PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS NUP CONVERTS, MUSLIM LEADERS, STUDENTS AND YOUTH GROUPS AT KOLOLO, REAFFIRMS FREE EDUCATION, WEALTH CREATION AND ANTI-CORRUPTION DRIVE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today met thousands of converts from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Muslim leaders, students from higher institutions of learning and youth groups at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Addressing over 10,000 NUP converts, President Museveni welcomed them to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and said it has historically been a party of the poor, founded on empowering citizens to elect their leaders from the village level (LC1) up to the presidency. He said this conviction informed his decision in 1997 to introduce free primary and secondary education, noting that many parents could not afford school fees. However, the President expressed concern that free education has been sabotaged by some leaders and head teachers, urging Ugandans to elect leaders who can effectively enforce government policies. He emphasized that free education must be implemented fully so that all children benefit. He urged the youth to strongly reject illegal charges in government schools, saying free education was introduced in 1997 but has not been properly implemented due to failure by school administrators. He also raised concerns over poor maintenance of murram roads despite annual government funding, calling for accountability and proper reporting where funds are insufficient. On wealth creation, President Museveni reiterated that government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and other initiatives were designed to lift households out of poverty. He called on every Ugandan to join their parish SACCOs and ensure parish committees help all members benefit. The President warned against the sabotage and theft of PDM funds, urging citizens to report those involved. Turning to health services, President Museveni said the government supplies medicines to public hospitals, but the persistent shortage is largely due to poor supervision and theft. He stressed that leaders must be held accountable to ensure drugs reach patients. President Museveni also addressed the issue of jobs, explaining that employment is largely generated through commercial agriculture, factories, services and ICT. He cited an example of Mr. Johnson Basangwa of Kamuli, who started poultry farming on a 50-by-100 plot and now employs over 300 people, demonstrating that wealth creation is possible even with limited land. Muslim leaders, including Sheikhs, pledged to support President Museveni in the upcoming elections. Sheikh Sulaiman Ssemakula, from Greater Mpigi thanked President Museveni for supporting Muslims and promoting unity, noting that the NRM respects all faiths without discrimination. The President assured Muslims that his role is to ensure all Ugandans, regardless of religion, access free education, healthcare, and opportunities for wealth creation. President Museveni also hailed the over 8,000 students from institutions across the country under Sauti ya Vijana, for complementing party structures. On corruption, the President urged the youth to decisively reject the vice, saying it undermines service delivery and development. Presidential Advisor, Ms. Hope Mazirwe thanked President Museveni for supporting students and establishing free education, further pledging continued student support to the NRM government. Mr. Jacob Eyeru, head of Sauti ya Vijana, said the initiative was created to engage over 3.1 million students who were in school during campaigns yet are eligible voters. He noted that the group is sensitizing students about NRM wealth creation programs and has established a WhatsApp platform to engage them during holidays on the party manifesto. In a separate engagement, President Museveni met the Unstoppable Group, led by Mr. Nelson Tugume, who assured him that the group has been traversing the country mobilizing support for the NRM. President Museveni reiterated that Uganda has made significant progress over the last 40 years, with about 70 percent of homesteads now in the money economy, and stressed that the government’s focus is to bring all households into the money economy through existing programs. He emphasized that free education in government schools and the fight against corruption remain non-negotiable priorities. The various groups reaffirmed their commitment to support President Museveni and the NRM in the forthcoming elections.

