therefore tasked Hajjat Madinah Nsereko, the NRM flag bearer for Kawempe South, and Faridah Nambi, the NRM flag bearer for Kawempe North, to head a follow-up committee to verify how the funds have been utilized. “I have created a committee led by Madinah and Nambi. I will support them fully. We want transparency,” the President declared. President Museveni explained that while the PDM cannot reach everyone at once, it is being rolled out in phases, particularly targeting agriculture. “Each household is supposed to receive shs 1m, and according to the Town Clerk’s report, over 7,000 households in Kawempe have already benefited,” he said. The President reminded Ugandans that while development is a collective responsibility, poverty is personal and must be tackled individually. “You can have a paved road, but if you sit idle beside it, you’ll remain poor. Every household must take advantage of national development to improve their own livelihood,” he warned. He once again cited the Four-Acre Model, first introduced by the NRM in 1996, as a proven pathway to rural wealth. The model encourages families to grow coffee, fruits, food crops, and pasture on a small plot of land, while practicing poultry and piggery farming in the backyard. He identified Mr. Joseph Ijara from Serere, who started with 2.5 acres and now earns over shs 800 million annually through poultry farming. “This is what we mean by waking up. You, too, can do it,” President Museveni told the ghetto youth. He further acknowledged the role of artisanship, trade, and innovation in urban areas, noting that wealth is not only agricultural. “Peace, development, services, markets, and wealth are the pillars of transformation. Let us guard them jealously because the future is yours,” he concluded. The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda commended President Museveni for his commitment to uplifting urban communities through the Parish Development Model. Hon. Kabanda praised the targeted support extended to the 22 parishes in Kawempe under the PDM. “Your Excellency, we thank you for your unwavering support to the people of Kampala.” Hon. Kabanda noted that the funds are reaching ordinary citizens and fueling household transformation by supporting income-generating activities in agriculture, trade, and services. “The impact is visible on the ground. People who had lost hope are now starting small businesses, improving their homes, and sending children to school,” she said. She added that the leadership in Kampala is committed to working with government structures to ensure transparency and effective monitoring of PDM funds. On her part, Hajjat Madinah Nsereko, the National Resistance Movement flag bearer for Kawempe South applauded President Museveni for his unwavering support to the youth living in Kampala’s urban ghettos. She expressed deep gratitude for the President’s visible and lasting interventions in improving the lives of disadvantaged communities. “Your Excellency, we are very happy to see you here in Kawempe. We thank you sincerely for standing with the ghetto youth and for the continuous support you have extended to our communities. Your efforts have brought real change,” she said. Delivering an update on the progress of ghetto transformation efforts, Maj. Emma Kuteesa, the Presidential Coordinator for Ghetto Affairs, said over 12 Ghetto SACCOs were structured and registered. He mentioned that this was a directive given by the President and implemented under the leadership of Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, Director of Crime Intelligence. “Your Excellency, under your guidance and directive, and with the oversight of the State House Comptroller, we successfully established 12 SACCOs across Kampala Metropolitan. These SACCOs cover youth from some of the most vulnerable zones including Kakeeka in Rubaga, Kasangati, Kampala Central, Nakawa, Kawempe, Makindye, Mukono, Kasokoso, Nansana, and Masajja Para Zone,” Maj. Kuteesa said. He revealed that President Museveni officially launched the SACCOs at Kololo Independence Grounds in December 2023, and later on July 30, 2024, donated shs1.2bn, with each SACCO receiving shs100m. This was a game-changer. From a few hundred members, our ghetto SACCO network has now grown to over 10,000 youth in Kampala Metropolitan, and over 40,000 countrywide,” Maj. Kuteesa reported. “The injection of funds and organizational support has birthed over 500 small-scale projects and businesses in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono. These ventures range from welding workshops, goat-rearing farms, mushroom growing, to creative industries like music and fashion,” he mentioned. Maj. Kuteesa noted that the positive impact of these interventions is already evident. “Your Excellency, crime rates have gone down significantly in the ghetto communities because the youth are now occupied and productive,” he said. “They are no longer seen as idle or dangerous, but as entrepreneurs, artisans, and agents of development.” He further praised the involvement of the ghetto youth in national structures and civic participation, particularly within youth councils and community development programs. Also present at the event were the Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua, Hon. Evelyne Anite , the Minister of State for Investment and Privatization, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the Director for Mobilisation at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat, Hon. Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, Ms. Jane Barekye, the State House comptroller , Ms. Hellen Seku, the commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism, among others.

