President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned that individuals who promote violence undermine wealth creation, jobs and national development, urging Ugandans to safeguard peace as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.
Addressing a campaign rally at Buziga Islamic Playground in Makindye Division, Kampala, President Museveni said peace remains the foundation of economic growth and service delivery.
“When you hear people talking of violence, know they are your enemies, they are enemies of wealth, jobs, development, like the roads we build,” President Museveni said. “If you don’t want peace, you are an enemy of everything.”
The President, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer for the 2026 elections, said public infrastructure and social services depend on wealth generated through stable economic activity.
“Roads need money, and the money comes from wealth,” he said.
President Museveni also addressed concerns surrounding the Parish Development Model (PDM), particularly allegations that some Parish SACCO committees were serving their own interests.
“Now when I move around, I hear people saying they serve themselves, and I wonder who selected that committee,” he said.
He said similar complaints had been raised in Nansana, Kawempe and Entebbe, prompting the Minister of Local Government to investigate the selection of committees and ensure fairness.
The President stressed that transparency in the PDM is essential, especially for youth and women.
“In the Shs100 million coming to each parish, 30% is for youth, 30% for women. If they are not getting it, we must find out why,” he said.
He highlighted key drivers of Uganda’s economy, including commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and information and communication technology.
“Wealth comes from commercial agriculture, artisanship, factories, and services,” President Museveni said, citing local manufacturing and creative industries as contributors to national growth.
The President pointed to skills development as a pathway to employment, noting the impact of presidential skilling programmes across the country.
“Naigaga is now a skilled wealth creator and employer,” he said while citing beneficiaries of the initiative.
He concluded by cautioning that infrastructure alone cannot end poverty.
“Even the best roads will not end poverty. Wealth and personal development come from seizing opportunities in agriculture, industry, services, and ICT,” he said.
The rally was attended by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, who urged supporters to match political enthusiasm with responsible participation in elections.
“Attending a rally, however beautiful and huge it may be, is not enough,” Maama Janet said. “It is important that each one of us votes, because when you vote, you personally place a brick in the building of Uganda.”
She called on young people to protect the peace and stability achieved over decades.
“Refuse anyone who wants to draw you into fighting, instability and conflict,” she said. “Uganda must move forward in peace and unity.”
NRM chairperson for Makindye Division, Lukyamuzi Kakooza, praised government wealth creation programmes and improved security in the area.
“We thank the government for the wealth creation programs and the prevailing security in Makindye,” Kakooza said.
He appealed for government intervention to protect the Wabigalo skilling centre, which he said was facing threats from land grabbers.