2026-01-11

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI UNDERSCORES IMPORTANCE OF AFRICAN MARKETS TO UGANDA’S PROSPERITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today met National Resistance Movement (NRM) local leaders in Kampala, using the engagement to reflect on Uganda’s economic transformation, the importance of African markets, and the principles that have sustained national unity and peace. The meeting held at the National ICT Hub in Nakawa, followed an earlier engagement with NRM leaders in Busoga, underscoring what the President described as the interconnectedness of Uganda’s regions and their shared economic interests. Addressing the leaders led by Aminah Nanziri Lukanga, the NRM Woman MP flag bearer for Kampala City, President Museveni pointed to Uganda’s shift from dependency to production, citing concrete examples from agriculture and industry. “Uganda used to smuggle sugar from outside. Today, we produce about 700,000 tonnes, yet our internal consumption is only 300,000 tonnes,” President Museveni said, noting that without regional markets, such industries would stagnate. He said milk production had reached about 5.3 billion litres annually, while domestic consumption stood at less than one billion litres, leaving a surplus of over four billion litres. Similar trends, he added, are evident in cement, timber and other sectors. According to the President, these realities explain why Uganda’s prosperity cannot be separated from Africa’s wider market. “That is when we realised that we need Africa. Pan-Africanism is not emotional; it is about prosperity,” he said. President Museveni linked this outlook to the founding philosophy of the National Resistance Movement, which rejected politics based on identity in favour of shared interests. “For wealth creation, identity is secondary. What matters is what you produce and who can buy it,” he said, using his own farming experience to illustrate how national and regional markets sustain livelihoods beyond ethnic or religious lines. He said this thinking enabled the NRM to build a national party capable of uniting Ugandans and sustaining peace. “When we say NRM has kept peace, it is because we rejected politics of identity and focused on interests,” he said. The President also reflected on the NRM’s 40-year journey, describing peace as the first “brick” upon which other achievements were built. Without stability, he said, progress in infrastructure, education, health and wealth creation would not have been possible. Drawing from traditional Banyankore wisdom, President Museveni explained the concept of okwombeka;- to build not merely as constructing houses, but as building sustainable livelihoods. “Okwombeka is building a life: creating wealth, raising a family and solving problems at the household level,” he said, urging leaders to look beyond physical infrastructure and focus on economic activity within homes. He commended government programmes such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM), describing them as deliberate efforts to move wealth creation directly to families. “That is why we introduced Entandikwa, Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation and PDM—to ensure households work and create wealth,” President Museveni said. Reflecting on Uganda’s political history, President Museveni warned against repeating mistakes rooted in identity-based politics, which he said failed to address people’s real needs. “Whether you are from this tribe or that religion, your needs are the same; education, health, jobs and income,” he said, stressing that misdiagnosis of national problems had previously led the country into crisis. The President concluded by reiterating that Uganda’s future lies in unity, productive work, regional cooperation and values which he said remain central to the NRM’s vision. “I am very happy to be with you,” President Museveni told the leaders, expressing confidence that the principles that guided the movement’s past would continue to secure Uganda’s stability and prosperity. In her remarks, Ms. Lukanga welcomed President Museveni and thanked him for the guidance and clarity he provided on Uganda’s economic prospects. “We thank the President for his leadership and for reminding us that our focus must remain on creating wealth for Ugandans and strengthening unity across regions,” Ms. Lukanga said. She urged local leaders to take the President’s message to heart, especially the emphasis on patriotic service and accountability. “As leaders of Kampala, we commit to supporting initiatives that drive household income, strengthen markets and uphold the values of patriotism and unity,” she said. “We must continue to work closely with communities, listen to their concerns and ensure that the programs designed to uplift families are implemented effectively.” The meeting was attended by NRM Local Council I and II leaders, councillors, and other stakeholders.

2026-01-10

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ASSURES BUVUMA LANDOWNERS OF COMPENSATION FOR OIL PALM PROJECT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer for the 2026 general elections, has assured the people of Buvuma District that the government will fully compensate landowners who surrendered their land for oil palm growing. The President who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni made the assurance today while addressing a campaign rally in Buvuma District. He said that the money is available and the matter is now being handled decisively. He explained that the long-delayed compensation would be resolved after careful verification to ensure that only rightful landowners are paid. “On compensating the oil palm landowners, we are going to discuss who should be compensated and who should not. The money is there, but we must study the matter very carefully,” President Museveni said. He disclosed that his legal team has already prepared a detailed report to guide the process. “My lawyer has a report for me. I am going to study it, and we shall work on it immediately,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd. Shs24bn Set Aside: Earlier, the NRM Vice Chairperson for