God doesn't like traitors, Museveni tells Opposition politicians

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President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking re-election, has castigated Opposition politicians for being selfish and ideologically disoriented.

According to Museveni, who is the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag-bearer for the 2026 General Election, Opposition politicians have been advising the electorate to shun government development programmes, yet for them they don't reject government salaries.

“They are selfish and betrayers. Once you become a traitor, God doesn’t like it,” he said.

President Museveni made the remarks on December 22, 2025, while addressing thousands of NRM supporters from Masaka city and district during a campaign rally held at the Liberation Square, Masaka city.

He advised the wananchi not to listen to such selfish politicians but to embrace the Government’s poverty alleviation programs, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, to fight poverty and improve their livelihoods.

“When you're poor, you’re undermining the Government's efforts. You don’t contribute to the government treasury,” he said.

Market dues to land officials in hot water

The President also warned to arrest all town clerks, sub-county chiefs, and parish chiefs who engage in collecting market dues from the low-income earners. He noted that these Ugandans pay other forms of taxes, like when they purchase items such as beer.

On the other hand, President Museveni promised to apprehend intimidators of NRM supporters in Masaka and assured the electorate of a peaceful election period.

The decision followed complaints from NRM leaders who reported to the NRM National Chairman the opposition politicians who are threatening NRM supporters over their choice to belong and support the ruling party.

He further confirmed an increase of Parish Development Model Funds to Shs300 million in his next term of office, especially in highly populated areas to meet the high demand for wealth creation funds, thus ruling out any excuse for Ugandans to remain poor because the NRM has initiated enough wealth creation initiatives to cater for all groups of citizens.

New industrial parks

Additionally, he confirmed two new industrial parks for Masaka district and city in his next term of office as part of his plans to scale up job opportunities for area residents.

The planned industrial parks will be situated on a piece of land donated by former Vice-President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi in Bukakata and another one planned in Lukaya.

President Museveni further elaborated the prospects of the youth skilling initiative implemented through the Presidential zonal Industrial skilling Hubs with testimonies of success stories.

Furthermore, the President commended residents of Masaka district and city for their impressive uptake of the coffee growing initiative and promised to grant irrigation schemes and fertilisers to boost their yields.

At the same rally, President Museveni rallied the people of Masaka city and district to vote for him and other NRM candidates, reminding them of the party’s contributions to Uganda, such as peace and development.

On his part, NRM first national vice-chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo proposed new campaign mobilisation strategies for Masaka to win the forthcoming general elections at all levels.

The NRM second national vice-chairperson and Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, highlighted development interventions by the NRM in Masaka City and District and warned opposition politicians for clinging on NRM gains.

The NRM Vice Chairperson for Central Region, Hon. Haruna Kasoro, confirmed the growing support base for the NRM party in Masaka.

Rogers Bulegeya and Herman Muwulya, NRM chairpersons for Masaka city and district, respectively, assured the President of NRM victory in Masaka come the 2026 General Election.

Earlier, President Museveni launched the El Cambio Football Academy in Nyendo, Masaka City, founded by Thomas Thor. The academy aims to nurture young talent and promote sports development in the region.