Elect Development-Oriented Leaders – Museveni

Wakiso — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on residents of Wakiso District to elect proactive and development-oriented leaders, particularly those aligned with the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who can effectively champion and follow up on government programmes meant to improve livelihoods.

Speaking at a public rally in Nabweru, Nansana Municipality, President Museveni emphasised the importance of choosing leaders who will advocate for their constituents and ensure proper implementation of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).

“In the next general election, vote for Members of Parliament who will demand what is rightfully yours. I’m in government, but I’m far from you. You need MPs who follow up on the funds we send to support you,” he said.

The rally was part of the President’s assessment tour focused on wealth creation and the performance of the PDM in Wakiso District.

Earlier in the day, President Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bukasa–Ssentema–Kakiri Road, a 12.7km tarmac project worth UGX 56 billion, constructed by the Chinese firm CICO.

Reflecting on infrastructure achievements under the NRM government, the President said: “When we took over Kampala, roads like the Northern Bypass, Entebbe Expressway, Kasangati Road, and Matugga–Ssentema–Kapeeka Road did not exist. These developments benefit all Ugandans—but they are not enough without income at the household level.”

He warned against overemphasis on infrastructure while neglecting the economic empowerment of families. Citing national employment figures, President Museveni noted: Industry: 1.2 million jobs, Public Sector: 480,000 jobs, Agriculture: 3.6 million jobs and Services: 5 million+ jobs.

“Wealth creation must be the focus. Every household should either own wealth or be involved in productive work,” he urged.

The President also addressed concerns raised by religious and local leaders about limited funding for the PDM, especially in densely populated urban and semi-urban parishes.

“The UGX 100 million sent to each parish was just the beginning. We will scale up the Parish Development Model, especially in urban centres where the population and need is greater,” he said.

The Parish Development Model aims to transition households from subsistence to the money economy by delivering financial and technical support directly to Uganda’s lowest administrative units.

During the rally, youth leaders from the Nansana Ghetto Structure, including Zziwa Hamza Kyeyune and Nazziwa Faridah (popularly known as Hajjat Ghetto), thanked the President for extending financial assistance to 12 ghetto structures in the Kampala Metropolitan Area.

They reported significant improvements in small business growth and community livelihoods as a result. “We have formed the Nansana Patriotic Movement to mobilise for President Museveni and NRM candidates. We are committed to fighting tribalism and religious sectarianism,” Mr. Zziwa said.

The event was attended by key government officials and political leaders, including Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, Government Chief Whip; Hajat Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs; Hon. Rosemary Sseninde, NRM Director of Mobilisation; Hon. Dennis Galabuzi, PDM National Coordinator; Ms. Hellen Seku, Commissioner for Patriotism and Various Members of Parliament and local leaders.