the Central Region, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, acknowledged that compensation for land acquired under the oil palm project has been a long-standing concern among residents. Hon. Kasolo revealed that the government committed Shs24bn to compensate affected landowners, noting that Shs14bn has already been released. “The money that has been released should go to the rightful landowners. Every person who surrendered land for oil palm growing will be paid fairly. No one will be left out,” Hon. Kasolo said. He added that the government plans to establish an oil palm processing plant in Buvuma as part of the value-addition strategy to ensure sustainable incomes for farmers. President Museveni reminded residents that peace has enabled development across the country, including in island districts like Buvuma. “Everybody can see that we now have peace. We have development, roads, electricity, telephones, water, and internet,” he said. Turning to the fishing sector, the President blamed the degradation of Lake Victoria on human activity rather than enforcement agencies, urging fishermen to take responsibility for protecting the resource. “It is the fisheries that spoiled the lake. Don’t use the army as an excuse. The problem came from overcrowding and people entering breeding areas,” he said. President Museveni recounted how Uganda once had a thriving fish export industry, warning that indiscipline nearly destroyed it before government intervention revived the sector. He also pledged that the government will set up a fish processing factory in the district. The President acknowledged that Buvuma remains the only district in Uganda not connected to the national electricity grid but assured residents that the government is addressing the challenge. “We are working on it in two ways. One is using solar energy to generate electricity, and the other is extending power cables from Mayuge. I don’t know why it was delayed, but I have directed those responsible to report to me,” he said. On infrastructure, President Museveni said roads in Buvuma, though limited by geography, deserve upgrading. He also announced plans to upgrade Buvuma Health Centre IV into a district hospital, saying access to quality healthcare is critical for island communities. President Museveni welcomed the growth of education facilities in the district, describing it as a sign of progress. “There are now 20 government primary schools and 64 private primary schools. That shows development,” he said. He added that Buvuma has two government secondary schools and five private secondary schools, reiterating the government's plan to have at least one government secondary school per sub-county. Comparing island livelihoods to those of Karamoja, the President emphasized the need for boarding schools to support families whose children are affected by fishing schedules. “We need boarding schools. You take your child to school and go fishing without worrying,” he said, noting that First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet had taken note of the concern. On water access, President Museveni said the government has made progress but noted that more work is needed. Out of 213 villages, 112 now have access to safe water, representing 53 percent coverage, with several piped water systems completed, rehabilitated boreholes, and new solar-powered schemes underway. He also pointed to population growth as an indicator of stability and development. “When Buvuma became a district, there were about 50,000 people. Now there are over 110,000. That shows progress,” he said. As the NRM intensifies its nationwide campaigns, President Museveni called on the people of Buvuma to continue supporting the party, assuring them that outstanding issues , particularly compensation will be conclusively addressed. The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Buvuma District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. On her part, the First Lady urged Ugandans to remember the progress achieved under NRM over the past 40 years and to protect these gains by voting for the party and President Museveni in the upcoming elections. She emphasized that citizens must acknowledge the role of God and the NRM in Uganda’s development. “We have gathered here today to remember where the Lord has brought us from over the last 40 years. He has used the NRM to serve the entire country,” she said. “As it was said to the Israelites, do not forget where the Lord has brought you from. Likewise, we as Ugandans must remember that God has used the NRM all these years, and He will continue to protect the gains we have achieved.” Maama Janet urged the residents to support NRM candidates in the elections, linking their vote to the protection of national progress and future development. “Everyone must remember that you have a responsibility to vote for the incoming government. Don’t assume victory just because we are a big crowd here. On voting day, make your vote count so that our achievements become reality and let us maintain peace,” she said. Hon. Kasolo said, “Maama Janet, thank you for standing with the President and for coming to Buvuma. The people here are happy to welcome you.” He also commended the President for the development interventions extended to the island district, particularly the oil palm project, which he said is already yielding results. Hon. Kasolo noted that the first harvest of oil palm fruits was realised in October last year, marking a major milestone for farmers who embraced commercial agriculture under the project. “This is a clear sign that the President’s vision is working. The oil palm trees are now producing, and our people are beginning to see the benefits,” he said. The NRM chairperson for Buvuma District, Mr. Fred Wandera, commended the government for key infrastructure and livelihood interventions on the islands, while calling for urgent action on electricity, roads and social services to improve residents’ welfare. Mr. Wandera thanked President Museveni for the modernised ferry services, saying they have significantly eased transport between the islands and the mainland, improving trade and access