President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the NRM party presidential candidate has tasked local leaders from Bugisu sub region to drive household wealth creation.
On Sunday, 16th November 2025, president Museveni charged NRM leaders from the Bugisu sub-region with a powerful message of economic triumph and renewed national direction, declaring that Uganda’s economy has expanded more than twentyfold under the NRM and is now on course to hit USD 66 billion by June next year.
Addressing a packed hall of village chairpersons, LC leaders and NRM flagbearers, Museveni said the transformation is the result of a deliberate long-term strategy anchored in peace, industrialisation and infrastructure pillars he described as the true engines of prosperity.
“When we took over in 1986, Uganda’s economy was only 3.9 billion dollars. By June next year, it will be about 66 billion dollars
That is more than twenty times growth. That is real progress,” Museveni said.
The meeting, convened by NRM 2nd National Vice Chairperson Anita Annet Among and Secretary General Richard Todwong, was aimed at energising grassroots structures ahead of the fast-approaching 2026 elections.
Among said the engagement would empower leaders to sensitise communities on government achievements and upcoming manifesto commitments.
Museveni used the moment to warn leaders against complacency, corruption and misinformation, urging them to become the frontline guardians of government programmes and national development.
“I want you, the leaders, to monitor government projects closely. Promote leaders who are committed to development and reject those who serve personal interests,” Museveni said.
Museveni highlighted the explosive growth of Uganda’s industrial base, pointing to areas like Kamuli, Jinja, Mukono and Matugga where factories are employing tens of thousands and replacing imported goods with local production.
“In 1996, Kamuli had only about 2,000 people working in industries. Today those factories employ more than 44,000 people. Products that used to come from outside are now being made here,” He said.
He cited Uganda’s new vehicle assembly capabilities as a turning point, saying foreign companies that once ignored local production were now seeking partnerships after witnessing Uganda’s progress.
Museveni said major energy projects such as the 640MW Karuma Hydropower Plant have been crucial in attracting industries and lowering production costs.
“Without electricity, you can’t have factories. Karuma alone is producing four times the power of the old dam. These are investments that support jobs for 50 years,” Museveni said.
He cautioned leaders against prioritising salary pressures ahead of infrastructure needs, warning that it could cripple development.
He urged leaders to mobilise households to embrace value addition in agriculture, saying selling raw produce will never deliver meaningful wealth.
“You must add value. That is how families get out of poverty,” Museveni said.
He reaffirmed the central role of government programmes like the PDM, NAADS and Operation Wealth Creation in lifting incomes.
Museveni warned leaders to stay vigilant against local parasites and foreign actors attempting to distort Uganda’s achievements.
“We have the correct strategy that is how 27 fighters defeated all those groups. We know what we are doing,” He said.
Todwong closed the meeting with a call for 95%+ mobilisation for the NRM, urging leaders to act as social doctors who understand each household’s needs and lead by example.
