President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned that individuals who promote violence are enemies of wealth creation, stressing that peace and stability are the cornerstone of economic growth and social transformation in Uganda.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday while campaigning at Buziga Islamic School grounds in Makindye Division, Kampala. He was accompanied by the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) campaign event.
Addressing a large and enthusiastic crowd, Museveni said violence undermines development by disrupting business activities, discouraging investment and reversing hard-earned economic gains.
“You cannot talk about wealth where there is chaos. Those who promote violence are enemies of wealth and progress,” Museveni said, urging residents of Makindye and Kampala at large to safeguard peace and concentrate on productive activities that improve household incomes.
He reiterated that the NRM’s development strategy is anchored on wealth creation through commercial agriculture, industrialisation and government-led empowerment programmes, including the parish-based development approach. Museveni emphasised that sustainable prosperity can only be achieved in a peaceful environment.
The President also cautioned young people against being manipulated by politicians who thrive on disorder, noting that discipline, hard work and skills development are essential for personal and national transformation. He encouraged Kampala residents to reject acts that undermine security and instead support initiatives that economically empower the youth.
The First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, urged voters to remain steadfast and to value unity and stability, which she said are critical for community development. She emphasised the importance of nurturing disciplined societies and supporting government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods, particularly for families and young people.
Earlier, NRM National Vice Chairperson, AlHajji Moses Kigongo, rallied supporters to stand firmly behind the party’s candidates at all levels. “Don’t waste time on other candidates; tick wherever you find the bus,” Kigongo told the crowd, urging voters to ensure that all NRM flag bearers are elected.
Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, thanked President Museveni for what she described as a successful campaign and for championing a mindset change, especially among the youth.
“We want to thank God that it has been a very successful campaign, and we thank you for creating a mindset change,” Among said.
She noted that many young people in Kampala are eager to access resources to engage in wealth creation and cited the Seven Hills youth group as a success story. According to Among, the group, once known for disorder, was organised into a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) and now plays a key role in keeping the city clean.
“They used to be a terrible group in town, but you brought them together and advised them to form a SACCO. Today, they are the ones cleaning the city, which is why Kampala is always clean,” she said.
Among appealed for improved facilitation for the group, noting that members currently earn Shs6,000 and are requesting an increase to at least Shs15,000. She also highlighted the importance of supporting the night economy, saying that more than 70,000 people in Makindye Division alone are engaged in night-time economic activities and require targeted support.
Additionally, Among raised concerns about persistent flooding in areas such as Katwe, Kansanga, Ggaba and along the Nakivubo Channel, calling for a permanent solution. She further proposed the relocation of Nsambya Police Barracks to create space for better urban planning and development.
The campaign event underscored the NRM’s message that peace, discipline and wealth creation are inseparable pillars for Uganda’s continued development.
