President Yoweri Museveni has praised the dramatic transformation of Entebbe and Wakiso District over the past 40 years under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, crediting sustained peace as the foundation for widespread development and wealth creation.
Speaking during a campaign rally on Monday at the Ministry of Works Grounds in Entebbe Municipality, Museveni reminded residents of the insecurity they once faced.
“You, the people of Entebbe, we liberated you from the roadblock on the waters where they used to rob you. Since then, you have never seen any other roadblock. Uganda is at peace. This peace has led to wealth and development,” he said.
He highlighted visible economic growth, noting that areas once dominated by bush have become thriving commercial hubs.
“Many people have become wealthy. In Abayita Ababiri, there were only four shops, but when you go there now, big shops are all over. When we came, from Nansana to Lubigi it was bush; Kawanda was also bush, where we used to lay our ambushes,” the President added.
Museveni stressed that peace has enabled significant progress and allowed many citizens to prosper.
However, he voiced concern over the persistent poverty affecting large sections of the population.
“Wealth is here, but we want everyone to be rich. We don’t want a country of the poor and the rich living side by side,” he declared.
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting citizens in generating their own wealth and escaping poverty.
He pointed to peri-urban agriculture as a key opportunity, particularly in areas like Kasanje, Kasenyi, and Nakawuka.
“There is peri-urban agriculture—rearing animals and growing crops in peri-urban areas. Non-Muslims can rear pigs in their backyards, while others can raise chickens for eggs,” Museveni said.
He urged residents to make proper use of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, NAADS, and targeted projects for ghetto youth and boda boda riders.
“The money we send you through PDM, Emyooga, NAADS, and for Ghetto and Boda Boda projects should be used to lift yourselves out of poverty by engaging in activities that earn you money,” he emphasized.
Museveni also encouraged local artisans to produce goods traditionally imported from abroad, including furniture, shoes, and clothing.
“For example, we import furniture from Dubai, which is a desert and has no trees! This means we have been sleeping while a desert without forests produces chairs and beds for sale to a country that has many forests. Items like furniture and footwear, which we have been importing, can be made here,” he explained.
Additionally, the President highlighted tourism as a major wealth-creation avenue for Entebbe.
“The other source of wealth is tourism. If you protect places like the Botanical Gardens and beaches, you will attract many tourists who come to rest but also spend money. Tourists buy food, stay in your hotels, and leave you with cash,” he said.
Wrapping up, Museveni reiterated the importance of responsibly utilizing government programs.
“PDM is a good program that you should use to get out of poverty. If the money sent is not enough, we shall add. If anyone steals the money, we will get to them.”