Museveni defends PDM in Lubaga as NUP decries Makindye nomination

5 January 2026, 8:54 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag bearer, President Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Museveni, accompanied by his wife, the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, stated that the party’s goal is to ensure all Ugandans achieve prosperity through government programmes such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM), Entandikwa, and others.

Addressing residents at Kitebi Primary School playground in Lubaga Division, President Museveni noted that some officials tasked with mobilising communities to benefit from these programmes are instead serving their own interests, causing many people to miss out. He questioned whether the problem arises from the failure to hold general meetings at parish level to properly sensitise the public.

Katerga Fred, a resident of Lubaga Division, told the President that programmes like PDM would have benefited the people if funds intended for them were not being diverted by local leaders. In response, President Museveni urged residents to vote for NRM candidates, including Mbaziira Musa, to represent them in Parliament. He also assured them that the government would purchase the land on which Nateete Market sits. Regarding concerns over theft and corruption, the President said the issues would be addressed accordingly.

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Anita Among, urged the President to maintain the Parish Development Model and Emyooga programmes. She also called for the expansion of Kasubi Market due to the growing population and requested additional skilling hubs in Lubaga Division. She cautioned residents against being misled and encouraged them to elect leaders who would genuinely represent their interests. Among claimed that some opposition leaders publicly criticise the government but privately seek support from the NRM.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has nominated the NRM candidate, Yasin Omar, as unopposed for Mayor of Makindye Division, following the disqualification of the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, Lusagala Bosco. The decision has drawn criticism from NUP presidential flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi, who accused the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, of bias.

Kyagulanyi said the disqualification of Lusagala Bosco and 11 other candidates forms part of a broader pattern aimed at favouring NRM candidates. He added that such actions strengthen their resolve to continue fighting for what he described as a free Uganda.