President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hit out at Ugandans who constantly bombard him with personal and community requests, saying the begging has become overwhelming and distracting from national priorities.
While addressing residents of Kamwenge district during his ongoing Parish Development Model (PDM) zonal tour on Sunday, the President did not mince words:
“I don’t want you to keep disturbing me. Stop shouting at me while I am on the wheel driving,” Museveni said.
“I am in the driver’s seat, but there are so many voices behind me, telling me what to do and how to drive. You will make me lose control.”
The message was clear: Ugandans need to stop begging him for every little thing. From broken roads to personal favors, Museveni said citizens have made a habit of bringing endless demands that are not even budgeted for by the government.
During the rally, local leaders pleaded for repairs on key roads like Fort Portal-Kijura and Kyenjojo-Kamwenge, which need Shs 77 billion—but Museveni stood firm, saying current focus is on fighting poverty through PDM and Emyooga.
“You people are always crying to me for things, but we are trying to lift those who are stuck in poverty,” he added.
“Should we abandon them because you want roads?”
The President’s frustration with the public’s growing “begging culture” reflects a deeper concern as Uganda approaches the 2026 elections—the pressure to deliver quickly on everything from infrastructure to social services is building.