2025-07-18

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS EAC SECRETARY GENERAL

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday met and held fruitful discussions with the Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), H.E. Veronica M. Nduva, at State House, Entebbe. The two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest aimed at strengthening regional integration and cooperation among EAC member states. The meeting was also attended by Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs.

2025-07-17

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PASSES OUT 413 UPDF OFFICERS TRAINED IN ADVANCED MILITARY WARFARE TACTICS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is also the Commander In Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has today passed out 413 army officers who underwent an armor military warfare course at the Uganda Military Academy - Kabamba, Mubende District. ‎The 413 graduates who include 74 Armor platoon commanders, 122 Armor technicians and 217 Armor crews were all trained in advanced military warfare skills and tactics for six months. During the ceremony, President Museveni congratulated the graduates for successfully finishing their course. “I want to congratulate the graduates for learning quickly in six months where you mastered this equipment of tanks in the four courses that have been mentioned here. I want to congratulate you and pass you out today,” he said. President Museveni also tasked the officers to ensure comprehensive packaging of defence capabilities in their military operations. “As I told your commanders, war is an old science and an old art. Science in the form of equipment and art in the way you are organised and utilise the equipment. Science always influences the organization and the tactics,” he said. ‎‎President Museveni also cautioned the graduates to understand the existing threats to armor defence technologies and adapt to the necessary counter approaches. “‎The tank has new threats like the air force which has been improving and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), so we need to understand the packaging of capacity.” President Museveni further urged the officers to look after their lives well so that they can progress in life. “Love yourself so that you don't die of diseases, alcohol or drugs. You should remain healthy but as we told you, you must also love your equipment because if you don't look after it well, especially if you are corrupt, when war comes you will die. When you see a corrupt soldier, he is your enemy and the enemy of the country,” he urged. The President also assured the officers that the modernisation of UPDF is still continuing and commended the leadership of the army on strides made to professionalise the force. “I'm happy that the CDF is still working on welfare, training, and infrastructure. We have been busy building barracks and other training facilities.” ‎The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding revealed that the UPDF is fast tracking the upgrade of all military training facilities to centers of excellence and 14 of them including the Uganda Military warfare Academy - Kabamba have attained that status. Furthermore, ‎Lt. Gen. Okiding cautioned armor military trainees to maintain precision and competence and avoid delusive behaviors and lifestyles. ‎‎The Commandant Armored Warfare Training School – Karama, Brig Gen. Peter Chandia explained that the 413 graduates were skilled in mechanized warfare and in the fundamentals of fire power mobility. Brig.‎ Gen. Chandia also revealed that the graduates were competent enough to skilfully employ mechanized resources in contemporary battle spaces. ‎At the same event, the best students were recognized.

2025-07-17

GENERAL MUHOOZI KAINERUGABA TOURS UPDF NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, this afternoon conducted an inspection tour of the UPDF National Referral Hospital in Mbuya, a state-of-the-art medical facility set to be officially commissioned by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The hospital, equipped with cutting-edge medical technology, is poised to revolutionize healthcare for military personnel, their families, and Ugandan citizens at large. Key features include a helipad for emergency air evacuations, VIP treatment wings, emergency services, physiotherapy units and specialized medical departments. During the tour, Gen Kainerugaba was guided by Prof. Ben Mbonye through the hospital’s six blocks, where he assessed the advanced facilities designed to enhance medical care for soldiers and civilians alike. The CDF has been a strong advocate for improving welfare within the UPDF, emphasizing better healthcare, education for soldiers' children, and modern military equipment among other welfare initiatives. Since assuming office last year, Gen Kainerugaba has prioritized efficient service delivery, ensuring that soldiers can perform their duties effectively with full support. The hospital tour was attended by senior Ministry of Defence officials, including Permanent Secretary Rosette Byengoma and Undersecretary Edith Buturo. Once operational, the UPDF National Referral Hospital is expected to be a game-changer in Uganda’s healthcare sector, offering world-class treatment and reinforcing the UPDF’s capacity to serve the nation.

