President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned the Mengo Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Kayunga District, reinforcing the government’s commitment to wealth creation and youth empowerment under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The launch formed part of the President’s ongoing nationwide tour to assess PDM progress and promote sustainable economic transformation, particularly in the Greater Mukono subregion.
Addressing enthusiastic crowds gathered in several towns—including Mukono, Kabembe, Kalagi, Nakifuma, and Kayunga—President Museveni called on Ugandans to elect leaders who prioritize implementation and oversight of government programs.
“The problem you have is that you elect leaders who don’t follow up on the money we send to the ground to help you fight poverty,” the President said. “You need NRM leaders who understand and support our agenda.”
While in Kabembe, the President pledged UGX 20 million to a women’s SACCO and promised to follow up on the reconstruction of the town’s market, which was recently destroyed by fire.
Upon arrival in Kayunga, President Museveni received a warm welcome from residents and students of Hopeful Future Secondary School. Touched by their reception, he donated two cows to the school and encouraged the students to remain focused on their education.
The President praised Kayunga Woman Member of Parliament, Aidah Nantaba Erios, for championing government development programs in the district. Nantaba expressed gratitude for Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE and USE) but raised concerns about overcrowded classrooms due to high enrollment levels.
In response, the President promised to follow up on pressing community concerns, including land grabbing and delays in paying gratuities (akasiimo) to veterans. He also committed UGX 50 million to support another local women’s SACCO in Kayunga District.
President Museveni reassured the residents that the long-awaited Galiraya–Baale road would be constructed soon, noting that infrastructure remains central to his government's development strategy.
Highlighting the importance of programs such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, the President emphasized their role in helping Ugandans transition from subsistence to commercial livelihoods.
“This tour is not just for talk,” he said. “It’s about tracking progress on the ground, ensuring that PDM and other initiatives are making a difference in people’s lives.”
The Greater Mukono tour is part of a broader presidential PDM assessment initiative, which has so far covered Greater Mpigi, Greater Masaka, Bugisu, Bukedi, Teso, Sebei, Karamoja, Lango, Acholi, West Nile, Rwenzori, Ankole, Kigezi, Tooro, and Bunyoro. The goal is to help 3.5 million Ugandan households escape poverty through government-supported economic empowerment.