President Yoweri Museveni has underscored the critical role of peace in Uganda, describing it as a foundation for wealth, jobs and development.
“When you hear people talking of violence, know they are your enemies, they are enemies of wealth, jobs, development, like the roads we build. Roads need money, and the money comes from wealth. If you don’t want peace, you are an enemy of everything,” he said during a campaign rally at Buziga Islamic playground in Makindye Division, Kampala on Wednesday.
He addressed concerns about Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO committees, emphasising they should serve all residents, not just themselves.
“Now when I move around, I hear people saying they serve themselves, and I wonder who selected that committee,” he said, adding that transparency is crucial, especially for youth and women.
Museveni highlighted Uganda’s growth sources, including commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT. He praised local entrepreneurs like Johnson Basangwa, who started a small poultry farm and now produces 2,500 trays of eggs daily, employing 300 people and earning Shs7.2 billion annually.
‘Wealth comes from commercial agriculture, artisanship, factories, and services. When Kenzo entertains us, he is contributing through services. Someone else makes chairs, others run factories, and we are even making our own cars at Kira Motors,’ the President said.
First Lady Janet Museveni reminded NRM supporters to match their rally attendance with responsible voting.
“I always remind ourselves that attending a rally, however beautiful and huge it may be, is not enough,” she said, emphasising the importance of voting in nation-building.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among commended party supporters and assured residents of Makindye Division that the government is addressing urban challenges.
She acknowledged delays in Namuwongo and Muyenga parishes, citing administrative changes, and assured residents that funds are available.
‘The ghettos of Kampala are full of hardworking youth. What they need is financial support to grow their businesses and become productive contributors to the economy,’ Ms Among said.
‘In Makindye alone, more than 70,000 people earn a living at night. If we are serious about growing the night economy, then these people must be supported,’ she added.