2025-07-15

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI FLAGS OFF RECONSTRUCTION OF SALAAMA–MUNYONYO ROAD, EMPHASIZES ACCOUNTABLE LEADERSHIP AND WEALTH CREATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Salaama– Munyonyo Road, a key artery within Kampala’s Road network. The event, held at Takajunge Village in Salaama, marks a significant step in the government's ongoing efforts to upgrade city infrastructure and improve service delivery. The 8.1-kilometer road project being executed by China Railway 18th Bureau Group Co. Ltd. also includes the redevelopment of Kulekaana Junction, under the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP). President Museveni, who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, commended the progress and reiterated that such infrastructure developments form only one part of Uganda’s broader transformation agenda. While acknowledging the importance of improved roads in boosting economic activity and urban mobility, the President cautioned against viewing them as an end in themselves. “We’re happy to inspect this Salaama road, which is part of a bigger project that will increase Kampala’s tarmac road coverage to over 900 km out of 1,200 km,” President Museveni said. “This is a good effort, but as I keep telling you, you don’t sleep on tarmac roads; you sleep in your houses. Roads are part of development, but we must emphasize wealth creation and household income,” he added. The President used the occasion to spotlight individuals benefiting from government poverty eradication programs. He gave an example of Mrs. Fausta Nalweyiso of Kibumbiro in Busega, whose piggery project under the Parish Development Model (PDM) he praised as a shining example of grassroots wealth creation. “That’s what we would like to see in all homesteads. When we talk about transforming society, this is what we mean,” he said. President Museveni also emphasized that wealth creation is not only about individual prosperity but also job creation. “It enables you to do things yourselves, even before the government intervenes,” the President said, noting that the government has consistently and deliberately integrated wealth creation into its national budgeting process, referencing previous programs such as Entandikwa, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), NAADS, and now the Parish Development Model and Emyooga. However, he explained the shift from centrally managed programs like OWC and NAADS to more community-based models, citing inefficiencies and the need for direct access by beneficiaries. “It was a big debate in Cabinet, but I stood my ground. I’m very happy to hear that the PDM is starting to pick up and doing very well,” the President said. Acknowledging existing concerns, the President promised to investigate issues related to theft and mismanagement of PDM funds. He noted that although funds are being disbursed, they remain insufficient in densely populated urban areas where needs are greater. He pledged to consider increased funding and hinted at a new policy intervention that would provide a separate funding envelope for local leaders in parishes. “I don’t want to see our leaders, or even those from other political parties, fighting over the 100 million shillings meant for the people. We shall add money for the parish, with additional funding for the leaders,” he said. The President further proposed starting specific programs for urban youth, recognizing that they face distinct challenges compared to rural communities. About political leadership and accountability, President Museveni did not mince words, blaming urban voters for what he described as poor electoral choices. “The problem you have in this town is electing opposition politicians who don’t help you. They don’t follow up,” President Museveni said. “I have not had a meeting with your MPs. I don’t even know them,” he added, citing an example of Busega Market, which lacked a proper connecting road from the Northern Bypass. “How would I know that there’s no road to the market if no one tells me? I had to go there myself. Why should people elect MPs who don’t help them?” H.E. Museveni asked, adding that such choices hinder government efforts to address pressing local issues. He called on citizens to hold their leaders accountable and ensure they advocate effectively for community development. According to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), works began on May 14, 2024, and the contractor has so far completed asphalt laying on 2.4 km. The entire stretch is projected to be completed by December 31, 2025. The Executive Director of KCCA, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, provided a status update on the broader KCRRP initiative under which Salaama Road is being reconstructed. She revealed that since the launch of the KCRRP on December 5, 2022, a total of 32.9 km, representing 37.93% of the total 86.9 km project scope, have been completed. “The key roads already delivered under this program include Old Mubende, Kigala, Kabega, Wamala, Muteesa I, Luwafu, Kayemba, Muzito, Suuna II, and Masiro roads,” she reported. She added that in the next three years, the government is committed to injecting UGX 550 billion into the continued upgrade of 85 km of city roads. These improvements, she said, are expected to significantly boost economic activity in Kampala and help transition communities into the money economy. The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, also addressed the gathering and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to urban development. Local NRM leaders, including Lukyamuzi Kakooza, chairperson for Makindye, welcomed the project, noting that the poor condition of the Salaama Road had become a political weapon for opposition groups. “This road up to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital had become a national issue, with the opposition using it to criticize the government for endangering the lives of patients,” Mr. Kakooza said. Other key officials in attendance included Hon. Balaam Barugahara, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs; NRM Director for Mobilization, Hon. Rosemary Sseninde; Kampala RCC, Ms. Asiimwe Jane Muhindo; and Presidential Advisor for Kampala, Ms. Sarah Kanyike. District chairpersons from Kampala and surrounding areas also attended the ceremony.

