President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to prioritize household income as the foundation for national development. Speaking at a leaders’ meeting in Mwanzi Parish, Mirembe Maria Catholic Parish in Kasanda District, the President likened the pursuit of wealth at the family level to a biblical principle, urging citizens to focus on improving their livelihoods before expecting broader infrastructure benefits.

The meeting was part of the President’s ongoing performance assessment tour on wealth creation and the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Greater Mubende. While acknowledging Uganda’s progress in infrastructure, including roads like Kabale to Tororo and urban electrification, Museveni stressed that such developments alone cannot eradicate poverty. He pointed to Kampala as an example, where despite the presence of tarmac roads, electricity, and piped water, many still struggle with hunger.

“Cows do not eat tarmac or sit on electricity,” Museveni remarked, emphasizing that wealth creation must start at home. He shared the story of a 64-year-old woman in Rubirizi who, after receiving Shs1 million through PDM, transformed her life, even reuniting with her husband who had abandoned her. The President also reflected on his own experience, recalling how he bought land in Kisozi in 1990 when the area was underdeveloped, only for development to follow later.

Turning to infrastructure, Museveni expressed concern over the poor state of murrum roads, particularly the Mityana–Sekanyonyi–Mwanzi road. He questioned why well-built roads are left to deteriorate and urged the Ministry of Works to prioritize maintenance. While celebrating achievements in regions like Hoima, Bunyoro, Gomba, Sembabule, and Masaka, he called for internal audits to improve road planning and execution.

On education, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE). However, he voiced alarm over high dropout rates, especially in Greater Mubende, where only 32% of learners complete Primary Seven. He blamed some head teachers and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) for sabotaging free education by demanding illegal fees from poor families.

Museveni also condemned corruption within District Service Commissions, particularly in the education sector, and called on local leaders to protect citizens from such exploitation. Recognizing the critical role of local council systems, he promised salary increments for LC3s, LC5s, and councilors to strengthen their capacity in governance.

Addressing land rights, the President reassured bibanja holders (tenants on mailo land) of government protection while urging them to pay busuulu (nominal rent) to landlords as a sign of mutual respect, not as a surrender of their rights.

On environmental conservation, Museveni warned against the misuse of wetlands for farming, particularly in Lwamata. He stressed the importance of irrigation and water conservation, urging citizens to preserve these ecosystems for long-term national benefits.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja praised the President for maintaining peace and security, describing Uganda as Africa’s top investment destination. She credited Museveni’s leadership for creating a favorable environment for investors.

Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba reported that over UGX 100 billion had been disbursed under PDM across Greater Mubende, benefiting youth, women-led projects, and other special interest groups. Local leaders, through Nabakooba, pledged their support for Museveni as the sole NRM flag bearer in the 2026 elections.

The event was attended by Members of Parliament and other leaders from Greater Mubende, reinforcing the government’s message that household income remains the key to Uganda’s development. As Museveni concluded, the challenge now lies in turning these principles into action, ensuring that every family can rise out of poverty and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.