President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cautioned Ugandans against those advocating violence, describing them as direct threats to wealth creation, employment opportunities, and overall national progress as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections.

Speaking at a vibrant campaign rally held at Buziga Islamic Playground in Makindye Division, Kampala, the President—also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer for the upcoming polls—stressed that lasting peace forms the bedrock of economic advancement and effective public service delivery.

“When people start preaching violence, recognize them as your adversaries—they oppose wealth, jobs, development, even the roads we construct,” Museveni declared.

“Anyone rejecting peace is an enemy of all these gains.”

He linked infrastructure projects and social services directly to the generation of wealth through peaceful, stable economic pursuits, noting: “Building roads requires funding, and that funding stems from created wealth.”

The President also tackled ongoing issues with the Parish Development Model (PDM), responding to reports of parish SACCO committees prioritizing personal interests over community needs.

“As I travel, I keep hearing claims that some committees are serving themselves, which raises the question: who chose these people?” he remarked.

Similar grievances have surfaced in areas like Nansana, Kawempe, and Entebbe, leading him to direct the Minister of Local Government to probe committee selections and guarantee equitable processes.

Museveni underscored the need for full transparency in PDM implementation, particularly to benefit youth and women.

“Of the Shs100 million allocated per parish, 30% targets youth and another 30% women—if they’re missing out, we have to investigate why,” he emphasized.

Highlighting Uganda’s core economic pillars, he pointed to commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and information and communication technology (ICT) as primary sources of wealth.

“Prosperity arises from large-scale farming, craftsmanship, factories, and service sectors,” he said, praising local manufacturing and creative industries for their role in driving growth.

He also championed skills training as a route to jobs and self-reliance, spotlighting success stories from presidential skilling initiatives.

“Take Naigaga—she’s now a skilled wealth creator and employer,” he noted, referencing program graduates.

Wrapping up, Museveni reminded the crowd that infrastructure projects alone won’t eradicate poverty.

“The finest roads won’t end poverty on their own. True wealth and personal advancement come from grasping opportunities in agriculture, industry, services, and ICT.”

The event drew the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, who encouraged attendees to channel their rally energy into active, responsible electoral participation.

“Joining a beautiful, massive rally is great, but it’s not sufficient,” she said.

“Every one of us must vote—each ballot is a brick you lay in building Uganda.”

She urged the youth in particular to defend the nation’s hard-won peace and stability.

“Reject anyone trying to pull you into fights, unrest, or conflict. Uganda must advance in peace and unity.”

Makindye Division NRM chairperson Lukyamuzi Kakooza commended government wealth-creation efforts and the improved security in the area.

“We appreciate the government for these programs and the prevailing peace in Makindye,” he stated.

He also called for urgent government action to safeguard the Wabigalo skilling centre, which faces encroachment threats from alleged land grabbers.