The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, has cautioned Ugandans against taking the country’s prevailing peace and stability for granted, urging them to safeguard the gains achieved under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.
Tayebwa made the remarks while officiating as the chief guest at a thanksgiving ceremony for the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Prof Augustus Nuwagaba, held at St James Kijuguta Church of Uganda Parish in Kabale Municipality.
The thanksgiving service, presided over by the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt Rev Dr William Rukirande, was organized to raise funds for the completion of parish apartments intended to generate income and promote the church’s long-term financial sustainability.
Tayebwa expressed concern that some Ugandans continue to underestimate the value of peace, describing it as the foundation for development. He cited remarks by National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, who has pledged to scrap the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme within his first 100 days in office if elected president.
According to Tayebwa, Kyagulanyi made the remarks on October 1, 2025, while campaigning in Karilo District, where he reportedly dismissed the Shs1 million allocated to PDM beneficiaries as ineffective. Tayebwa challenged such views and rallied residents of Kabale District to overwhelmingly support President Yoweri Museveni, calling for a 90 per cent vote in his favor.
He also warned against electoral malpractice, noting that the Electoral Commission has strengthened its capacity by procuring upgraded Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs). Tayebwa said the new technology, an improvement from systems used in the 2016 and 2021 elections, is intended to curb ballot manipulation and enhance electoral integrity.
Tayebwa also encouraged residents to take the Parish Development Model seriously and to reduce alcohol consumption, noting that excessive drinking destroys families, undermines productivity, and slows development.
He emphasized that sustainable development requires discipline, savings, commitment, energy, and focus, values that are often eroded by alcohol abuse.
Tayebwa said that meaningful progress cannot be achieved unless communities embrace these principles.
CUE IN TAYEBWA…..ON THE MATTER……RR//
In his remarks, Prof Augustus Nuwagaba called on Christians to always remain grateful to God, describing gratitude as a reflection of deep faith and a key element in achieving transformational healing.
CUE IN PROF NUWAGABA……ON GRATITUDE… RR/ENG//