to essential services. “The new ferry has transformed movement on the lake. Our people can now transport goods and travel with more ease and dignity,” Mr. Wandera said, noting that transport had long been one of Buvuma’s biggest challenges. Mr. Wandera highlighted the impact of the Parish Development Model (PDM), describing it as a critical intervention for households transitioning into the money economy. Buvuma District, which has nine sub-counties and town councils, 38 parishes and 213 villages, has a population of 110,832, according to the 2024 census. He reported that the district has so far received Shs13.56bn under PDM, with Shs11.59 bn (86.2%) already disbursed to 11,756 beneficiary households. “This programme is helping families invest in productive activities, but we still have many households to reach,” Mr. Wandera said. Under the Emyooga programme, Mr. Wandera said Buvuma has 16 SACCOs with 8,018 members, which have collectively received Shs500 million to boost income-generating activities. On health services, Wandera said all sub-counties have at least a Health Centre III, with Buvuma HCIV serving as the highest-level public health facility in the district. Mr. Wandera said the government is implementing four large solar-powered water supply schemes in several villages, alongside new boreholes, borehole rehabilitation and additional piped water systems. Under Water for production, he highlighted completed solar-powered irrigation schemes in Lwalwanda, Bowoya and Buvuma Town Council, which are supporting crop production and generating millions of shillings annually for farmers. “These projects show what is possible when government interventions reach island communities,” Mr. Wandera said. “What we now need is electricity and improved road infrastructure to fully unlock Buvuma’s potential.” The rally was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2026-01-03

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HAILS PROPHET DAVID ISANGA FOR PRIORITISING WEALTH AND JOB CREATION MESSAGE AMONG BELIEVERS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Prophet David Isanga, the overseer and spiritual leader of the Universal Apostles Fellowship Church of Righteousness for prioritising the message of wealth and jobs creation in his ministry. “I thank you for encouraging the believers to work hard and embrace the government programs aimed at eradicating poverty,” he said. President Museveni made the remarks on Wednesday 31st December, 2025 in his message delivered by the Special Presidential Assistant- Press and Mobilization also Deputy Press Secretary, Haji Faruk Kirunda during the Church's End of Year Glorification and Thanksgiving Convention, held in Kilama, Kaliro District. The President explained that human beings have both spiritual and physical needs, which are equally important in life. “The spiritual needs are satisfied through praying to God, studying the scriptures, listening to religious and moral instruction, fasting, praise and worship, etc. These enable a believer to draw closer to God and impart good morals and discipline in relating with other people,” he said. “However, there are also physical needs that must be satisfied in order to achieve a happy, fulfilling and productive life. These include: food, water, shelter, medicine, hospitals, schools, clothes, transport, a job, etc. In a modern economy, you cannot obtain the goods and services which are necessary to sustain life without money.” He explained that to achieve a productive life, an individual or household must eliminate moneylessness or subsistence living, which satisfies only one need i.e. food. He said moneylessness can be eliminated by undertaking a profitable enterprise in one of the four sectors of: commercial agriculture, industries, services and ICT. “These are the four sectors where you can create jobs and wealth.” President Museveni further urged religious leaders to encourage the believers to work towards achieving decent and better standards of living. “This is a crucial point which some believers fail to understand and put into practice. In the process of working for heaven, some of the faithful become negligent about their earthly responsibilities and thereby end up perpetuating and entrenching socio-economic backwardness and poverty in their respective families and societies,” he said. The President implored the faithful to emulate Jesus Christ who prayed, healed the sick, fed the hungry and earned his bread by working alongside his earthly father Joseph as a carpenter. “He worked for both the spiritual and socio-economic uplift of his family and society. This is what all Christians must emulate,” he noted. President Museveni also thanked God for the continued peace, unity and stability in Uganda. “It is gratifying that Uganda has remained peaceful; and there is a lot of agricultural and industrial production. The shops are full and the markets are full. Yes, there is still poverty among the 30% of the households still outside the money economy (Abakolera ekiddakyoonka, tic me ic keken), but the way-out for them is well laid out and the resources to support the process are available and up-scalable (PDM, Emyooga, ghetto funds, bodaboda fund, etc.),” he said. “Finally, the future is bright. Let us pray for peace in the whole of Africa and more economic and political integration in Africa to continue to solve the problem of markets for our products and services and strategic security.” On his part, Prophet David thanked President Museveni for steering Uganda’s socio-economic transformation through various programs such as Parish Development Model and Emyooga. He also applauded him for consistently guaranteeing freedom of worship in Uganda, explaining that it's the reason why the Universal Apostles Fellowship Church of Righteousness exists. Prophet David further rallied believers to vote for President Museveni and other NRM flagbearers in the 2026 general elections for more development. The event was also attended by the Minister of State for Bunyoro Affairs, Hon. Jenipher Namuyangu, Bulamogi County MP, Hon. Bwiire Sanon, Kaliro Woman MP, Hon. Brenda Namukuta, among other leaders.

