President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a stern warning to local leaders over the mismanagement of the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, calling for strict adherence to guidelines and accountability as he addressed thousands of supporters at Kyamate Primary School grounds on Thursday, 27th November 2025.

The rally, one of the most heavily attended on the campaign trail so far, marked a symbolic return by the NRM flag-bearer to a region closely tied to his liberation war journey.

Museveni, accompanied by First Lady and Ntungamo District Woman MP Maama Janet Museveni, told supporters that his return in peace, without a gun was a testament to the transformation Uganda has undergone since the turbulent years of conflict.

“I passed through Ntungamo twice with a gun during the liberation war, but now we return in peace. God has used NRM to bring stability to Uganda,” he said.

Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to household income growth through the PDM but condemned local authorities who impose illegal conditions such as demanding land titles from applicants.

“This is totally wrong, PDM guidelines do not require land titles or security of any kind. As long as someone has a viable project, they must receive the money. Anyone blocking that is sabotaging government programs,” Museveni said.

The President urged residents to report corrupt officials, especially in cases where bribes are demanded for access to government funds or recruitment into district jobs.

The NRM candidate announced new infrastructure plans for the district, including the renovation of the Ntungamo–Rukungiri road, which he acknowledged is in a poor state.

On agriculture, Museveni emphasized irrigation as the biggest missing link in Ntungamo’s agricultural potential.

He cited his own Presidential Banana Initiative in Bushenyi as a model for improving yields.

“Relying on rainfall alone is not a religious act; it is a limitation. With irrigation and fertilizers, we harvest ten times more. We shall establish government-supported irrigation schemes to boost production and household incomes,” he said.

He urged farmers to adopt commercial farming models four-acre agriculture for smaller landholders and large-scale production for those with bigger land.

Earlier, Maama Janet delivered a comprehensive update on Ntungamo’s development since gaining district status in 1993. She reported major progress in education, health, water access and roads, crediting government programs such as PDM, Emyooga and youth livelihood initiatives for uplifting thousands of households.

The district, she noted, has received UGX 53 billion over the last five years, with PDM alone contributing UGX 39.7 billion to over 2,600 enterprise groups.

She also highlighted challenges including youth reluctance to join government programs, gaps in health facilities, persistent extra charges in UPE and USE schools, and the need for more road funding.

Maama Janet concluded by urging residents to turn out in massive numbers for the January 15, 2026 election.

“For those who think the President has already won, please do not relax. Every household must ensure that all eligible voters turn up. Victory requires participation,” she emphasized.

President will on Friday campaign in Kazo and Kiruhura districts.