Share this article

Wakiso, Uganda | July 7, 2025 — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called upon residents of Kampala and Wakiso to shift their focus from simply admiring infrastructure developments to actively participating in wealth creation initiatives. Speaking at a public rally held at Wampewo Community Playground, the President emphasized that while roads, electricity, and factories are crucial, true transformation begins at the household level.

“If you are living in Kampala and do not wish to work in a factory, produce something that others can buy. Factory workers need milk, meat, and food,” said President Museveni. “You can either work in the factories or supply them. That is why we have supported you financially over the years—so that you can create wealth, not just admire tarmac roads.”

A release from the Presidential Press Unit (PPU) noted that the rally marked the launch of President Museveni’s four-day wealth creation and Parish Development Model (PDM) assessment tour in Wakiso District. The district, home to approximately 3.41 million people as per the 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Census, encompasses the municipalities of Entebbe, Nansana, Kira, Makindye-Ssabagabo, and extensive rural areas.

Prior to the rally, President Museveni visited Kagoma Skilling Metal Fabricators in Nansana Municipality, where he engaged with artisans and entrepreneurs. He also interacted with Isaac Luzze, a PDM beneficiary involved in piggery and poultry farming in Gombe Division, using the visit to highlight successful stories of local enterprise.

Reflecting on Uganda’s progress since 1986, the President recalled a time when the country faced acute shortages of basic goods. “From paraffin to sugar and clothing, we used to import everything. Today, local factories are producing these essentials, and our industrial base continues to grow,” he stated.

Citing economic data, the President noted that Uganda’s factories have created 1.2 million jobs—triple the 480,000 positions available in the public sector. Agriculture accounts for 3.6 million jobs, while the services sector, including transport and hospitality, employs about 5 million Ugandans.

To improve workers’ livelihoods, President Museveni reiterated government efforts to reduce the cost of doing business. “We are upgrading railway links from Kenya and Tanzania and have already reduced electricity tariffs for factories. Once costs are low, factories will be expected to pay better wages,” he said.

During his address, the President also criticized opposition Members of Parliament, accusing them of prioritizing their salaries over constituents’ needs. “When elections come, chase away these opposition MPs. They are not working for you. Why do you keep electing them?” Museveni questioned, adding that effective representation is key to ensuring government programs benefit citizens.

He illustrated this with a Luganda proverb: “Omuggo oguli ku muliraano tegugoba ngo” (The stick next door cannot help you chase a leopard that has invaded you), emphasizing the importance of electing leaders who are genuinely committed to community welfare.

Museveni expressed concern over delays in addressing youth issues, attributing them to misinformation and political distractions. He urged young people to leverage opportunities under the PDM, designed to elevate households from subsistence farming to commercial production.

“The structures are in place, but they’re not being used effectively,” the President observed.

According to the PDM coordination team, Wakiso District has received UGX 30.7 billion, disbursed to 31,952 households across eight constituencies, 27 sub-counties, 147 parishes, and 363 villages.

Despite these efforts, the President expressed frustration over inadequate follow-up by local leaders and community members. “Since 1996, we have invested in wealth creation at the grassroots—starting with NAADS, then Operation Wealth Creation, and now PDM. The issue is the lack of follow-up,” he noted.

Fact Sheet: Wakiso District

• Population: Over 3.4 million (UBOS 2024 Census)
• Urban Centers: Entebbe, Nansana, Kira, Makindye-Ssabagabo
• Rural Coverage: Extensive rural communities across the district
• PDM Funding: UGX 30.7 billion disbursed to 31,952 households
• Economic Opportunity: Positioned as a key beneficiary in the national wealth creation agenda