Museveni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Projects for Faster Development

Gomba — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Members of Parliament and local leaders to focus on proper prioritisation of development projects, saying poor planning is a major cause of delays in service delivery.

Speaking during his first campaign rally of the day at Nsambwe Primary School in Gomba District, President Museveni, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, said development stalls when leaders fail to allocate resources to the most critical needs.

“Delays come because we prioritise things that your MPs don’t understand,” the President said.

He cited the transformation of Kisozi and the surrounding areas as evidence of what focused planning can achieve. President Museveni recalled that when he first acquired land in Kisozi, the area lacked basic infrastructure.

“When I came here, it was a desert. There was no school, no road, no electricity. Today we have roads like Mpigi–Kibibi–Gomba–Kanoni–Sembabule–Masaka,” he said.

The President urged residents to focus on tangible outcomes rather than political expectations. “Our principle is one kamu kamu gwemuganda [one by one makes a bundle]. Let’s prioritise,” he said.

On infrastructure, President Museveni outlined several road projects, including the planned works on the Kifampa–Bugomola–Kyamuribwa–Villa Maria road and the delayed Kanoni–Maanyi–Mityana–Ssekanyonyi–Busunju road, which he said would also be worked on. He added that Kyahi Sub-county is set to be connected to electricity.

Addressing wealth creation, the President shared his personal experience, saying development follows investment and productivity. “In 1967, when I went to Rwakitura, there was no road or electricity. Cows don’t eat tarmac roads; they eat grass. Later, development found me,” he said.

On the Parish Development Model (PDM), President Museveni reminded residents that government programs are intended to lift households out of poverty. He explained that funds are now channelled through parish SACCOs to improve accountability and community ownership.

“The money we send through PDM and Operation Wealth Creation is to help you get out of poverty. Adults must join parish SACCOs and choose leaders who serve them,” he said.

The President also referred to a recent meeting with youth in Gomba who had distanced themselves from the NRM, saying corruption has existed for a long time, but urged young people to engage constructively in development structures.

On security, President Museveni emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability. “Uganda has been at peace for 40 years, and we cannot dare disrupt it,” he said.

During the event, the President officially handed over NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson candidates, councillors and other party flag bearers in Gomba District.

NRM First National Vice Chairperson Alhajji Moses Kigongo called on residents to continue supporting the ruling party, describing it as one founded on truth and service. He urged citizens to give honest feedback to the President to enable an effective government response.

Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among thanked residents for the large turnout, saying it reflected strong support for the party. She also raised concerns about the condition of sections of the Masaka–Bukomansimbi–Sembabule–Gomba road and called for urgent repairs.

Rt. Hon. Among further appealed for the establishment of a regional referral hospital to serve Gomba and neighbouring districts, as well as irrigation schemes to support farmers in the cattle corridor. She also urged unity among NRM leaders and supporters.

Gomba District NRM Chairperson Godfrey Tumwiine highlighted progress under the Parish Development Model, noting that the district has received Shs17.49 billion, with Shs15.04 billion already disbursed to over 15,000 households. He also cited support to SACCOs under the Emyooga programme, improvements in education, health services, water access, electricity coverage and investments in water for production.

The rally was attended by members of the NRM Central Executive Committee, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of supporters from across the district.