By John Okello Lapok
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, has today dismissed claims that the ruling party has neglected Buganda, saying such assertions are not true.
Speaking to thousands of supporters during a campaign rally at Kitebi Primary School playgrounds in Rubaga division, President Museveni who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, emphasized that the development in Buganda would not have been possible without peace ushered in by the NRM government.
“When NRM brought peace, development followed. In Rubaga, we now have shopping malls, but our goal is to make everyone wealthy. That’s why we promote the Bonna Bagagawale message we started in 1997 with Entandikwa, sending money to sub-counties. Later, programs like NAADS and OWC were added. Now, with the Parish Development Model (PDM), people receive funds through SACCOs, and their committees decide who benefits,” President Museveni said.
Addressing concerns over PDM funds, the President said, “I wonder when I hear people say they don’t get this PDM money. Who chooses the SACCO committees? You should report them; it’s easy to find them.”
“At first, we didn’t even have salt or sugar. Today, we have funds, and we send them, but sometimes they stop along the way. This is where we need to work together,” he added.
Responding to complaints from Rubaga, President Museveni commented on local leadership issues.
“I have never heard of the Rubaga South MP. I didn’t choose him—you did. So, if there are problems, who is to blame? That’s when a Munyankole says, ‘Eyetuze tebamukabira [ meaning, those responsible cannot be blamed if the right choices were not made].”
On compensation, the President assured residents affected by the construction of Nateete Market that those who had evacuated the land would be compensated.
Turning to wealth creation, President Museveni highlighted Uganda’s growing industrial parks.
“Mbale Industrial Park, Kapeka Industrial Hub with about 40 factories, Namanve Industrial Park, Kawempe Matugga—all these are here in Kampala, not in Rwakitura or Kasese. These parks create jobs,” he said.
On her part, Maama Janet thanked religious leaders for their continued prayers, saying spiritual guidance has played an important role in Uganda’s journey of healing and nation-building.She extended New Year greetings and wished Ugandans a peaceful and successful election season.
“I want to thank our religious leaders for the prayers they have continuously offered for our country,” she said, adding that such support has strengthened the nation during critical moments.
Reflecting on the large turnouts at rallies across the country, the First Lady said the gatherings serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and how far Uganda has come.
“When I see these numbers, I am reminded of where the Lord has brought us from. It calls us to walk together, to hold hands, and to remember that we are one nation under God,” she said.
Maama Janet drew on biblical imagery to describe Uganda’s past challenges, noting that the country has undergone a long process of healing, renewal and restoration through unity and collective effort.
“The Lord reminded the children of Israel that when their land was healed and they had prospered, they should never forget where He brought them from. As Uganda continues on this journey of healing, we must remember, stay united, and build a nation that our children will be proud of,” she said.
She went on:
“Uganda has gone through a season of cleansing and rebuilding, guided by love, unity and hope not only for ourselves, but for the region as well.”
Maama Janet urged Ugandans not to forget the lessons of the past as the country marks decades of recovery and progress, encouraging citizens to remain focused on building a future that the next generation can be proud of.
She called on voters to support the National Resistance Movement, saying the party’s vision represents a strategic path towards a stronger, more stable and prosperous Uganda.
“Our responsibility is to secure a nation that our children can grow up in and proudly call their own,” she said.
The NRM First National Vice Chairman, Alhajji Moses Kigongo thanked residents of Rubaga for turning up in large numbers, describing the strong attendance as a sign of continued support for the ruling party and its leadership.
