President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a stern warning to politicians, particularly members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, cautioning them against using their personal funds in political campaigns with the aim of addressing the needs of their constituents.

Speaking at an address held today at the Kololo Independence grounds in Kampala, President Museveni, who also serves as the Chairman of the NRM, emphasized that this practice is both costly and ineffective, depleting personal resources without bringing about significant change in the lives of the population.

“As if you haven’t been closely following political leadership, I don’t know why you use your money in politics. This is a grave mistake, counterproductive, and entirely unnecessary. We must cease this ill-advised approach to politics,” President Museveni remarked.

The President’s remarks were delivered during a meeting with 478 NRM party flag bearers and chairpersons representing the five divisions comprising Kampala: Rubaga, Nakawa, Kawempe, Makindye, and Kampala Central.

In a press release from State House, President Museveni encouraged NRM leaders to focus on communicating their ability to utilize government resources to address the needs of their constituents, rather than relying on personal finances.

“If they listen and elect you, it will be beneficial. If not, you can continue with other pursuits and maintain stability in your life. By conveying the message of the NRM, they will eventually return to you. However, using personal funds for politics is a significant mistake,” the President emphasized.

President Museveni shared a personal anecdote, revealing that during his 63 years in Ugandan politics, he has never sold his cows to finance election campaigns. He likened politics to the role of a doctor, diagnosing issues and prescribing solutions, with the understanding that the patients (the electorate) pay the doctor (the politician) for their services, not the other way around.

Additionally, President Museveni pledged a condolence package of 10 million shillings to each bereaved family, demonstrating his commitment to the welfare of Ugandan citizens.

Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, expressed gratitude for President Museveni’s counsel, applauding him as an exceptional leader who listens to and addresses the concerns of the people.

Rose Namayanja, the NRM Deputy Secretary General, thanked President Museveni for his continuous engagement with NRM flag bearers in Kampala and for his unwavering stance against homosexuality, which aligns with efforts to preserve Uganda’s culture and values.

Namayanja assured President Museveni of Kampala’s readiness to support the ruling party in the upcoming general elections, emphasizing that the opposition offers nothing substantial to the constituents.

“We have hope that with adequate support, our NRM flag bearers in Kampala can help the party reclaim its position at the top,” Namayanja stated.

Finally, NRM flag bearers congratulated President Museveni and Mama Janet on their 50th wedding anniversary, recognizing this milestone as a significant testament to the preservation and importance of the family institution in Uganda.

The meeting saw the presence of various leaders from the NRM secretariat, including Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, NRM Director of Mobilization, and Emmanuel Dombo, NRM Director for Information and Publicity, among others.