News Articles | MINISTRY OF ICT AND NATIONAL GUIDANCE

22 September 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI GIVES BUSOGA GHETTOS, MUSLIM WOMEN SACCOS SHS 3.2 BILLION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has fulfilled his Shs2 billion financial pledge to the Muslim Women SACCOs in the country. He also extended financial support of Shs 1.2 billion to the ghetto SACCOs in the 12 districts and city of Busoga Sub-region. On behalf of the President, the package was handed over to the beneficiaries by the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye today at Okello House, Nakasero, Kampala. Ms. Barekye informed the beneficiaries that the funds should be utilized according to the Presidential directive whereby they can borrow, invest, then pay back after one year at an interest of 6 percent. For clarity, Ms. Barekye explained that the 6 percent interest applies on ghetto SACCO funds whereas for the Muslim Women SACCO funds, a service fee of 6 percent will be charged per annum. Furthermore, she said that the money is not a personal donation but support from the government to empower the groups economically. “Whoever misuses this money, will be arrested and jailed,” she warned. The event was also attended by the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization, Haji Faruk Kirunda who also serves as the coordinator of the Busoga Ghetto SACCOs and Muslim Women SACCOs in the country. On the directive of the President, Haji Kirunda and Crime Intelligence Director, Maj. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira were tasked to coordinate the ghettos in Busoga. Haji Kirunda cautioned the beneficiaries against misusing the funds, explaining that this particular Presidential support is not meant for elections or politics but rather it's for empowering them to uplift their livelihoods. “The President gave out this support because you gave him a proposal way back and now the government is fulfilling what it promised you,” he said. “This money is not from President Museveni as a person but from the government so don't come in the name of politics to misuse it because if you do so, you will be arrested and dealt with according to the law.” Haji Kirunda further noted that his Office is going to put up a system to monitor how the SACCOs are using the money in order to ascertain its impact. “H.E the President said that by the end of each year, an audit will be conducted to know the status of the funds,” he said. “No one is supposed to increase or reduce the interest rate apart from H.E the President. It should be 6 percent as the President directed.” The National Chairperson of Uganda Muslim Women Council, Hajjat Sofia Kenyangi thanked President Museveni for fulfilling his pledge to the Muslim Women.

21 September 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI LAUNCHES SECOND PHASE OF FOUR-ACRE MODEL CAMPAIGN IN BUNYORO

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday launched the second phase of the Four-Acre Model campaign in Bunyoro sub-region, with a renewed call to Ugandan households to embrace commercial farming as a sure path out of poverty. The launch took place at Nalweyo Playground in Kakumiro District. The campaign covers the districts of Masindi, Kiryadongo, Hoima and Buliisa. The first phase of the Four-Acre Model in Bunyoro, was launched in November 2024 covering districts of Kakumiro, Kagadi, Kibaale, and Kikuube. The campaign, led by President Museveni and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja focuses on mobilizing farmers to diversify their land for various agricultural activities and promoting division of land into four main sections for coffee, fruits, food crops, and pasture for livestock. Earlier in the day, President Museveni met with the beneficiaries of the first phase of the Four-Acre Model at the home of Hon. Fred Byamukama, the State Minister for Transport. He later toured the farm of model farmers, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Balikagira, in Kihauguzi village, Kakumiro District, before proceeding to address the rally. Speaking at the event, the President reminded farmers that the Four-Acre Model is not a new idea, but a vision he first introduced in the 1996 NRM Manifesto. He said the model is designed to guide smallholder farmers on how to earn sustainably from limited land. “If you have only two acres and grow cotton or tobacco, you’ll remain poor. But if you plan well with ekibalo (calculation) you can generate serious income,” President Museveni explained. He outlined the ideal land use plan: one acre for coffee, one for fruits such as mangoes and pineapples, one for pasture to support dairy cows, and one for food crops to ensure food security. Backyard farming, he added, can supplement income through poultry, piggery (for non-Muslims), and fish farming. “Fish farming, for instance, can bring in up to Shs80 million a year from one acre of ponds,” the President revealed, urging farmers to adopt diversified, high-yield agriculture. President Museveni also highlighted success stories inspired by the Four-Acre Model. Among them was Mr. Joseph Ijala from Serere District, who turned two acres into a poultry farm with 1,000 chickens, earning Shs3 million monthly from eggs. Today, Ijala earns more than Shs1 billion a year from poultry and dairy. He also cited Hon. Byamukama, who makes over Shs55 million a month from poultry farming alone, and Mr. Richard Nyakana, a farmer in Kabarole who employs 15 people on a single acre of land. “These examples show you what is possible. Please listen carefully to the NRM message. Plan number one is commercial agriculture. From there, we go to manufacturing and then services, and others. These are the pillars that will transform Uganda,” the President emphasized. The President also reminded the people of Bunyoro of the wider benefits brought by the NRM government, including peace and improved infrastructure. “Today, we have tarmacked roads, and with peace restored, it is now possible for farmers to work and transport their produce profitably,” he said. Beneficiary Speaks out: In a press interview, Mr. Balikagira proudly shared how he transitioned from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture after embracing the model. “I started with just coffee seedlings from the government. In my first season, I earned Shs8 million, then Shs12 million, and last year a total of Shs18 million from coffee alone,” he said. With his earnings, Mr. Balikagira diversified into bananas, poultry, goats, pineapples, and dairy farming. “I now sell up to Shs800,000 worth of bananas every month, goats at Shs200,000 to Shs400,000 each, and milk at Shs1,400 per liter. From poultry, I sell both eggs and broilers,” he explained. The farmer, who once struggled to provide for his family, is now a proud homeowner and able to send his children to school. “I thank the government for this initiative. I started with nothing but today I am a model farmer,” he added. The event was also attended by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, cultural and religious leaders, among others.

