President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cautioned young people against entering politics as a source of personal income, warning that leaders who treat politics as a job rather than a service are often at the centre of political conflict and instability.
The President, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer for the 2026 elections, made the remarks while addressing a campaign rally at Kaliro Town Council Playground in Lyantonde, where he presented the NRM Manifesto for 2026–2031.
“Politics should never be your livelihood,” President Museveni said. “If you join politics because of money, you are doing the country a disservice. Separate your survival from leadership. With money or without money, you must serve.”
Drawing on his experience during the liberation struggle, President Museveni said the NRM was founded on selfless service rather than personal gain.
“Who was paying us when we were in the bush? No one. Politics is about the aims of the population and how you relate with them,” he said.
He noted that peace remains the NRM’s greatest contribution to Uganda, stressing that stability was deliberately built by rejecting sectarian politics and strengthening national institutions.
“Peace is not accidental. It came because we rejected the politics of division and built a strong party and strong institutions such as the army, police and judiciary,” the President said.
President Museveni also warned against election-related violence, saying Uganda’s peace would not be disrupted by individuals seeking chaos.
“No one should fear voting or staying home. No one will disrupt Uganda’s peace,” he said, adding that stability has enabled generations of Ugandans to grow, work and prosper.
On development, the President confirmed that construction had started on key roads in the region, including Mubende–Kabamba–Nkonji–Ntutsi–Sembabule, with additional routes planned to improve connectivity and trade.
He further emphasised wealth creation as the foundation for reducing poverty, noting that development alone does not automatically translate into household income.
“Wealth comes from four sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT,” he said, reiterating the four-acre model as a practical pathway for households to achieve financial stability.
President Museveni highlighted government programs such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga as key tools to support enterprise growth, while dismissing the idea that government employment can absorb all job seekers.
“The government has only about 480,000 jobs, yet Uganda has over 50 million people,” he said, pointing to industrial parks and private sector growth as major sources of employment.
The rally was attended by NRM leaders, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of supporters, who reaffirmed their commitment to peace, unity and inclusive development.
