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Lyantonde – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM Presidential flagbearer for 2026, has urged Ugandan youth and political leaders to view leadership as a service to the people, rather than a personal opportunity for wealth.
He made the remarks while addressing a campaign rally at Kaliro Town Council Playground in Lyantonde, where he also presented the NRM Manifesto for 2026–2031.
“Politics should never be your livelihood. If you join politics because of money, you are doing the country a disservice. Separate your survival from leadership. With money or without money, you must serve,” the President said.
Drawing on his experience during the liberation struggle, President Museveni reminded supporters that service, not personal gain, underpins the NRM’s philosophy. “Who was paying us when we were in the bush? No one. Politics is about the aims of the population and how you relate with them,” he added.
The President also emphasised that peace remains the NRM’s greatest achievement, highlighting the importance of strong institutions. “Peace is not accidental. It came because we rejected the politics of division and built strong institutions such as the army, police, and judiciary,” he said.
On economic empowerment, President Museveni stressed that wealth creation, not government employment, is key to national development. He outlined four sectors capable of absorbing millions of youth: commercial agriculture, manufacturing and artisanship, services (transport, hospitality, etc.) and information and Communication Technology (ICT).
He cited examples of successful youth entrepreneurs, such as George Matongo of Ngoma, who transitioned from subsistence to commercial agriculture, demonstrating the potential of wealth creation.
President Museveni also revisited the four-acre model introduced in the 1996 NRM manifesto: “One acre for coffee, one for fruits, one for pasture, one for food. In the backyard, keep poultry or pigs; near wetlands, do fish farming. If you do even one of these, you cannot go wrong.”
He highlighted government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, which provide funding for youth, women, and other priority groups. “The total number of government jobs is only about 480,000, yet Uganda now has 50 million people. So how can everyone be employed by the government?” he said.
The President also emphasised the importance of markets, noting that Uganda now produces more than it consumes. “We produce 5.3 billion litres of milk but consume only 800 million,” he said, underscoring the need for youth to engage in productive sectors that meet market demand.
On infrastructure, President Museveni confirmed ongoing road works, including Mubende–Kabamba–Nkonji–Ntutsi–Sembabule, with plans for Ntutsi–Kasagama–Lyantonde and Lyantonde–Rwamahwa–Rakai.
President Museveni also reaffirmed his commitment to Presidential Skilling Hubs, which provide practical vocational training.
Success stories include: Aron Mugume, who dropped out in Senior Four, trained in construction, and now employs three people; and Noreen Naiga, a Senior Two dropout, trained in hairdressing, now runs her own salon employing three workers.
The event was attended by Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), who highlighted Lyantonde’s historical role in ensuring national stability and stressed continued government support for the district.
She noted ongoing development achievements, including: PDM funds: Shs10.7 billion allocated across 30 parishes, with Shs9 billion disbursed to 9,218 households, Emyooga SACCOs: 18 SACCOs with 4,947 members, receiving Shs840 million, Education: 50 government and 28 private primary schools; seven government and eight private secondary schools; three Seed Secondary Schools under construction, Health: One General Hospital and six Health Centre IIIs, with plans to upgrade Kabatema HC II and Water and electricity: Major water supply systems completed in multiple parishes; seven of eight sub-counties electrified, with the remaining sub-county planned for connection.
Veteran politician Mzee Matthew Rukikaire urged residents to remain united and support President Museveni, citing the district’s historical contribution to national stability.
NRM Chairperson for Lyantonde, Mr Ezra Mugenyi, praised residents for maintaining peace, enabling government programs to transform livelihoods. He noted the district’s strong political support, pledging 85% or more backing for NRM in upcoming elections.
The rally brought together NRM Central Executive Committee members, MPs, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of supporters, underscoring Lyantonde’s continued role in Uganda’s political and developmental landscape.