2026-01-01

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS VICTORIA SUGAR LIMITED FACTORY IN LUWERO

His Excellency, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda and National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate for the 2026 general elections, today commissioned the Victoria Sugar Limited Factory in Luwero District. The President was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni. While addressing leaders, workers, and residents, President Museveni commended the management and staff of Victoria Sugar Limited for their contribution to Uganda’s industrial growth and wealth creation agenda. He reiterated the government's commitment to addressing workers’ welfare, including the issue of the minimum wage, as part of broader efforts to reduce poverty and spur economic growth. “I am aware of the issue of the minimum wage, and I am going to fix it. Tosobola kukama nte nga tosoose kulongoosa kiraalo — you cannot milk a cow before cleaning the kraal,” the President said. The President further emphasized that the government will continue working to reduce the cost of electricity, transport, and water in order to enhance industrial competitiveness and improve livelihoods. He also urged Ugandans to support the NRM and its flag bearers in the forthcoming general elections for sustained service delivery and socio-economic transformation. Speaking on behalf of the company, Mr. Jiyani Alpesh, Managing Director of Victoria Sugar Limited Luwero, welcomed the President and expressed appreciation for the stable and enabling investment environment fostered under his leadership. Mr. Alpesh noted that the Victoria Group operates across multiple subsectors, including sugar manufacturing, clean energy co-generation, distillery operations, plastics manufacturing, tarpaulins, tyre manufacturing, tiles production, steel products, cable manufacturing, recycled batteries, and household utensils. He revealed that the group directly employs over 8,000 Ugandans and indirectly supports more than 9,000 livelihoods through outgrowers, suppliers, and customers. The group’s plantations cover 17,000 acres in Luwero and surrounding areas, with an additional 10 square miles acquired in Kiryandongo for future expansion. Mr. Alpesh further highlighted the company’s contribution to Uganda’s energy security, noting that Victoria Sugar generates 15 MW of clean energy, with 10 MW supplied to the national grid, and is in the process of installing an additional 3 MW of biogas power. He disclosed that the group has invested over USD 150 million to date and contributed UGX 225 billion in direct and indirect taxes between 2018 and 2024, significantly supporting national development and public service delivery.

2025-12-30

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ASSURES NAKASEKE FOREST SETTLERS OF SECURITY, PLEDGES LEASE ARRANGEMENTS AS HE INTENSIFIES 2026 RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured residents of Nakaseke District, particularly those living in forest reserve areas, that the government will not evict them but will instead formalise their stay through lease arrangements that promote wealth creation alongside environmental conservation. Addressing a packed campaign rally at Nakaseke District headquarters in Butalangu on Tuesday, 30 December, 2025, President Museveni who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, stated that the government would engage with settlers occupying forest reserve land and allow them to use it under long-term leases of up to 49 years, provided they participate in tree planting and adopt sustainable land use practices. “We are going to arrange to enable you to enter an agreement with the government to give you a lease on that land for something like 49 years,” President Museveni said. “As you carry out your wealth creation activities, such as commercial farming and grazing animals, you will be required to preserve that land by planting trees.” The President clarified that the land in question had originally been set aside by the government for forest establishment, but noted that forest restoration could still be achieved through the active participation of communities already settled there. “If it was a traditional forest like Budongo Forest, I would have chased you,” President Museveni added, drawing laughter from the crowd, as he distinguished between protected natural forests and degraded reserves that can be restored through agro-forestry. The assurance followed concerns raised earlier by the NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, who warned that residents in forest reserves such as Kanyogoga, Kamusenene, Wakyato, and parts of Ngoma trading centre were facing imminent eviction by the National Forestry Authority (NFA). She told the rally that many of the settlements had over time developed into fully-fledged communities with schools, health centres, places of worship, and other public amenities, making eviction socially and economically disruptive. Nakaseke District hosts several central forest reserves, including Kapimpini and Kamusenene, which have come under pressure from human settlement, agriculture, and grazing. President Museveni, who is also the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the party’s presidential flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, said he was pleased to return to Bulemeezi, describing it as a historically diverse and significant region. “This is our traditional place with people from all walks of life — Baganda, Banyankore, Lugbara and others,” he said. Nakaseke lies at the heart of the Luwero Triangle, which was a major battleground during the 1981–1986 NRA bush war. Using the rally to campaign for renewal of the NRM mandate, President Museveni outlined what he