President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday launched the Kampala phase of his Parish Development Model (PDM) campaign by officially commissioning the newly constructed Busega Central Market in Rubaga Division. The visit marked the beginning of a week-long PDM outreach aimed at energizing urban economic transformation under Uganda’s flagship poverty eradication initiative.
The President, accompanied by the First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, applauded traders for engaging in meaningful enterprise but urged them to take full advantage of government infrastructure, calling on them to hold their leaders accountable for the delivery of services.
“In this building, your merchandise is now secure from the rain. I remember how you used to struggle on the streets during bad weather,” Museveni said. “Now that the government has played its part, the next step is your responsibility: ensure you elect leaders who work for you.”
Traders Raise Access Concerns as Market Opens
The Busega Central Market, built under the Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement Programme (MATIP) with support from BADEA, is one of Kampala’s largest modern markets, hosting over 2,800 vendors. While praising the facility’s improved hygiene and security, vendors expressed concerns about customer access and the lack of supporting infrastructure.
“Customers find it hard to access the market, and our perishable products, such as fish, are rotting,” said Jimmy Kawuma, the Market Chairperson. “We shall be very grateful for a proper road that links us directly to the main road.”
In response, Museveni committed to working with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to develop an access road from the Northern Bypass and to secure adjacent land to expand the fish-selling section of the market.
He also pledged financial support to several local SACCOs operating in the area, including Shs 100 million to Busega Market SACCO and Busega Fish Dealers SACCO, and Shs 50 million to a SACCO formed by local sheikhs.
Museveni Blames Leaders for PDM Implementation Gaps
President Museveni used the platform to call out what he described as a failure by elected leaders in Kampala to push for PDM implementation and transparency.
“Where I have been, people tell me PDM money isn’t reaching them and is being stolen. I blame you partly for electing leaders who don’t demand accountability,” he said.
He urged Rubaga voters to “liberate their area” by voting wisely in upcoming elections.
“I can come to try and solve your problem, but you need someone close to you… to follow up. I want you to liberate your area,” he added.
The Kampala phase of the PDM campaign will include visits to other divisions, engagements with urban farmers and artisans, and is expected to culminate in a major rally at Kololo Independence Grounds on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
The PDM is Uganda’s flagship program aimed at lifting 3.5 million households out of the subsistence economy. While it has seen varying levels of success in rural Uganda, its rollout in urban centers like Kampala remains a litmus test for government accountability, urban planning, and citizen mobilization.
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