President Museveni Urges Makindye Residents To Embrace Self-Reliance Through PDM

By Gad Masereka

During a community engagement held at Ttaka Jjunge along Salaama Road in Makindye Division, President Yoweri Museveni emphasized that while infrastructure development remains essential, it is not in itself the final solution to the challenges facing Ugandan households.

His remarks came as part of his ongoing Kampala Parish Development Model (PDM) Wealth Creation Tour, which seeks to promote sustainable livelihood programs at the grassroots level.

Speaking to hundreds of residents of Makindye division, the President acknowledged the government’s investment in urban infrastructure, noting that Kampala’s road network had significantly improved. “You now have over 900 kilometers of tarmac roads, up from just over 200 kilometers some years ago,” he said. “That’s a good achievement, but as I always tell you, you don’t sleep on a tarmac road. Development must also happen in your own house.”

He reiterated that the essence of the PDM is to move beyond government-led service delivery and empower citizens directly. While access to government services such as hospitals, schools, electricity, and water remains vital, Museveni argued that real transformation begins when citizens take charge of their own economic progress.

“Study how government services are delivered in your area,” he advised. “But also see what you can do from home. If you can afford it, send your children to a private school. That is development too.”

The President warned against overreliance on government officials and bureaucratic systems, suggesting that public funds should increasingly go directly to the people through initiatives like the PDM. “That’s why we abolished the old model of relying only on government operations,” Museveni said. “We now take the money and give it directly to the communities. That way, you have ownership of your progress.”

He acknowledged some irregularities in the distribution and implementation of PDM funds and promised a thorough review. “There have been complaints, and we’re going to study the situation. If anyone is misusing this money, we shall fight that,” he said. “But what matters is that the money is now reaching you, the people and that is what we must protect.”

The President revealed that a new funding window would soon be introduced targeting local leaders. “I am going to launch another program for leaders,” he said. “This one will have a special fund for leaders who also want to engage in productive work. But I don’t want them to compete with the ordinary people. This is a separate category.”

In a wide-ranging address, Museveni also highlighted overlooked gaps in infrastructure connectivity which he said is caused by voting the opposition.

He cited an example along the Entebbe Expressway in Busega where a key access road to a market was missing. “I was told there is no inlet from the Northern Bypass to the market, just about 200 meters,” he said. “That is unacceptable. I’m going to personally follow that up and make sure it’s fixed.”

The President’s call for support did not end with policy recommendations. In a brief political appeal, he urged the residents of Makindye to vote for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the next election, citing the party’s track record in infrastructure, security, and economic empowerment. “You can see what we have done. Give us your vote so we can continue,” he said.

Kampala Capital City Authority Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, who was also in attendance, praised President Museveni for his unwavering commitment to urban development. She applauded the government’s allocation of over Shs500 billion to improve roads in the capital, noting that this investment has already begun to reshape mobility and commerce in the city.

For many, the PDM has become more than a policy, it is a personal call to action to create wealth not only through infrastructure, but through unity, enterprise, and deliberate household transformation.