20 September 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI IMPRESSED BY BUSESA DEMONSTRATION FARM IN KIBAALE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hailed Busesa Demonstration Farm in Buyanja East Constituency, Kibaale District, as an inspiring model for wealth creation and agricultural transformation. The President, who was in Bunyoro sub-region—specifically Kagadi and Kibaale districts, on Saturday September 20, 2025, to inspect ongoing wealth creation initiatives, toured the 1.5-acre demonstration farm owned by Mr. Richard Lubega. During a guided tour, Mr. Lubega showcased a variety of integrated enterprises including cattle rearing, piggery, rabbit keeping, and poultry production. The farm currently produces an impressive 75 trays of eggs per day from its poultry section. Visibly impressed by the farm’s productivity, President Museveni pledged additional support to expand its livestock section. “I’m impressed by what this man is doing at this farm. I can see he has one cow, so I'm giving him Shs12 million shillings to buy two more cows,” the President said. The Busesa Demonstration Farm is part of the broader government effort to encourage Ugandans to adopt small-scale commercial farming models that can generate steady household income. While in Kibaale, the President also visited the 4-acre model farm of State Minister for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, and other exemplary farmers who have embraced wealth creation programs. He later addressed a public rally at Nalweyiso in Hoima district. President Museveni was accompanied by Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, and NRM Vice Chairman for Western Region, Hon. Asiimwe Jonard, among other leaders.

20 September 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI INJECTS SHS 11.1 BILLION IN SACCOS OF MECHANICS, MCS AND SKILLING HUBS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today injected a total of Shs11.1 billion in SACCOs of mechanics in the five divisions of Kampala City, Masters of Ceremonies (MCs) in the 18 zonal regions of the country and Industrial Skilling Hub beneficiaries in 176 administrative units that include districts, cities and municipalities. The President handed over the funds today to the representatives of the respective SACCOs during a meeting at State Lodge, Nakasero. The Skilling Hubs received Shs8.8 billion with each SACCO entitled to Shs50 million, the Mechanics SACCOs received Shs500 million with each taking Shs100 million and the MCs SACCOs received Shs1.8 billion with each of the 18 groups getting Shs100 million. Handing over the funds, President Museveni explained that the money is meant to benefit ordinary Ugandans and it should be at a very affordable interest rate. “The loans the beneficiaries receive must be at 6 percent, not more than that per year and this should be put in a legal document. Anybody who doesn't do it goes to jail,” he warned. “The reason I say 6 percent is because the inflation is at around 3 percent. This will help us to keep our money in check. I give you Shs1 million, then after a whole year, you return Shs1.06 million. The ones for Parish Development Model (PDM), we give them two years so that they can first harvest.” President Museveni further assured beneficiaries that once they utilise the funds well, the government will inject more money into their SACCOs. “For the PDM, we have been insisting on Shs1 million, but with you, you must sit with Barekye and see how much you can borrow. For instance, we said for fishermen, the Shs1 million is not enough so we are going to give them a special budget because the equipment they use is expensive,” he said. “Write a special document on how you are going to use that money, then I sign.” The State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye revealed that such project is part of President Museveni’s broader initiative to economically empower ordinary citizens such as market vendors, ghetto youth, MCs, mechanics, among others. She also clarified that on the part of the Skilling Hubs, Kampala is not among the current beneficiaries because they are still registering their SACCOs. Ms. Barekye also explained that the Skilling Hub SACCOs’ funds will benefit only those who have finished training under the different hubs whereby they will be eligible to borrow start-up capital and pay back after one year. The meeting was also attended by the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization Haji Faruk Kirunda, who is coordinating the MCs SACCOs; Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs, Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, handling the Skilling Hub Beneficiaries SACCOs; Special Presidential Assistant on Service delivery, Mr. Yiga Kisakyamukama, handling the Kampala Garage SACCOS; chairpersons of the Skilling hubs around the country and representatives of the MCs led by the Chairperson of Aboogezi Bokumikolo United Savings Cooperative, Mr. Ssegujja Fred.

