President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has underscored the urgent need for Ugandans to prioritise household income generation, calling it the foundation of sustainable national development.
Speaking during a leaders’ meeting at Mwanzi Parish, Mirembe Maria Catholic Parish in Kassanda District, the President likened the approach to spiritual guidance: “Just as the Bible teaches—‘Seek first the Kingdom of God and all things shall be added unto you’—we too must first seek household income, and everything else will follow.”
The engagement was part of his ongoing performance assessment tour on wealth creation and the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Greater Mubende.
Museveni acknowledged Uganda’s progress in infrastructure, citing improved road networks like Kabale to Tororo and increased electrification in urban areas. However, he cautioned that development cannot be measured by infrastructure alone.
“Even in Kampala, where you have tarmac roads, electricity, and piped water, people still sleep hungry. Infrastructure without household income does not eliminate poverty,” he said.
He urged leaders and citizens alike to focus on wealth creation at the family level, sharing the example of a 64-year-old woman in Rubirizi who had never owned anything until she received UGX 1 million under the PDM, transforming her life and even bringing her estranged husband back home.
“Cows do not eat tarmac or sit on electricity. When I bought land in Kisozi in 1990, there was no infrastructure—development followed wealth,” the President noted.
He also expressed concern over deteriorating roads, particularly the Mityana–Sekanyonyi–Mwanzi route, and directed the Ministry of Works to prioritise road maintenance, including murram roads. “Even murram roads can serve our people well if maintained properly,” he said.
Turning to education, Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Universal Primary and Secondary Education but criticised the persistent dropout rates, especially in Greater Mubende, where only 32% complete Primary Seven.
“Headteachers and PTAs must stop charging money. This sabotages free education meant to uplift the children of the poor,” he warned.
The President also raised alarm over corruption in District Service Commissions, particularly within the education sector. He called on LC leaders to protect the public from exploitation and pledged to increase the salaries of LC3s, LC5s, and councillors in recognition of their governance roles.
On land issues, Museveni reassured bibanja holders of their protection, urging them to pay busuulu to landlords as a gesture of respect, not as surrender of rights.
He also addressed environmental concerns, advocating for irrigation and conservation while condemning wetland encroachment, particularly in Lwamata. “Wetlands must be preserved for the nation’s long-term survival,” he said.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja praised the President’s leadership, highlighting Uganda’s peace and stability as key reasons why the country remains East Africa’s top investment destination.
“Uganda is the best place to invest because of your good leadership,” Nabbanja noted.
Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba reported that over UGX 100 billion had been disbursed in Greater Mubende under the PDM, supporting youth, women-led initiatives, and other special interest groups.
On behalf of the region’s leaders, Nabakooba also pledged continued support for President Museveni and called for him to remain the NRM’s sole presidential flag bearer in the 2026 elections.
The event was attended by Members of Parliament, district leaders, and other political representatives from across Greater Mubende.