President Museveni Takes 2026 Campaign to Ntungamo, Reaffirms Support for Small Entrepreneurs

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday took his 2026–2031 NRM Presidential campaign to Ntungamo District, where he addressed thousands of residents alongside First Lady Maama Janet Museveni and senior NRM leaders. The President used the rally to present the NRM Manifesto and highlight the Movement’s achievements over the last four decades, with a strong emphasis on transforming household incomes through the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Addressing supporters, President Museveni noted that the NRM’s mission has always been to ensure peace, stability, and economic empowerment for all Ugandans. He reminded residents that the progress made since the 1980s—especially in security, infrastructure development, and social services—has laid a solid foundation for wealth creation across the country.

A central focus of the President’s message was the proper implementation of the Parish Development Model. He rebuked cases where Parish Chiefs and SACCO Boards have been demanding land ownership as a prerequisite for accessing PDM funds, stressing that such conditions are unlawful and contrary to the spirit of the program.

“The PDM guidelines do not require anyone to own land in order to benefit. What is needed is a viable project,” he emphasized.

To illustrate his point, Museveni cited the story of Mr. Ayesiga Kenneth from Nyamirama in Kanungu District. Despite having no land, Ayesiga used PDM funds to rent premises and start a thriving enterprise known as the PDM Restaurant. The President said such examples prove that PDM was designed to uplift industrious Ugandans who have ideas but lack capital—not those who already have assets.

“PDM is not for the wealthy. It is for the poor to begin their journey out of poverty,” he told the cheering crowd. He directed local leaders to stop frustrating applicants and instead support them in identifying viable business ideas that can boost household incomes.

Speaking to the people of Ntungamo, Museveni revisited the NRM’s track record, highlighting:

Restoration of peace and security nationwide Expansion of road networks, electricity, and water services

Free Primary and Secondary Education

Health infrastructure improvements

Economic reforms that opened Uganda to investment and job creation

He also reassured the electorate that the next Manifesto will intensify efforts in creating wealth within households, particularly through commercial agriculture, value addition, and market linkages.

The President urged local leaders and residents to remain focused on programs that directly uplift communities. He cautioned them against corruption, political opportunism, and any tendencies that distort government initiatives.

“Our task is to ensure every household transitions from subsistence to the money economy. That is how we secure the future of our people,” he said.

The rally drew district leaders, local farmers, youth groups, women’s associations, and religious leaders who expressed appreciation for the government’s ongoing development efforts. The First Lady, herself a daughter of Ntungamo, also interacted with leaders earlier in the day, discussing ongoing projects in education, health, and community empowerment.

Museveni’s visit marks yet another strategic stop in his broader campaign across the Ankole Sub-Region, where he continues to reinforce the NRM’s message of stability, wealth creation, and inclusive development ahead of the 2026 General Elections.