20 September 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI'S ROADSIDE MARKET PROJECT REACHES GRASSROOTS VENDORS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s initiative to uplift roadside market vendors on Friday, 19th September 2025 extended direct support to 957 traders along the Jinja road corridor, with each receiving UGX 100,000. The beneficiaries included Kitigoma, Lugalambo, Najjembe, Namawojjolo and Maroon Markets. The package was delivered on behalf of the President by Princess Pauline Nassolo, Senior Presidential Advisor-Elderly, and Ms. Flora Kabibi, Senior Presidential Assistant on Women Affairs. Princess Nassolo urged the vendors to channel the boost into expanding their businesses rather than diverting it to other uses, stressing that the package is meant to generate income. She reinforced the President’s wealth creation message, noting that while the government has invested heavily in infrastructure, education, and health, many Ugandans remain poor because they are outside the money economy. She said the President’s goal is to raise household incomes. Ms. Kabibi commended President Museveni for prioritizing the poor and called on vendors to support him and NRM flag bearers, saying they are the only leaders committed to advancing the needs of ordinary people. She reminded the traders that in addition to the roadside vendors’ project, other government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga remain open to them if they engage their leaders to access the benefits. The vendors welcomed the President’s support with gratitude. Peter Bukenya, a trader at Najjembe, said the package would help them escape exploitative money lenders. Charles Mukuye, chairperson of Namawojjolo Supermarket, thanked the President for additional capital and a Fuso truck to ease transport, though he raised concerns over frequent road accidents that affect their businesses. James Wandera, chairperson of Maroon Market, hailed the government for extending safe water and additional capital to them. Launched in 2023, the Roadside Market Vendors Project was designed to uplift informal traders often left out of mainstream government initiatives such as PDM, Emyooga, and NAADS. The program has since enabled thousands of small-scale traders to strengthen their businesses while encouraging them to also tap into broader national development programs.

19 September 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CELEBRATES YOUTH DAY IN MASINDI, CALLS FOR ACTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today joined thousands of young people in Masindi District, Bunyoro sub-region, to mark this year’s International Youth Day celebrations. The President urged the youths to embrace wealth creation, defend government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), and build on the peace and stability secured by the NRM government. The event, held at Masindi Golf Course grounds, under the theme: “Youth Advancing Socio-Economic Transformation through Technology and Partnership,” brought together youth leaders, government officials and beneficiaries of various empowerment programmes. International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12, following a 1999 UN resolution, to recognize the role of young people in development. According to the 2024 National Census, Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world with 73.5% below the age of 30, thus considering its youth a strategic resource for socio-economic transformation. In his keynote address, President Museveni said he was proud that the NRM government had delivered on its core plan of peace, which now provides a firm foundation for development. “Some people confuse pledges with plans. The major plan of the NRM government is peace and that one is firm. Nobody can bring war here again,” the President told the cheering crowd, while also cautioning that crime and corruption remain threats that must be confronted. Turning to health, he noted that Uganda’s youthful population is a direct result of successful immunization campaigns that have drastically reduced child mortality. However, he expressed concern over the persistent theft of drugs from government health centres. "Our children are alive because of immunization. But the drugs for treatment are being stolen not in Congo or South Sudan, but here in Uganda. That means it is you, the citizens, who must take responsibility and stop this theft,” he said. The President emphasized that the fight against poverty must begin with commercial agriculture, citing real-life examples of model farmers who have transformed small acreage into multimillion-shilling enterprises. He singled out Hon. Fred Byamukama, the State Minister of Works, who earns over Shs55million a month from poultry farming alone and Mr. Richard Nyakana, a model farmer from Fort Portal, who employs 15 people on one acre of land. “Please, listen carefully to the NRM message! Plan number one is commercial agriculture. From there, we go to manufacturing and then services, including digital. These are the pillars that will transform Uganda,” he added. The President announced plans for an industrial park in Hoima, near Karuma Dam, and pointed to factories such as Kinyara Sugar, which already employs over 20,000 people, as proof of the manufacturing sector’s potential to absorb the youths. He further urged them to embrace services such as tourism and digital technology, which he described as critical enablers in today’s economy. On PDM, the President issued a stern warning against corruption and mismanagement. “The PDM money is your money. Defend it? If thieves steal it, they can only succeed with your silence. We send the money from the centre, but if you do