2025-07-15

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ADVOCATES FOR GROUP-OWNED COMPANIES AMONG ARTISANS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on artisans and entrepreneurs to transition from individual operations to family- or group-owned companies to ensure sustainability, collective wealth, and intergenerational growth. Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President made the call today during a visit to the Kigo Carpentry and Skilling Centre located in Kigo Mutungo, Ndejje Parish, Makindye-Sabagabo Municipality, Wakiso District. The centre is home to 588 members and offers training in carpentry, metal fabrication, tailoring, and weaving. Before visiting the skilling centre, the President and his entourage inspected ongoing works on the Salaama Road construction project. While interacting with the artisans, President Museveni advised them to rethink the traditional approach of fragmented individual work, especially when it comes to managing land and shared resources. “I want to know who the owner is, you people should form a company and work together. This tendency of working individually is risky. I taught the Banyankore not to divide land when the time for inheritance comes, stay united and work as a family,” the President said. He further explained that land fragmentation causes inefficiencies, chaos, and stunted progress. He cited his own family’s example, revealing that he and Maama Janet set up a family company where members contribute to shared productivity and benefit from collective profits. “Europeans developed by forming companies through families. That’s how they advanced. Leave backwardness and embrace that model,” he emphasized. President Museveni also pledged to support the centre’s growth by providing more equipment and financial capital. He promised to inject Shs500 million into the SACCO to boost production and raw material procurement. He also noted the importance of proper infrastructure and pledged to work on improving road access to the centre to facilitate easier transportation for buyers. “All other issues are easy, but the formula for working together is what matters. If you get it right, everything else will follow,” the President said. He also tasked Hon. Balaam Barugahara, the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, to sit with the leadership of the centre and streamline ownership structures, user fees, and training strategies to ensure sustainability. “Right now, you are training people for free. That’s not sustainable. You should have sponsors who pay fees to the centre. You are becoming donors; it’s too early for that. Let's have a formula that benefits both trainers and trainees,” he added. Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs, also praised the President and the First Lady for their consistency in supporting youth-led skilling projects. “I remember how bad the situation was for these people in Nsambya. Your intervention turned their lives around,” she said. Mr. Ivan Ainebyoona, Chairperson of the Kigo Carpentry Centre, thanked the President for standing with the artisans through difficult times. “Whenever it rained or the sun was too much, we were worried, but you came and rescued us. We now work in dignity. We are happy, and history will remember you,” Mr. Ainebyoona said. He informed the President that their work is non-political and deeply rooted in self-reliance. Mr. Majid Kigundu, the centre’s Secretary-General, emotionally recounted the centre’s journey that began in 2016 when a group of desperate carpenters blocked the President’s convoy in Munyonyo. “We told you, our story. We were struggling in Nsambya, being tossed around by KCCA. You listened and gave us carpentry and tailoring machines, Shs100m for our SACCO, and even told us you had sold your cows to buy us this land,” Mr. Kigundu recalled. “We are now paying taxes, training youth, and have now secured orders to make beds for Special Forces Command soldiers.” He urged the President to enforce the executive order against exporting raw timber, stating that the artisans at Kigo are ready to add value locally. “We have all the designs. Let people come and support us here instead of exporting raw timber,” he appealed. Maama Janet also pledged to rally schools and government agencies to support the centre’s work by sourcing products locally. Background: The Kigo Carpentry and Skilling Centre was born out of hardship, resilience, and an unexpected moment of Presidential intervention. In 2016, a group of desperate artisans working under harsh conditions in Nsambya boldly blocked President Museveni’s convoy as he returned from Munyonyo. They pleaded for help, explaining how Kampala Capital City Authority constant evictions had left them vulnerable and without a place to operate. Touched by their determination, the President responded immediately, visiting them later that year, providing modern carpentry and tailoring machines, and injecting sh100m into their SACCO. He went a step further and purchased for them land in Kigo, evolving into a thriving centre of 588 skilled artisans, a place they now proudly call home. Also present at the event were the State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, the Executive Director of KCCA, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, KCCA Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Benon Kigenyi, Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, the Director for Mobilisation at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat and the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye.

2025-07-15