By Brian Keitira
President Yoweri Museveni’s ongoing countrywide tours to assess the Parish Development Model (PDM) are a strategic move to boost his chances in the 2026 presidential elections. The PDM aims to improve household incomes, especially in rural areas and sub-regional communities, by channeling resources to the parishes through their saccos.
Since inheriting a broken economy in 1986, the NRM government has made significant strides in improving the livelihoods of Ugandans. Household poverty rates have decreased from 19.7% in 2013 to 8.4% in 2020. Museveni has introduced various initiatives in the past, including the rural farmers scheme in the 1990’s, Bona Bagaggawale in 2007, Youth Capital Venture that later turned into Youth Livelihood Program, NAADS, OWC and Emyooga in 2020. However, these initiatives have always faced challenges such as corruption, bureaucracy, and financial illiteracy which left 38% of Ugandans outside the money economy.
To address these challenges, the NRM and President Museveni allocated 100m to parishes, which will double to 200m in the next financial years. The PDM focuses on grassroots economic development, similar to initiatives like Rwanda’s Vision 2020 and Kenya’s Big Four Agenda. By promoting financial inclusion and enhancing productivity, the PDM seeks to transform the livelihoods of Ugandans, particularly in rural areas.
Museveni’s tours have taken him to various regions, including Eastern Uganda, Busoga, and Kigezi sub-regions, with Ankole sub-region being his next destination. During these visits, he meets successful farmers who have benefited from the PDM, launches development projects, and engages local stakeholders to evaluate the program’s progress.
A key aspect of Museveni’s tours is the official opening of zonal skilling hubs like Nakabango,Teso & Kigezi presidential hubs which aim to equip the nation’s young workforce with practical skills for self-employment and job creation. For instance, 12,000 youths have been equipped with skills in motor mechanics, plumbing, and electric installation across 19 facilities in Uganda.
These tours have undoubtedly given Museveni and the NRM an upper hand in the 2026 elections , bringing him closer to the people than ever before. The recent defections of opposition MPs to the NRM, such as Twaha Kagabo from NUP and Hon. Anthony Akol from FDC, break away of Mpuuga from NUP, the internal divisions in NUP like we saw in selection of candidates for Kawempe North by-election further demonstrate the shifting political landscape in Uganda. As the 2026 elections approach, Museveni’s commitment to the PDM and his engagement with local communities are likely to bolster his campaign. With the NRM poised for a potential landslide victory, Museveni’s strategic move to focus on grassroots development may prove to be a decisive factor in the upcoming elections.
The Writer Is A Senior Cadre And Works With Office Of The National Chairman NRM.