not monitor it, it will be stolen by your own people. Don’t just complain. You have the power to demand accountability,” he charged. The President reminded the gathering that the government had done its part by providing resources but stressed that communities must also play their role to ensure the success of these programmes. This year’s celebrations also showcased success stories of government youth programmes. The Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) has disbursed Shs 193.7billion to more than 273,000 youths, while the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child has trained over 30,000 urban youths since 2017 in trades ranging from tailoring, welding, ICT and baking among others. At the same function, three of the best-performing youth and women groups under YLP and Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) were awarded. In closing, the President urged the young generation not to confuse government’s mass-impact plans with political pledges, stressing the importance of focusing on programmes that reach the majority. “Plans are for the masses- agriculture, manufacturing, services, health and PDM. Pledges are small additions. Concentrate on the plans! That is how we shall move Uganda forward together,” he said. On the other hand, Hon. Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, hailed the country’s young people as a critical force for Socio-Economic Transformation, calling for deliberate investment in digital skilling, innovation and partnerships to unlock their potential. Hon. Amongi thanked the President for dedicating the day to the youth and for joining them in person, noting that this year’s celebrations reflect the rapid evolution of digital tools and their power to reshape society. “Technology must be accessible to all urban and rural Ugandans alike. The 2024 Digital Study showed that 43% of Ugandans aged 10 years and above are using smartphones, with 28% of them between 15 and 24 years. Of these, nearly half are using smartphones for trade, entrepreneurship, and online business. That is how transformative this moment is for our young population,” she said. The Gender Minister pointed out that mobile phones have become business tools, creating new forms of employment such as mobile money agencies, delivery services, and digital banking agencies even in rural villages. She emphasized that government must align policies to ensure that technology drives not only economic growth but also social and cultural inclusion. “We must enable our young people to embrace technology. Innovation hubs in Kampala, Mbale, Mbarara, and Gulu are already producing results. Programmes such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) are connecting Ugandan youths to jobs globally. Today, young Ugandans work as customer care officers for companies in the UK, Japan, and the USA yet they remain here in Uganda, earning an income through technology,” she noted, adding that e-governance reforms have improved efficiency in public service and helped curb corruption. Hon. Amongi underlined that access to affordable internet and digital literacy would be central in shaping the competitiveness of Uganda’s youths in both regional and global markets. Hon. Balaam Barugahara, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, revealed that nearly 776,000 young people had already benefited from government programmes, with 30% of enterprise funds reserved specifically for youths. “So far, government has invested Shs 1.2 trillion in youth empowerment and more will follow. We are ensuring that young people are not left behind in the country’s transformation,” he said. The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uganda, H.E. Zulu Leonard, saluted the creativity and resilience of Ugandan youths, assuring them of the UN’s continued partnership. “Uganda’s future will be written by its youths. With the right investments, you will power Vision 2040. To the young people of Uganda: keep pushing, keep innovating! The United Nations sees you, stands with you, and will continue to support you as partners, advocates, and friends,” he said. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, H.E. Frederieke Quispel, representing the European Union, described Uganda’s young population as a blessing and a unique advantage in a world where Europe and other regions face aging populations. “In Europe, over 20% of the population is above 65. Here in Uganda, the youths form the majority. This is extraordinary. Your young people can drive growth, innovation, and technology. But for that to happen, they must have education, meaningful participation and opportunities to be heard on issues that affect their lives. That is what true youth leadership means,” she said. The outgoing Chairperson of the National Youth Council, Mr. Jacob Eyeru, praised President Museveni’s leadership, saying the past five years had brought unprecedented benefits to Uganda’s youths, including allocating 30% of PDM funds directly to them. “Your Excellency, this is historic. The Youth Livelihood Programme alone received over Shs 200 billion, while PDM gives Shs 300 billion each year to support young people. These interventions have funded tailors, boda boda riders, entrepreneurs and many others. For the first time, young people are also monitoring national programmes such as UPE,” Eyeru said. He appealed for more resources to strengthen youth councils across the country, adding that digital transformation and affordable internet would be essential for Uganda’s competitiveness in the African Continental Free Trade Area. The event was attended by cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, cultural leaders and religious leaders, among others.

