President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has presented the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto for 2026–2031 to residents of Kabale, urging families to prioritize household wealth creation as the surest path out of poverty.
Addressing a large crowd at Kigezi High School Primary Lower School Playground, the President said development alone cannot lift families unless individuals take action to generate income. “You can have roads and electricity everywhere, but if you do not create your own wealth, poverty will stay at your doorstep,” he told the rally.
He said the NRM began promoting the gospel of household wealth creation in the 1960s. He noted that even when Kabale had tarmac in the 1950s, poverty remained widespread.
The President cited the Parish Development Model and Emyooga as government initiatives designed to help families begin the journey of wealth creation. “Wealth creates jobs and attracts industries which create even more jobs,” he said.
President Museveni outlined the seven key contributions of the NRM over the last four decades, beginning with peace. He said his visit to Kisoro the previous day demonstrated how strongly citizens appreciate stability, especially compared to insecurity in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
On agriculture, he encouraged land-constrained households to adopt the four-acre model. He said religious leaders in Kigezi had consulted him on improving their economic activities. “I advised them to go and see the work being done by Nyakana of Fort Portal and Fred Byamukama of Bugangaizi West,” he said.
He cautioned smallholders against engaging in extensive farming. “What causes poverty now is people with small pieces of land trying to do extensive farming,” he noted. The President praised the country’s increased coffee production, saying, “We now have 12 million coffee bags because many Ugandans have woken up.”
The President also addressed misconceptions about employment, saying government jobs account for only 480,000 positions nationwide. He said most jobs come from wealth creators, citing the example of Mr. Basangwa from Busoga who started commercial agriculture and now employs 300 people.
On industrialization, President Museveni revealed plans to establish an iron and steel factory in Kabale but said land fragmentation was affecting progress. “We need 150 acres. I have a factory but nowhere to put it,” he said, adding that the proposed industrial town would focus on manufacturing and value addition.
He identified development as the NRM’s second major contribution, noting achievements in roads, electricity, telecommunications, schools, and health facilities. “Those that are not yet done will be done,” he assured the crowd.
Several NRM leaders used the event to rally support for the President. Asiimwe Jonard, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, thanked the President for empowering the youth. He said young people, who make up 70 percent of Uganda’s population, need to be supported to join production.
Former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda praised the President for securing Uganda’s peace, saying he defeated insurgencies including Kony, Lakwena, and the ADF.
Asinga Bridget Tumwesigye, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Kabale District, thanked the President for maintaining security. She highlighted government support for road maintenance, the establishment of seed secondary schools, and the Presidential Skilling Hub in Kigezi.
