President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged residents of Kampala and Wakiso to shift their focus from public infrastructure developments to individual wealth creation through productive economic activities.
Speaking at a public rally at Wampewo Community Playground on Monday, President Museveni cautioned against being misled by the presence of roads, electricity, schools, and factories, emphasizing that true transformation starts at the household level.
“Factories, roads, and electricity benefit everyone, but individual wealth is your own responsibility,” he said. “If you don’t want to work in a factory, do something productive that sells milk, meat, food. The factory workers are your customers. That’s why we’ve been sending you money and encouraging self-reliance.”
The rally marked the launch of the President’s wealth creation and Parish Development Model (PDM) assessment tour in Wakiso District, home to over 3.4 million people spread across Entebbe, Nansana, Kira, Makindye-Ssabagabo, and Wakiso Rural.
During his first day, President Museveni visited Kagoma Skilling Metal Fabricators in Nansana, addressed artisans in Kawanda, and met PDM beneficiary Isaac Luzze, a piggery and poultry farmer in Gombe Division.
Reflecting on Uganda’s development since 1986, he noted a shift from shortages of basic commodities like sugar and paraffin to domestic production and industrial growth.
“Today, factories in Uganda have created 1.2 million jobs, triple the 480,000 in public service. Agriculture accounts for 3.6 million jobs, and services like transport and hospitality have generated 5 million more,” he said.
President Museveni highlighted ongoing efforts to improve worker salaries by reducing business operation costs. These include lowering electricity tariffs and reviving railway links with Kenya and Tanzania to cut transport expenses.
“Once factories save on costs, we’ll ensure they pay workers better,” he pledged.
Criticism of Opposition MPs
President Museveni took a swipe at opposition MPs, accusing them of prioritizing salaries over constituent needs.
“They’re not solving your problems. You praise security officers like Gen. Ddamulira and Maj. Kuteesa, but where were your MPs when you needed help?” he asked. “Stop electing people who betray you.”
He urged voters to choose leaders who actively serve their communities, citing a Baganda proverb: “Omuggo oguli ku muliraano tegugoba ngo” (A stick from next door won’t chase away the tiger in your home).
Focus on Youth and PDM Progress
Museveni decried slow progress on youth empowerment, blaming misinformation and political distractions.
He called on young people to embrace government programs, particularly the PDM, designed to elevate households from subsistence to market production.
“The youth problem should have been solved already. The structures exist, but they’re underutilized,” he said.
So far, Wakiso has received UGX 30.7 billion under the PDM, supporting 31,952 households across eight constituencies, 27 sub-counties, 147 parishes, and 363 villages.
Despite the funding, the President expressed concern over weak follow-up by local leaders.
“Since 1996, we’ve invested heavily in wealth creation, first through NAADS, then Operation Wealth Creation, and now PDM. The challenge is in implementation and monitoring,” he said.
President Museveni’s tour across Wakiso District continues through Friday.