19 September 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI AWARDS DISTINCTIVE ELDERS INSPIRING UGANDANS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has awarded a group of distinctive elders inspiring Ugandans due to their contributions to the nation’s socio-economic transformation agenda. The exceptional elders were awarded during the National Mentorship Day Awards ceremony held at State House Entebbe on Thursday 18th September 2025. These included prominent industrialists, farmers, activists, educationalists, religious leaders, philanthropists, health workers, intellectuals, and lawyers such as Dr. Miria Matembe, Justice James Ogola, Dr. Ian Clarke, Dr. Gordon Wavamuno, Mzee Aga Sekalala, Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala and Prof. Frederick Ssempebwa. Others included, Mzee Robert Walimbwa, Mzee William Mukaira, Mr. Erukana Ssegane and Dr. Stephen Rwangyezi. The event brought together student leaders, youth, among others with the aim of inspiring and enabling them to emulate model personalities in the nation. In his speech, President Museveni congratulated the awardees for being recognized because of the great work they have done for Uganda. “I want to thank Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo and the committee for identifying these elders who have contributed to their country in different areas. All these are contributing from different angles to their country,” he explained. “This is exactly what we were fighting for. In the years after independence, there was so much intolerance here and threat to life that many of these people ran away. Not only we the fighters but even all these people like the industrialists, intellectuals had to run away but now everybody is here. All the different opinions are here, and they are all contributing in their different ways. This is very good.” President Museveni however, noted that the only challenge for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government now is to bring out the core issues of the four principles of Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic Transformation and democracy. “The NRM should always point out its synthesis of the basic issues that we think will guarantee our future,” he said. The President also called upon the young people to always work along with the elders for the good of Uganda. “You the young people, nobody should tell you that everything old must go away, you will be making a very big mistake but also the old people should not insist on everything staying the same. Some of the things have to change in order to be rational or reasonable.” The Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda hailed President Museveni for inviting them to the National Mentorship Day luncheon and noted that the event was not only historic but also symbolic. “It underscores the values and principles that you as our chief mentor have unwaveringly championed throughout your leadership of Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic Transformation and democracy,” she said. “This meeting gives us an opportunity to draw inspiration from your wisdom, guidance and revolutionary ideas.” Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, the patron of the National Mentorship Day Awards revealed why the program mainly focuses on awarding elders who have had an indelible mark on the development of Uganda. “In a country where the majority of the people are young, you need a base or a seed bed, raw materials and right soil where leaders spring from. It's more than positions, I'm more concerned about the thinking because thinking for me is very profound,” he said. “I went to school with no textbooks, like many of us of our generation, at a very difficult time in our country but I was nurtured by the best teachers in those schools, and I made it. Good teachers help you pass exams; great teachers teach you how to think and elder people for me, they serve and retire in silence, yet they carry with them a lot of knowledge and experience that need to be tapped into by the young in order to do better.” Mr. Rwabwogo who also serves as the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties noted that as Ugandans, different generations need to combine efforts and work together for the nation's development. “Many young people don't know their history, the history of their country because they don't ask old people or read anymore; they are on their phones,” he stated. “We need to teach the young people to know that there's nothing durable, nothing of significance, nothing of importance that can be done by one person or one generation. You have to combine efforts and therefore we need to create space for that discussion to happen.” He further thanked President Museveni for supporting the Mentorship Awards program which has been running for three years. Mr. Matthew Bagonza, one of the coordinators of the initiative said the session is meant to honor those whose leadership, resilience and guidance have shaped the nation. “And by shining a light on exemplary figures, this initiative reminds the public that mentorship is not an abstract idea but a practical course that strengthens families, communities and the country’s future,” he said.

