By Our Reporter
As the countdown to the 2026 general elections continues, President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern appeal to Ugandans to refrain from overwhelming him with personal and local requests during his nationwide engagements, calling the practice a “distraction” from key government priorities.
Speaking on Sunday during a community address in Kamwenge District as part of his Parish Development Model (PDM) zonal tour, the President expressed frustration over the persistent demands from citizens urging him to directly resolve localized issues.
“I don’t want you to keep disturbing me,” Museveni said. “Stop shouting at me while I’m driving. I’m in the driver’s seat, but there are so many voices behind me telling me what to do and how to drive. You will make me lose control. Let me drive you to your destination. Don’t make me cause an accident.”
Using the metaphor of a driver distracted by noisy passengers, Museveni warned that such interruptions could derail the government’s broader vision for national development. He emphasized the importance of staying the course on planned programs rather than reacting to every unbudgeted plea.
The remarks came after local leaders voiced concerns over the dilapidated state of key roads in the district, including the Fort Portal–Kijura and Kyenjojo–Kahungye–Kamwenge roads, which require approximately Shs 77 billion for rehabilitation.
While acknowledging the need for road improvement, Museveni reiterated that the government’s current financial focus is on poverty alleviation initiatives. He pointed to major ongoing programs such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, which together command a significant budget allocation of Shs 1.5 trillion.
“I understand that these roads need to be worked on, but we are spending money on other important programs,” Museveni explained. “We want to reach people in rural areas who are trapped in poverty. Should we abandon them because you want tarmacked roads?”
He assured the public that infrastructure projects are on the government’s agenda, but urged citizens to be patient and understand the broader context of national planning.
The Parish Development Model, which targets the transformation of subsistence households into the money economy, remains one of the government’s flagship initiatives ahead of the 2026 elections. Officials hope it will significantly reduce poverty, especially in rural communities.
As the President continues his national tour, his message is clear: Uganda’s development journey requires focus, discipline, and trust in the leadership’s direction. Whether that message resonates with a public eager for quick fixes remains to be seen.
