President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cautioned leaders of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) against the growing culture of using personal wealth to address community challenges, warning that such practices distort the role of political leadership.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday while presiding over the opening of the NRM Delegates Conference at Kololo Independence Grounds, which drew more than 23,000 delegates from across the country to elect new party leaders on Wednesday, 27th August, 2025.
A short clip of President Museveni while at Kololo Independence Grounds while presiding over the NRM national delegates conference in which he was unanimously endorsed.
“Do not try to carry the population under you on your head, but simply lead them by showing them what to do, using government programs and resources, not your personal money,” Museveni said.
He urged leaders to guide citizens in utilizing government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and EMYOOGA to overcome poverty, rather than resorting to handouts. Museveni also directed leaders to work with police to curb crimes, prevent theft of drugs in health centers, and enforce accountability in service delivery.
The President tasked the newly elected party leaders to focus on the country’s economic transformation, pledging to grow Uganda’s economy from the current USD 66 billion to USD 500 billion in the coming years through industrialization, skills development, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further issued a stern warning to groups intending to destabilize the country ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“Ugandans cannot risk losing the immense success and achievements made during the 40 years of NRM’s peaceful rule,” Museveni stressed, calling on leaders to defend the Party’s legacy of peace and security.
During the conference, Museveni was unanimously endorsed as the NRM presidential flag bearer for the 2026 elections and re-elected unopposed as the Party’s National Chairman for the 2025–2030 term.