18 September 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CALLS FOR PEACEFUL DIALOGUE AS IPOD SUMMIT CHARTS PATH FOR UNITY AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has once again called on Uganda’s political actors to embrace peaceful dialogue and reject violence as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections. Addressing leaders of six political parties during the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) Summit at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on September 18, 2025, President Museveni said Uganda’s progress depends on leaders diagnosing societal challenges correctly and applying peaceful solutions rather than resorting to subversion, violence, and divisive politics. The summit, convened under the theme “Together for a Peaceful and Sustainable Uganda,” brought together Presidents and Secretary Generals of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Justice Forum (JEEMA), and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). In his keynote address, President Museveni, speaking in his dual capacity as NRM National Chairman and IPOD Summit Chair, urged opposition leaders to adopt peaceful methods of engagement, emphasizing that mistakes in governance can be corrected over time if the country remains stable. “As we have seen in the last 40 years, the NRM has revived Uganda’s economy. Although we still face challenges, we are much stronger than ever before. Even if one has a wrong understanding, as long as they are not violent, the country will remain stable, and in the future, mistakes can be corrected,” H.E. Museveni said. He argued that Africa’s biggest tragedy stems from both wrong diagnoses of societal problems and the use of violent methods. “That is how chaos arises in many African countries. Even when you make mistakes, if there is peace, there is room for correction. But when you combine wrong ideas with violence, you get a total breakdown,” he added. Reflecting on his long political career, President Museveni reminded party leaders that he had been involved in politics for 65 years, beginning as a Democratic Party youth leader in 1960 before joining UPC briefly in 1970. “Politics must be like medicine. A political leader should be like a doctor—able to correctly diagnose the problems of society. If the diagnosis and prescription are wrong, the patient dies. If leaders misdiagnose societal issues, their countries collapse,” he explained. He reiterated the NRM’s four principles—patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy—urging that these values remain key to securing Uganda’s future. President Museveni also weighed in on the recent teachers’ strike, which UPC President Jimmy Akena had raised during discussions. He stressed the importance of prioritizing limited national resources, citing the case of Soroti Flying School, where pilots and engineers were prioritized over other staff to prevent the school’s collapse. “In Soroti flying school, we needed most pilots and engineers of the aircraft, but they didn't have the money to pay all of them well. They were not prioritizing, saying, we must all get equal, either we all get or nobody gets, that logic is not correct. We, freedom fighters, always prioritize. I advised them, and they agreed to pay the pilots well,” President Museveni explained. At the same ceremony, President Museveni handed over the IPOD Chairmanship to the Democratic Party’s Chairman, Hon. Norbert Mao. “Thank you for having trusted us, NRM, for the last five years with the leadership I now peacefully hand over,” H.E. Museveni said. NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, also Chair of the IPOD Council of Secretaries General, applauded President Museveni for sustaining IPOD after international donors withdrew funding. “We were orphaned as IPOD when donors left, but as a father, you picked us up and have nurtured IPOD. You have shown that homegrown solutions can address African challenges,” Rt. Hon. Todwong said. He urged all political parties to continue promoting unity, dialogue, and democratic values, adding, “Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and accountable political system that serves all Ugandans.” Hon. Mao takes over IPOD leadership: The summit also marked a leadership transition, with Democratic Party President General, Hon. Mao, assuming the chairmanship of IPOD from President Museveni. In his remarks, Hon. Mao emphasized consensus-building as the foundation of national unity, further committing to a peaceful election in 2026. “So today, I, on behalf of the DP, take the leadership of IPOD. I want to announce that we shall leave the door of IPOD open. Our agenda will be to ensure that we have a peaceful election, a free and fair process, and that we shall continue to talk honestly about the problems we face, that we shall attack the problems that face Uganda, rather than attacking each other for God and my country,” he said. “We cannot have a country where there is no consensus about anything. We may disagree on some things, but we must find common ground. IPOD is about finding common ground, because the unity of Uganda is paramount. I'm delighted that the IPOD summit members are the 20% who want to offer at least 80% of the solution,” Hon. Mao added, commending President Museveni for ordering the release of nearly 70 political detainees earlier this year following discussions between DP and NRM. “Sometimes small gestures like this are not appreciated, but they are significant steps towards reconciliation,” he said. On the other hand, UPC President Jimmy Akena reaffirmed his party’s commitment to dialogue, describing it as essential for building unity during the upcoming election season. “As Ugandans, we may not agree on every policy, but we must focus on the greater good. UPC will always choose dialogue to overcome difficulties,” Hon. Akena said. “Even in a tough election season, our goal is to emerge stronger and more united.” Forum for Democratic Change President Patrick Oboi Amuriat underscored FDC’s long-standing support for IPOD but warned that dialogue must be meaningful and lead to tangible results. “Our country is fractured along tribal, religious, and political lines. We must emphasize reconciliation,” Mr. Amuriat said. He called on President Museveni to exercise clemency and pardon political prisoners, including those awaiting delayed justice. “Progress requires leaving the past behind. Clemency will demonstrate goodwill and help this country move forward,” he urged. JEEMA President Asuman Basalirwa echoed similar sentiments, stressing that Uganda’s problems can only be addressed through dialogue and consensus. Mr. Saddam Gayira, President of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), highlighted the success of non-confrontational politics. “In 30 years of politics, I have never been summoned by the police. Even in the last election, none of our members were arrested. Why? Because we preach peaceful engagement,” Mr. Gayira said. He urged fellow leaders to treat each other with respect, regardless of party differences. Dr. Lawrence Sserwambala, IPOD’s Executive Director, acknowledged the platform’s milestones but warned that challenges such as electoral violence, weak enforcement of the code of conduct, and youth vulnerability remain pressing. “Uganda’s youthful population, particularly in urban ghettos, is vulnerable to manipulation into violence. IPOD must nurture them as champions of peace,” he said. Dr. Sserwambala urged that the 2026 elections provide a critical opportunity to strengthen consensus, fairness, and inclusivity. “Uganda is watching us. History will judge us by the choices we make. Let us choose peace, let us dialogue, let us put Uganda first,” he noted. The summit was also attended by top leaders, including Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, NRM’s Central Executive Committee members, and delegations from all IPOD member parties. Their presence symbolized the broad-based support for dialogue as a central tool for conflict resolution and democratic progress.

