Museveni Pledges Major Infrastructure Upgrades and Youth Access to PDM Funds in Ankole Campaign Push

Ankole, Uganda

President Yoweri Museveni has told residents of the Ankole region that his next term will deliver improved roads, expanded access to electricity and a new district hospital. Speaking during a campaign stop, the President framed infrastructure as the cornerstone of economic transformation. His message highlighted a vision in which rural communities are connected to markets and essential health services, arguing that this foundation is key to eliminating poverty and driving youth employment.

Museveni also used the platform to directly address frustrations surrounding the Parish Development Model (PDM). Young people have repeatedly criticized the programme for requiring land ownership as a condition for funding, shutting out many who are unemployed or still living with family. The President acknowledged corruption concerns in the initiative and urged officials to ensure the youth are given fair access to financial support regardless of land status — a major shift from current implementation practices.

Why it matters

The 2026 elections are approaching rapidly, and Museveni’s messaging appears aimed at energizing young voters and communities that say service delivery has lagged. With infrastructure gaps visible across the region and youth unemployment still high, these promises seek to rebuild trust in a demographic increasingly vocal about inequality and political accountability.

What to watch

How quickly government ministries respond to concerns about PDM bureaucracy and corruption will be closely followed. The timeline for new hospitals and road upgrades could influence voter confidence heading into next year’s polls.