Mukono, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to fast-track the development of alternative road networks around Kampala to ease chronic traffic congestion, while warning against the theft and mismanagement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in Mukono District.
Addressing a massive NRM campaign rally at St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Naggalama Grounds on Friday, President Museveni said heavy traffic from Mukono, Wakiso and other neighbouring districts has made it urgent for government to prioritise outer ring roads and inter-district connectors that allow vehicles to bypass Kampala city.
“We need roads that allow vehicles to avoid Kampala city. Because of the heavy traffic, we want most cars to pass outside the city instead of all traffic being forced to go through Kampala,” Museveni said.
The President noted that government has already invested heavily in major highways and continues to upgrade strategic routes, including the Kampala–Jinja highway.
He confirmed that the Mukono–Kampala section has been completed and assured residents that works on the remaining Mukono–Jinja stretch will be finalised.
Museveni highlighted completed and ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Kayunga–Kangulumira–Jinja road, Mukono–Katosi (Bakunja) road and the Kayunga–Baale–Galiraya road, describing them as critical for trade, regional connectivity and congestion reduction.
Responding to concerns raised by Mukono District NRM Chairperson Hajji Haruna Ssemakula over congestion along the Mukono–Kampala corridor, the President said feeder and connecting roads, including the Misindye–Kiyunga–Naggalama–Zirobwe road, are already part of government plans.
“We need roads connecting Mukono to Zirobwe, Seeta, Namugongo and Nansana so traffic does not have to pass through Kampala,” he added, noting that rapid urban expansion has turned the Northern Bypass into what is now effectively a central route.
On wealth creation, Museveni expressed concern over persistent complaints of theft and mismanagement of PDM funds in Mukono, allegedly involving some parish officials and SACCO leaders.“The money is there.
I am sending it and it is reaching the villages, but some people are diverting it,” he said, urging residents to attend parish SACCO meetings and hold leaders accountable.He warned that any SACCO committee elected without a lawful general meeting is illegal, revealing that the PDM National Coordinator, Hon. Galabuzi Ssozi, will be sent to Mukono to verify whether parish committees were properly constituted.The President also criticised apathy, especially among youths, saying failure to participate in leadership processes enables corruption to thrive. “Enjoyment must come after work, study and service to the country,” he remarked.According to official figures, Mukono District and Municipality, with 97 parishes, have received Shs34.59 billion under the PDM, with Shs28.52 billion already disbursed to more than 31,000 households.
Campaigning on the NRM manifesto ahead of the January 15, 2026 elections, Museveni reiterated that infrastructure development must go hand in hand with household wealth creation, urging families to embrace commercial agriculture, enterprise and the Four-Acre Model.
The President was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, senior NRM leaders and Cabinet ministers.
Maama Janet called on residents to vote for NRM candidates, citing the party’s track record in delivering stability and development.
NRM leaders described Mukono as a strategic electoral battleground and expressed confidence of improved performance in the 2026 polls, with party officials highlighting gains in education, health, water, sanitation and industrialisation across the region.
