President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flagbearer for the 2026 elections, has sharply criticized opposition leaders for what he described as selfishness and ideological confusion. Speaking to a massive crowd of NRM supporters at Liberation Square in Masaka city, the President accused opposition politicians of encouraging citizens to reject government development programs while continuing to accept government salaries.
“They are selfish and betrayers. Once you become a traitor, God doesn’t like it,” President Museveni declared, urging the public not to be swayed by such leaders. He painted the opposition as individuals who undermine progress while personally benefiting from the very system they criticize, a behavior he said was harmful to national development.
Addressing the citizens directly, the President emphasized the importance of engaging with government initiatives designed to alleviate poverty and create opportunities. He highlighted programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga as critical tools for lifting communities out of poverty and improving livelihoods. “When you remain poor, you are undermining the government’s efforts,” he said, stressing that every citizen contributes to the national treasury when they participate in these programs.
President Museveni also issued a strong warning to local officials, including town clerks, sub-county chiefs, and parish chiefs, against exploiting low-income earners by collecting market dues. He reminded them that citizens already pay taxes through various channels, including everyday purchases, and any additional undue charges would not be tolerated.
In a bid to safeguard NRM supporters, the President promised to take action against anyone attempting to intimidate party members during the election period. This announcement came after several complaints were reported by local NRM leaders about opposition figures threatening NRM supporters for their political allegiance.
Looking ahead, President Museveni revealed plans to increase Parish Development Model funds to Shs300 million in his next term, particularly targeting densely populated areas to ensure widespread access to wealth creation initiatives. He insisted that the government has put in place sufficient programs to help citizens overcome poverty and urged everyone to take advantage of them.
The President also announced the creation of two new industrial parks in Masaka District and City, one on land donated by former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi in Bukakata, and another planned in Lukaya. These projects are aimed at boosting employment opportunities and expanding economic growth for local communities, alongside ongoing youth skilling initiatives through the Presidential zonal Industrial Skilling Hubs.
In closing, President Museveni praised the residents of Masaka for their engagement in coffee-growing projects and pledged to support them with irrigation schemes and fertilizers to increase productivity. At the same rally, he encouraged the people to vote for him and other NRM candidates, reminding them of the party’s long-standing contributions to peace, development, and economic empowerment in Uganda.
