President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cautioned Ugandans against placing excessive hope in the country’s upcoming oil revenues, urging households to prioritise sustainable wealth creation through commercial agriculture.
Speaking during a campaign rally in Masindi Municipality on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, President Museveni said that while Uganda’s oil production—set to begin in 2026—will significantly boost national infrastructure development, it should not be viewed as a permanent solution to economic challenges.
“Petroleum is an exhaustible resource, while commercial farming will be here forever,” the President told thousands of supporters. “Do not over-rely on oil. Families must use land productively and engage in enterprises that generate continuous income.”
Museveni emphasised that oil revenue will be instrumental in financing major national projects such as roads, electricity expansion and schools. However, he warned that depending solely on oil would be a strategic mistake, pointing out that long-lasting prosperity must come from household-level productivity.
The President used success stories to illustrate the potential of Uganda’s agricultural sector, citing farmers such as Nakaseke dairy producer George Matongo, who earns Shs 21 million per month; Kamuli poultry farmer Johnson Basangwa, whose operation generates Shs 20 million daily; and State Minister Fred Byamukama, whose demonstration farm earns about Shs 700 million annually from eggs alone.
“These people are getting rich not because they live near tarmac roads or electricity, but because they use land properly,” Museveni stressed, urging Masindi residents to embrace commercial agriculture under the four-acre model.
While addressing development concerns raised by local leaders, President Museveni reassured Masindi District of renewed government focus after it missed out on earlier phases of the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) initiative. He confirmed that the district will benefit from the forthcoming Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) program, expected to start in 2026.
He also issued directives to the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, to tackle land grabbing and expedite the enforcement of the Sugar Act, following complaints from sugarcane out-growers.
Turning to the Parish Development Model (PDM), Museveni expressed concern about reports of mismanagement and vowed to ensure all funds reach beneficiaries. Masindi District and Municipality have received Shs 20.35 billion so far, of which 85.9% has been disbursed to 17,609 households.
“My new war is making sure PDM money does not leak,” he said.
The President was accompanied by First Daughter Natasha Museveni Karugire. Senior NRM leaders, including Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Among also addressed the rally, urging residents to back the NRM and President Museveni in the 2026 elections.
