Kampala, Uganda – Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has accused President Yoweri Museveni of using the ongoing Parish Development Model (PDM) tours as a guise for early campaigning ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In remarks made during a press briefing in Kampala, Lukwago questioned the legality and fairness of the president’s countrywide engagements under the PDM initiative, citing concerns that they are being used to woo voters before the official campaign period begins.
“The Electoral Commission has not yet issued the official campaign roadmap, but here we are seeing President Museveni traversing the country, mobilising people in the name of PDM. This is a clear abuse of public resources for political gain,” Lukwago said.
The Lord Mayor also challenged the Electoral Commission (EC) to rein in what he called premature campaigning by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), warning that failure to act could compromise the credibility of the 2026 elections.
The Parish Development Model, launched in 2022, is a government initiative meant to eradicate poverty at the household level by channeling support through the parish administrative units.
However, opposition leaders and critics argue that the program has increasingly become politicized, especially in the lead-up to elections.
Lukwago further alleged that NRM leaders are using PDM meetings to distribute campaign-like messages, including praising Museveni’s leadership and promising future support, which contradicts the supposed non-partisan nature of government development programs.
“We are not against development, but let it be separated from politics. What we are witnessing is the blurring of lines between state and party,” he added.
There has been no immediate response from the State House or the Electoral Commission regarding Lukwago’s accusations.
As political tensions rise and parties prepare for the 2026 election cycle, observers have called for the EC to clearly enforce electoral laws and guidelines to prevent state resources from being misused for partisan activities.
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