19 September 2025

“NOT SUPPORTING NRM IS VERY RISKY” - PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TELLS BUGANDA NRM CADRES

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has applauded members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the Buganda region who lost in the recently concluded party primaries for their decision to rally behind those who emerged as flag bearers. Speaking on Wednesday, September 17, at State House Entebbe, the President, who doubles as the NRM National Chairman, hailed the move as a demonstration of political maturity and commitment to unity within the party ahead of the 2026 general elections. “I want to congratulate you, and I can see the spirit of the National Resistance Army (NRA) is coming back. Go back and support the flag bearers,” the President said, commending the losing candidates for placing the party above personal ambition. President Museveni noted that the NRM’s performance in Buganda has historically suffered due to divisions. “You hear that the NRM MPs in Buganda have been 31 out of 105, but in about 29 constituencies, the NRM had won by majority, but they divided the vote. If you had not divided your votes, the NRM would have had 60 seats instead of 31,” he observed. The meeting was attended by NRM cadres from the Buganda region, many of whom had lost in the primaries, especially at the constituency level, but had unanimously agreed to support their victorious counterparts. Reminder about Uganda’s political history: President Museveni reminded the gathering of the dangers posed when political actors fail to unite around a common vision. He drew parallels with Uganda’s troubled political past, cautioning against repeating the mistakes of earlier parties. “Not supporting NRM is very risky; the country can be in total chaos, because if you have got people who don’t see that Uganda should be one, suppose they are the ones in charge of the country. What will happen?” H.E. Museveni asked. He revisited the events following the 1980 elections, when divisions between the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Democratic Party (DP) set the stage for armed conflict. “When we came, we tried to persuade them to go back to the message of unity under the Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF). They didn’t agree, and they tried to bring back DP and UPC. If they had agreed, there would have been no war from 1981 to 1986,” President Museveni recalled. The President also invoked the 1961 elections, when the Kabaka Yekka (KY) movement clashed with the Democratic Party. “Mengo said that they should boycott the election of 1961; those of the Democratic Party decided to go ahead and register themselves to participate. Those of Kabaka Yekka got annoyed and resolved to cut down on their coffee. That’s what happened in 1961,” he said, drawing a link to more recent violence, such as the killings in Masaka following the 2021 elections, arguing that the same divisive spirit has periodically resurfaced. According to President Museveni, the first obligation of political actors should be to safeguard stability, without which development cannot be sustained. He argued that supporting the NRM is not just about political allegiance but also about ensuring peace, growth, and socio-economic transformation. “Supporting NRM is first of all for stability, but also secondly, for the future, because you can see the factories are now coming. The whole of Matugga is factories, Kawempe factories, in Namanve, they are producing,” President Museveni said, noting that Uganda’s growing industrial base depends on wider markets. “Where are we selling these products? We are not selling them in Uganda. We are selling them in East Africa, South Sudan, and Congo,” he explained, stressing the importance of NRM’s ideological pillars: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. “It is politics of aims, not politics of jobs, not politics of groups,” President Museveni said, urging cadres to avoid politics of personal gain. Warning against politics without ideology: The President underscored the dangers of engaging in politics without a clear ideological foundation, terming it “a big danger,” reminding the audience that even the restoration of traditional leaders was undertaken with clarity of purpose. “We told everybody, yes, we are restoring the cultural institutions, but keep out of politics. No powers of administration, no powers of legislation, because these are with the people. Everything is in writing. There’s nothing we say or do that is not deliberate,” he emphasized, urging the cadres to always be guided by the NRM’s foundational aims. “If you are really clear about them, these issues you are talking about, like fighting for positions, cannot be a serious point, because you can sit down and discuss and choose who is fit to lead amongst you,” he said. President Museveni likened politics to medical practice, stressing that it must involve identifying problems and prescribing solutions. He reflected on the struggle against Idi Amin, noting that it was not merely about his brutality but also about a lack of ideological direction. “When we started fighting Idi Amin, some people said we started fighting him because he killed people. I didn’t know that Amin would kill people because even if Amin had not killed people, we would have fought him because he didn’t know what he was doing,” he said. He tied this back to NRM’s long-standing goals of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, East African unity, and socio-economic transformation. “If you go to South Africa now, it is full of Ugandans. I hear there are 1 million Ugandans there. They don’t even know what role Uganda played,” President Museveni noted. NRM cadres pledged support: On behalf of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) and cadres in Buganda, the party’s Vice National Chairperson for the region, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, thanked President Museveni for what he described as an “ideological lecture.” “The elections of 2021 didn’t go well in Buganda, but come 2026, we are more than determined to win highly. What we are asking for is your time whenever we ask for advice. We understand that Buganda is the highest beneficiary of development in this country,” Hon. Kasolo said. He assured the President that Buganda cadres now have the answers to the challenges that previously weakened NRM’s support in the region. “We pledge that we shall bring back this team after we have won the election,” he said. The meeting drew several senior government officials and party leaders. Among them were Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who is also patron of the “Buganda on Museveni” campaign initiative; NRM Deputy Secretary General Rt. Hon. Rose Namayanja-Nsereko; Buvuma County MP; Hon. Migadde Ndugwa; Gomba District Woman MP; Hon. Sylvia Nayebare; Minister of Energy; Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, and Lwengo District Woman MP Hon. Cissy Namujju.

19 September 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI EXTENDS SUPPORT TO KAMPALA EVENING MARKET VENDORS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today extended support to over 9,000 evening market vendors operating under the Toninyila Market initiative in Kampala. Each vendor, mainly dealing in cooked food sold on city streets, received UGX 100,000 to boost their businesses. The State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, delivered the package on behalf of the President and commended the vendors for their resilience in working with limited capital to sustain their livelihoods. She urged them to use the funds strictly for business growth, emphasizing that the program is ongoing and will cover all divisions of Kampala. The rollout began in the Central Division and will later extend to other divisions. Ms. Barekye noted that the President’s directive is to reach “the last person” by directly supporting small-scale traders, particularly those often excluded from mainstream government initiatives. She praised President Museveni for prioritizing household income enhancement through support to small businesses. Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilization, Mr. Moses Byaruhanga also addressed the vendors, highlighting that while the NRM government has established broad anti-poverty measures such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, evening street vendors had not been adequately included. He said the President specifically tasked his team to organize and support the evening market, recognizing its role in Kampala’s economy. Mr. Byaruhanga further called on the vendors to rally behind President Museveni and the NRM flag bearers in the forthcoming elections, stressing that their continued support would ensure the sustainability of such people-centered programs.

