MUSEVENI URGES KAMPALA RESIDENTS TO EMBRACE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS TO BOOST WEALTH

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday urged Kampala City residents to take advantage of government programs aimed at improving livelihoods, warning that fear and lack of preparation can cause people to turn away from opportunities.

While campaigning in Rubaga Division, Museveni was accompanied by First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni as he called on citizens to embrace initiatives under the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) “Protecting the Gains” agenda.

Quoting the Runyakitara proverb “Ekitetegekirwe, embwa ekairuka omukaro,” Museveni explained that it describes how the unprepared sometimes flee from blessings, mistaking them for danger.

The proverb, loosely translated, describes a dog that runs away from roasted meat thrown at it after mistaking it for a stone.

 “Just like a dog that runs away from roasted meat thinking it is a stone, some Ugandans have turned away from programs designed to improve their lives,” Museveni said.

He highlighted government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the Youth Livelihood Program, describing them as tools to increase household incomes, support small businesses, and promote self-reliance.

“Our mission remains ensuring that every Ugandan becomes wealthy,” Museveni said, linking the message to the NRM’s campaign theme, “Protecting the Gains.”

The president addressed a rally at Kiteebi Primary School, which was also attended by Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, and other local leaders.

He outlined four pillars that can help Ugandans create wealth: commercial agriculture, expansion of the services sector, growth of the digital economy, and innovation-led development.

On Natete Market, Museveni guided that people who vacated the land must be compensated fairly, stressing that urban development must balance growth with fairness for residents and traders.

Museveni concluded by warning against political instability and manipulation. “Do not allow yourselves to be used to destabilize the country,” he said, framing the upcoming elections as a choice between protecting Uganda’s gains and risking their reversal.

First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni praised Rubaga residents for turning out in large numbers, calling the rally a symbol of unity.

“We are here as one country, and we believe in one God,” she said, urging voters to reflect on the past 40 years as they consider the nation’s future. She called for continued support for NRM to build a stable country where children can grow, work and prosper.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among who is also the NRM's National Vice Chairperson (Female) addressed local concerns, including drainage challenges linked to the Nalukolongo channel and plans to expand Kasubi Market to accommodate the growing population.

She said traders along the railway line would be relocated to organized markets to improve safety and livelihoods.

Among also emphasized the importance of youth skills training as a pathway to self-employment, echoing the NRM manifesto’s focus on inclusive growth.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer