MUBENDE, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni urged media professionals from the Greater Mubende region to become active agents of change, emphasizing their role in promoting East African unity and defending national development programs.
During a dialogue held at the State Lodge in Mubende, Museveni stressed the media’s critical role in fostering regional cohesion and driving national development initiatives, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Museveni, who is conducting an assessment tour of the PDM, which began April 15, told journalists they are not merely reporters but shapers of society and guardians of public interest.
“You, the journalists, should be at the forefront of promoting regional integration. Sensitize the public through radio and media platforms. Those who are still focusing on Buganda, Ankole, or other regions in isolation are making a mistake. Uganda alone is not enough,” Museveni said.
He highlighted the importance of regional markets, drawing from his own experiences.
“We need the East African market. Internal markets are limited. That’s why we always tell you that this is not just about economics, it’s also about politics. Regional integration will help us get better prices through a wider market,” Museveni added.
Museveni tasked journalists with holding local leaders accountable, particularly in the implementation of the PDM, which aims to uplift Uganda’s poorest citizens.
“We brought PDM money to help the poor. How do leaders come in and take it? You must defend your people’s money. Use your media platforms to expose those who are not serving. Tell the people that some of these problems come from voting in the wrong leaders,” he said.
He clarified the PDM funding process, from the Ministry of Finance to commercial banks and SACCOs, and urged journalists to demystify it for the public.
“You journalists should explain how this program is supposed to work. Mobilize the people, expose the corrupt. This is your role in protecting national development,” he emphasized.
Addressing falling maize prices, Museveni advocated for long-term solutions, including value addition and the removal of regional trade barriers.
“The price drop cannot be solved overnight. We need more value addition to turn cassava into posho or ethanol. If Kenya wasn’t blocking our maize, the demand would be there. That’s why we need East African integration,” he explained.
Museveni concluded by reminding journalists of their responsibility to uphold the principles of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), including patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy.
“Your job is not just reporting it’s building the nation. Love Uganda, love Africa, and use your voice to uplift the people,” he said.