18 September 2025

ROADSIDE MARKET VENDORS HAIL PRESIDENT MUSEVENI FOR EMPOWERING THEM

Roadside market vendors yesterday expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for supporting their businesses with seed capital. Through the State House Political Department, the President extended a contribution of UGX 100,000 to each vendor at Watuba Daily Market in Lwamata Town Council (Kiboga District), Bukwikiri Daily Market (Kyankwanzi District), and Kasana Bakusekka Magenda Market (Luwero District). A total of 638 vendors benefited from the Roadside Market Vendors empowerment project. The beneficiaries, who mainly trade in groceries such as watermelons, pineapples, onions, chapatis, and chips, received the support after appealing to the President that they had been sidelined from government development programs such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM). The President encouraged the traders to use the additional capital wisely while continuing to pursue benefits from mainstream government programs, emphasizing that those funds also belong to them. Delivering the package on behalf of the President, the Senior Presidential Advisor-Elderly, Princess Pauline Nassolo called on the traders to invest the money productively to improve household incomes. She explained that while the NRM government has delivered infrastructure, electricity, and road networks, President Museveni now wants to ensure every home gets out of poverty. She further cautioned vendors against abandoning their work for politics and rallies that do not improve their livelihoods. Nassolo urged them to vote for leaders who deliver community interests rather than self-seekers, adding that supporting President Museveni and the NRM government would safeguard their progress. At Kasana Bakusekka Magenda Market, Chairperson Zubair Kasana thanked the President for the financial support, saying it would greatly boost the vendors’ businesses. He, however, raised concern about gaps in mobilization, stressing the need for leaders who can effectively communicate the NRM government’s achievements, warning that the opposition often exploits this weakness to mislead the public.

18 September 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES RELIGIOUS LEADERS TO MOBILIZE THE FAITHFUL IN WEALTH CREATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on religious leaders across the country to actively mobilize their congregations in the struggle for wealth creation as part of Uganda’s wider economic transformation agenda. The President made the call on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, while meeting a delegation of Born-Again leaders led by Bishop Dr. Moses Odongo, the General Overseer of the National Fellowship of Born-Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda (NFBPC), at State House, Entebbe. Addressing the gathering, President Museveni emphasized that economic empowerment and spiritual growth should move hand in hand. He said faith-based leaders are strategically placed to guide Ugandans on practical ways of lifting themselves out of poverty. “If you have two acres, and you put one acre under cassava for food, you remain with only one acre for money. If you choose the wrong enterprise, you never get out of poverty,” H.E. Museveni explained. He drew on Uganda’s experience with low-value crops such as cotton, which he said could not sustain families. “At that time, farmers harvested about 200 kilograms of cotton an acre, selling at 200 shillings. That meant 40,000 shillings a year. How can a family survive on that? That is why I recommended foods, because foods can actually make a lot of money, even up to 30 million shillings an acre,” President Museveni said. The President reiterated his long-held view that Uganda’s prosperity lies in the correct use of land and enterprise selection, citing examples of high-value crops like coffee and fruits. President Museveni likened the principles of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to those of the Christian faith, saying both stand for non-sectarianism, unity, and reconciliation. “The NRM is like a church because we came with non-sectarianism, no revenge; these are Jesus’s teachings. Traditionally, Africans believed in revenge, in blood settlement. But we came with forgiveness and unity. That is why I said if my people are not truly Christians, let me start my own church, combining earthly issues with spiritual transformation. That is how NRM was founded,” President Museveni said. Bishop Dr. Odongo welcomed the President’s message, pledging that the fellowship of Born-again churches would stand firmly with the government in mobilizing Christians for wealth creation. “We will continue to help Christians interpret your dream of wealth creation, asking ourselves: how do we get money in our pockets and communities? That is where our churches are located. For instance, we have already started the coffee project as a way of mobilizing our people,” Bishop Odongo said. He added that through the church’s influence, entire communities, not just Christians, could be reached with programs like coffee planting and other agribusiness ventures. President Museveni assured the delegation that the government was ready to support such initiatives, including providing free seedlings. “We can help you to develop seed beds, to give free seedlings to your Christians, and when you mobilize from the church, you can also target the whole community,” the President said, noting that the high cost of seedlings from private suppliers had created barriers for ordinary Ugandans. “Seedlings were once at 400 shillings, but now I hear they are at 2000 shillings. That is why we must go back to government channels, directly or through institutions, to ensure free seedlings for our people. We can start with coffee, then move to fruits, which I introduced in Soroti,” President Museveni explained. Bishop Odongo also briefed the President on the fellowship’s plans to establish a permanent headquarters in Kasangati on six acres of land. The facility, he said, would include a training school for pastors with a structured curriculum. “If you feel God is calling you, come and study. Come and know how to do it like a doctor or a driver; you must study first. We want to set up a place where our leaders can be equipped with knowledge and skills to serve effectively,” Bishop Odongo said, appealing for government support in the project. He further commended President Museveni and First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni for preserving religious freedom in Uganda. “We have had an environment where we worship God freely. From our neighbors, we are highly regarded because of you and your family’s love for God and service to Him. Your efforts for wealth creation are amazing, and we are following that example,” Bishop Odongo said. The President welcomed Bishop Odongo’s efforts to unite the Balokole across denominations, saying such unity was crucial for both spiritual and socio-economic transformation. He reiterated that religion should not be divorced from practical efforts to improve livelihoods.

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