On October 2, 2026, at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressed the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus. As the NRM National Chairman, he emphasized the importance of direct engagement between political leaders and their constituents. Museveni urged Members of Parliament to spend more time in their constituencies, listening to citizens and understanding their challenges, particularly poverty, unemployment, and limited access to essential services.
The President challenged MPs to take an active role in monitoring government poverty alleviation programs, specifically the Parish Development Model (PDM). He encouraged them to establish the number of households that have benefited from the program, identify those yet to be reached, and follow up on fund utilization. Effective implementation of the PDM, Museveni said, could help households transition from subsistence production to the money economy, enabling more Ugandans to participate in commercial agriculture and other income-generating activities.
Museveni cited the example of a woman who invested in piggery and improved her household income, demonstrating how access to financial resources and productive investments can transform household livelihoods and contribute to poverty reduction. He also called on MPs to promote agricultural modernization through irrigation, improved farming methods, and value addition, emphasizing the need to move away from overreliance on rain-fed agriculture.
The President highlighted the importance of reliable water supplies in improving agricultural productivity and protecting farmers against unpredictable weather conditions. He mentioned a government-supported farming partnership that achieved 53 tonnes per hectare, compared to approximately five tonnes in other areas, illustrating the potential of improved agricultural practices.
Museveni urged MPs to promote investments in agro-processing and manufacturing, reducing Uganda's dependence on exporting raw agricultural commodities. He emphasized that processing agricultural products locally would enable Uganda to retain more value from its natural resources, create employment opportunities, and expand the country's industrial base.
On environmental conservation, Museveni urged political leaders to protect wetlands, essential components of Uganda's water systems and environmental sustainability. He encouraged leaders to promote alternative income-generating activities, such as fish farming, to reduce pressure on wetlands while enabling affected communities to maintain their incomes.
The President also emphasized strategic investments in nuclear energy, railway infrastructure, and petroleum processing in Hoima as part of the government's efforts to expand Uganda's productive capacity. He highlighted the importance of regional economic integration, noting that access to wider markets is essential for increasing production, facilitating trade, and creating employment opportunities.
Key points
- President Museveni urges NRM MPs to engage with voters and monitor government programs.
- The President emphasizes the importance of agricultural modernization and poverty alleviation programs.
- Museveni highlights strategic investments in energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing to expand Uganda's productive capacity.
