Rubaga Rally: President Museveni Challenges Leaders on PDM Accountability, Defends NRM’s Record in Buganda

Rubaga Division, Kampala – At a spirited campaign rally in Rubaga Division, Kampala District, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressed residents’ concerns around access to Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, political accountability, and development in Buganda under the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The event occurred as part of Museveni’s broader campaign trail ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.

Facing a lively crowd, the President responded directly to complaints from some residents that Parish Development Model funds were not reaching all intended beneficiaries. Museveni reminded the gathered electorate that local leaders are chosen by the people themselves, and therefore responsibility for how resources are managed or accessed lies with the electorate and their representatives. In particular, he emphasised that the Rubaga South Member of Parliament, whom residents cited in their grievances, was elected by the people—making accountability a community mandate rather than a unilateral presidential responsibility. 

“We are accountable to the people. Leaders are chosen by you, and it is you who must hold them to account,” President Museveni said, echoing the sentiment that grassroots empowerment and civic responsibility are essential to effective governance.

On the contentious issue of PDM funds, the President reiterated the importance of this flagship socio-economic programme introduced by the NRM government to enable wealth creation at household level. The PDM is designed as a revolving fund aimed at lifting families out of subsistence and into the money economy. He underscored that the model provides financial support directly to beneficiaries and that withholding or mismanaging these funds undermines their purpose. These remarks build on his broader defence of the PDM’s implementation across the country, where he has previously warned against misappropriation, emphasised inclusivity (especially for urban youths and women), and urged citizens to expose corrupt officials.

Addressing perceptions that the NRM has underperformed in Buganda, Museveni categorically rejected such claims, highlighting what he portrays as tangible progress under the party’s leadership. He framed NRM’s vision around “cleansing, renewal and development”, asserting that the region has benefitted from significant investments and socio-economic programmes that have shaped national progress.

On matters of local development, the President weighed in on Natete Market land issues, directing that fair compensation be provided to people who vacated land earmarked for the market’s redevelopment. His intervention sought to balance community welfare with broader plans for market revitalisation—a key economic hub for traders and residents in Rubaga and adjacent divisions.

In a notable moment of inter-faith engagement, Museveni thanked Pastor Kayanja for his prayers and reflections—especially his invocation of the biblical story of Naaman’s healing—drawing parallels between spiritual renewal and the national quest for societal transformation.

The rally also served as a platform for amplifying the NRM’s broader election message: that Uganda must continue on a path of peace, development, and economic growth anchored in unity and citizen participation. Museveni used the occasion to call on supporters to defend the gains made over the past decades and to embrace the NRM’s manifesto commitments leading into the 2026 polls.

Political commentators note that such rallies aim not only to mobilise NRM’s base but also to counter criticism from opposition voices about resource allocation and governance. The emphasis on accountability, development, and community responsibility reflects recurrent themes in Museveni’s campaign discourse across the country. In similar rallies outside Kampala, he has repeatedly urged accountability in PDM roll-out, challenged leaders who exclude youths or other groups from benefiting, and insisted that citizens demand transparency from their local representatives.

As Uganda approaches its general elections, rallies like the one in Rubaga highlight the interplay between local concerns and national political narratives. Museveni’s message—rooted in historical continuity, party achievements, and appeals to grassroots responsibility—continues to shape political dialogues in Kampala and beyond.