President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged increased government funding for fishermen, market vendors, mechanics, and small-scale entrepreneurs, urging residents of Entebbe and Wakiso District to vote for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to safeguard peace and expand wealth creation.
Museveni made the pledge on Monday while addressing his campaign rally in Entebbe Municipality, where he said peace remains the foundation of Uganda’s economic transformation.
“For over 40 years, Uganda has enjoyed peace,” Museveni said, noting that the removal of criminal roadblocks around Entebbe, including near Lake Victoria, ended harassment and extortion of residents. “Peace created space for development and wealth.”
He said areas once underdeveloped, including Abayita, Kawanda, and Nakawa Kireka, had grown because people seized opportunities created by security and stability.
Museveni encouraged residents to use small plots of land for high-value urban agriculture, including piggery, poultry, fish farming, flowers, and horticulture.
“In Entebbe, prosperity is possible through urban agriculture, even on small plots in places like Kasenyi and Nakawuka,” he said.
The President also highlighted artisanship as a key driver of employment, citing trades such as carpentry, tailoring, and weaving. He said artisan groups relocated from Nsambya to Kigo would receive government backing.
“All your groups engaged in artisanship are going to be supported by the government,” Museveni said, adding that it was unacceptable for Uganda to import furniture despite having skilled local craftsmen.
Addressing fishing communities, Museveni acknowledged concerns that funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM) were inadequate for the sector.
“When I went to Lake Albert, I was told fishermen need more money than the Shs1 million given under PDM,” he said.
He announced plans to increase funding for regional fishing groups in Entebbe, Masaka, and Mukono, and urged beneficiaries to follow up.
“Ensure you push for that money until you get it,” he said.
Museveni also promised financial support for market vendors through government market funds and microfinance institutions, saying the financing would help residents start and expand businesses. He said Entebbe’s tourism potential could grow further with better beach management and the establishment of a processing factory linked to Lake Victoria.
In a related address at the same rally, Museveni urged residents to closely monitor government development funds to curb corruption.
“The money for the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga is there and the people who steal that money can be easily arrested because they are here with us in Uganda,” he said.
He said government had increased PDM funding to Shs300 million and created special funds targeting leaders, markets, mechanics, and fisheries to accelerate wealth creation.
“Own up the PDM programme to counter corrupt officials,” Museveni said.
The President also assured residents that key road projects, including Kisubi–Nakawuka–Mpigi and Nakawuka–Nateete, would be completed to improve mobility and business operations.
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, urged residents to protect peace and stability, which she described as the backbone of Uganda’s progress.
“Gathering together in these rallies reminds us of where we have come from and what God has done for Uganda in the past 40 years,” she said.
She added, “God used President Museveni and the UPDF to protect the peace in this country,” urging voters to participate in the elections. “Your vote is your brick that you contribute to the development of Uganda.”
NRM First National Vice Chairperson, Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, called for peaceful campaigns and disciplined conduct.
“For us to vote well, let us behave well,” Kigongo said. “A good person asks for votes without fighting or insulting others.”
