BUZIGA, Kampala: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate has declared that Uganda’s reliance on imported vehicles particularly from Japan is coming to an end, citing the country’s growing capacity for domestic vehicle manufacturing through Kiira Motors Corporation.
General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni made the remarks while addressing a campaign rally at Buziga Islamic Primary School in Makindye Division, Kampala City. He highlighted Uganda’s progress toward self-reliance in key sectors, including motor vehicle production, driven by the full-scale operations of the Kiira Electric Vehicle plant in Jinja City.
President Museveni noted that local vehicle manufacturing is one of Uganda’s most strategic investments, creating jobs and wealth for citizens while reducing dependence on imports. He recalled that shortly after independence, he had appealed to Japanese companies to establish vehicle assembly plants in Uganda, but they declined.
“Now that we have built Kiira Motors and are manufacturing our own vehicles, those same companies are returning, seeking permission to assemble here. I have refused. I will only accept companies that manufacture, not merely assemble, because manufacturing creates jobs for Ugandans,” the President said.
He urged residents of Makindye division to identify additional sectors in which they can actively participate to benefit from the ongoing national wealth and job creation drive.
Warning Against Violence
President Museveni cautioned the electorate against individuals promoting violence, describing them as enemies of Uganda’s development, wealth creation, and socio-economic transformation. He emphasized that the NRM government has delivered significant achievements across multiple fronts, including peace and stability, economic growth, job creation, youth skilling, and social development.
He called on voters in Makindye Division to safeguard these gains by re-electing him and all NRM flag bearers in the forthcoming general elections.
Parish Development Model
On the Parish Development Model (PDM), President Museveni said the government, through the Ministry of Local Government, will support parishes to elect accountable and trusted leadership for PDM committees. This follows reports of mismanagement, delays, and unnecessary conditions imposed on beneficiaries in some areas.
He clarified that PDM SACCOs are intended to become permanent parish banks fully owned and controlled by the beneficiaries.
“In five years, these SACCOs will be worth up to Shs500 million. That is a lot of money, and it will grow even more as government funding increases. We are strengthening leadership to address gaps and challenges,” he said.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has further directed NRM flag bearers in the area to convene meetings with residents, listen to their concerns on service delivery, and report back to him for immediate action.
On his part, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Kampala, Hajji Salim Uhuru, underscored the importance of the ongoing youth skilling initiatives and the Parish Development Model.
Mr. Uhuru noted that the Presidential Skilling Hub program across Kampala’s five divisions under the leadership of Dr. Faith Katana Mirembe has significantly improved the lives of many young people. He credited President Museveni for championing the initiative, saying it has had a profound impact on youth empowerment in the city.
He further assured President Museveni of strong electoral support from Kampala residents in the forthcoming elections.
Beneficiary Testimonies
During the rally, beneficiaries of the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Makindye Division shared testimonies of transformation.
Ms. Naigaga Nighty Lesnah, a resident of Kibuli, said she acquired skills in shoe making at the Wabigalo skilling hub. A Senior Three dropout and former housewife, she learned about the program through a television advertisement and enrolled at no cost.
“Before joining, life was very hard. My husband struggled to pay school fees and provide for the family. Today, I run a workshop in Namuwongo, employ three people, and pay each Shs200,000 per month. I can now pay school fees for my children,” she said.
Ms. Naigaga, who is also the Chairperson of the Makindye Division Skilling SACCO, thanked President Museveni for the opportunity. The President applauded her for creating employment for fellow youth.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Ssalongo Mubiru Umar from Wabigalo, said he previously earned a living by fetching water for residents. He learned about the skilling program through a community radio and was surprised that registration only required a national ID and a letter from the LC1, with no fees involved.
After training in electrical installation, he now owns a small workshop and thanked the President for the initiative.
First Lady’s Message
The First Lady, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, urged young people in Makindye Division to demonstrate their commitment to national development by re-electing President Museveni and all NRM candidates.
She called on voters to turn up in large numbers on polling day and reminded citizens that voting is a civic duty.
“Our generation made sacrifices to bring peace, unity, and stability to this country. Some shed blood so that Uganda could be peaceful. Your generation must protect these gains. Reject anyone who wants to drag you into chaos and conflict,” she said.
