President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to increase the salaries of LC3, LC5 chairpersons, and councilors, recognizing their vital role in community governance and their ability to shield citizens from exploitation.
Speaking during a leaders’ meeting at Mwanzi Parish, Mirembe Maria Catholic Parish in Kasanda District, President Museveni emphasized that strengthening local leadership would enhance service delivery and protect the public from corruption and unfair treatment.
“Local leaders are closest to the people and play a key role in safeguarding them. We must support them appropriately,” the President said.
The meeting was part of his ongoing performance assessment tour on wealth creation and the Parish Development Model (PDM) across Greater Mubende. During the event, Museveni urged Ugandans to prioritize household income, describing it as the foundation for national development.
“Just as scripture says ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you,’ as a country, we must seek household income first,” he advised.
The President highlighted Uganda’s infrastructure achievements — including roads and electrification — but warned that these alone cannot end poverty without household-level wealth.
“Even in Kampala, where there are tarmac roads, electricity, and piped water, people still go hungry. Infrastructure without income leads nowhere,” he said.
Museveni shared the story of a 64-year-old woman from Rubirizi District whose life changed after receiving Shs1 million from the Parish Development Model. He noted that the financial boost allowed her to improve her home and reunite with her estranged husband.
“Cows do not eat tarmac or sit on electricity. Wealth must come first, and development will follow,” he added.
The President also criticized the poor maintenance of rural roads, especially the Mityana–Sekanyonyi–Mwanzi route, and directed the Ministry of Works to prioritize road upkeep.
“Why do we allow good roads to deteriorate? Even murrum roads, if well maintained, can serve communities effectively,” he said.
On education, Museveni condemned the illegal collection of fees by head teachers and Parent-Teacher Associations, which he said undermines Universal Primary and Secondary Education.
“Head teachers and PTAs must stop asking for money. This sabotages free education, which was meant for the children of the poor,” he stressed.
He also raised concern over reports of corruption in District Service Commissions, especially in recruitment within the education sector, and urged local councils to shield citizens from exploitative practices.
The President reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting bibanja holders, advising them to pay busuulu to landlords as a gesture of mutual respect rather than a surrender of their rights.
On climate and agriculture, Museveni called for responsible wetland management and encouraged the use of irrigation and water conservation to strengthen climate resilience.
The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, praised President Museveni for maintaining peace and security, which she said makes Uganda the most attractive investment destination in Africa.
“Uganda is the best investment destination in Africa and East Africa because of your good leadership,” Nabbanja said.
Judith Nabakooba, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, reported that over UGX 100 billion had been distributed under the PDM in Greater Mubende, benefiting youth, women-led enterprises, and other special interest groups.
The leaders of Greater Mubende, through Minister Nabakooba, also pledged their continued political support for President Museveni, endorsing him as the sole NRM flag bearer for 2026.
The meeting was attended by Members of Parliament and other local leaders from Greater Mubende.