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President Yoweri Museveni urged opposition leaders to encourage their supporters to participate in government development initiatives during a ceremony in Mwera Village, Mityana District. He highlighted the importance of collaboration for economic growth, emphasizing that government funding for poverty alleviation is meant for all Ugandans. Museveni recognized Ms. Anna Maria Mukaluyinda Nakampi for her support during the NRA struggle, promoting participation in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.

President Yoweri Museveni has urged opposition politicians to stop discouraging their supporters from participating in government-led development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods across Uganda. Speaking during a ceremony in Mwera Village, Mityana District, where he handed over a house and car to Ms. Anna Maria Mukaluyinda Nakampi for her role during the National Resistance Army (NRA) struggle, Museveni stressed the importance of cooperation in wealth creation efforts.

“It’s dangerous for opposition leaders to discourage their supporters from embracing government programs. In the 1960s, I was in opposition, but I was already advocating for wealth creation in the cattle corridor,” Museveni said.

The President highlighted that government funding, such as the annual allocation of UGX 100 million to communities for poverty alleviation, is meant to benefit all Ugandans. He emphasized the need for residents to make the most of the funds and resources provided by the government, adding, “This is your money, not mine, and it’s there to help you get out of poverty.”

Museveni encouraged Ugandans to engage in wealth creation through sectors such as commercial agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, and services, particularly under the “four acres model” that focuses on agricultural diversification. He also pointed out that development, such as infrastructure and services, benefits everyone, but individual wealth depends on personal initiative.

First Lady Janet Museveni and their daughters, Natasha Museveni Karugire and Patience Rwabogo, accompanied the President. The event honored Ms. Nakampi, a civilian who supported the NRA during the liberation struggle by providing shelter and resources to fighters. “She was not a soldier, but her contributions were invaluable,” the President said in recognition of Nakampi’s support.

The ceremony was attended by several government officials, including Vice Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Moses Kigongo, who lauded the President for remembering those who contributed to the struggle. He called for unity and urged Ugandans to reject divisive politics.

Additionally, Museveni reaffirmed the government’s stance on land issues, particularly landlords evicting squatters, and promised to allocate more resources to the Land Fund to protect the rights of bibanja holders.

The event was marked by further pledges from the President, including funds for local SACCOs and support for Catholic parishes in the area.

This outreach by President Museveni underscores his broader message of unity and cooperation in the quest for economic development, calling on all Ugandans, regardless of political affiliation, to participate in programs aimed at improving their welfare.