described as the party’s seven major contributions to Uganda over the last four decades, urging voters to use them as a basis for the 2026 decision. At the top of the list, he placed peace and security. “Uganda was in wars for a long time, even before Europeans came but it has been 40 years since the NRM has kept Uganda peaceful.” He argued that sustained peace had provided the foundation for development, investment, and wealth creation across the country, including in previously war-ravaged areas like Nakaseke. On infrastructure, President Museveni recalled that for a long time, the Kampala–Luwero–Gulu road was the only major road serving the region. Since then, the government has invested in new and upgraded roads, including the Matugga–Semuto–Kapeeka road. “We have added on Kampala–Luwero–Butalangu, and we are going to expand it to Ngoma up to Masindi,” he said. The President urged voters to elect leaders who understand government priorities and can effectively lobby for development. “Ask the Members of Parliament you will elect to listen to my message, especially on the issue of prioritisation,” he said. He noted that Nakaseke previously had no electricity but now enjoys near-universal access, with plans to extend power to remaining unserved areas. In education, President Museveni said the district now has numerous primary, secondary, and technical institutions, including a teachers’ training college, compared to just a handful in the past. Wealth creation beyond subsistence: However, President Museveni cautioned residents against relying solely on social services and subsistence farming, emphasising that wealth creation at the household level was critical. “NRM has been telling you from the beginning that you must also work for the pocket, not only for eating,” he said. He cited the example of George Matongo of Ngoma in Nakaseke, who transformed his life through commercial dairy farming. “That man collects 900 litres of milk per day, earning Shs21 million per month and over Shs200 million in a year,” President Museveni said. The President also challenged local dairy farmers, many of whom own large tracts of land, to adopt intensive farming practices instead of extensive grazing, which he described as under-utilisation of land. “Use your land profitably by planting grass and feeding many cows in a small place,” he advised. To reinforce the message, President Museveni highlighted Joseph Ijara, who runs both poultry and dairy farming on just 2.5 acres. Ijara started with four cows, which have grown to eight, producing between 20 and 36 litres of milk per cow per day. He also sells 600 trays of eggs monthly. “He earns Shs6 million from eggs and about Shs800,000 from milk, totaling Shs6.8 million per month,” President Museveni said. “What you need to understand is to use small amounts of land and earn more. On one acre, you can put eight dairy cows and get out of poverty.” Lessons from Karamoja: President Museveni also cited examples beyond Nakaseke to show that wealth creation is possible even in less developed regions. He pointed to Korea Dick Ogira, a model farmer in Abim District, Karamoja sub-region, who received 200 mango seedlings under Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and Shs1 million through the Parish Development Model (PDM). Ogira planted mangoes alongside cassava on two acres and earned Shs12 million in the first year by selling mangoes at Shs1,000 each. “Next year I expect to get Shs18 million, and in a year Shs32 million after two harvests,” Ogira said in a video clip shown at the rally. “That man is in Abim, where there is no tarmac road, but he is creating wealth,” President Museveni said. “Development may not be there, but wealth is there.” Jobs come from wealth: The President said wealth creation leads directly to job creation, dismissing claims that government is the main source of employment. “Government jobs are only 480,000 against a population of 50 million,” he said. “Jobs are in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, artisanship, services and ICT.” He cited Johnson Basangwa of Jeka Poultry Farm in Kamuli District, who produces 2,000 trays of eggs daily, earning about Shs20 million per day. “Basangwa employs 300 people,” President Museveni said. “He started poultry on a 50 by 100 plot. His wealth has created jobs.” The President also referenced industrial parks such as Sino-Mbale, which hosts 75 factories employing about 12,000 workers, and Namanve Industrial Park with 273 factories employing over 24,000 people. Closer to Nakaseke, President Museveni pointed to Kapeeka Industrial Park as evidence of NRM’s commitment to industrialisation and employment. During the rally, President Museveni acknowledged additional concerns, including land grabbing, land use conflicts, the welfare of veterans and former fighters, and outdated road equipment in the district. He pledged continued engagement to address the issues. On her part, Maama Janet thanked residents for turning up in large numbers and urged them to protect the gains achieved under NRM. “The people of Nakaseke must not forget that the rally should continue on January 15 by voting for Museveni and other NRM flag bearers,” she said. “Vote for NRM to continue working for Uganda to be an example in Africa — a country with families transforming themselves into wealth.” NRM Deputy Secretary General, Hon. Rose Namayanja hailed the transformation of Bulemeezi from a war zone to a thriving commercial area with milk coolers and commercial dairy production. NRM Vice Chairperson for Central Region, Hon Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune thanked Gen. Salim Saleh for guiding Nakaseke residents on NRM ideology and praised local leaders for avoiding NRM-leaning independents. Nakaseke NRM Chairperson Hajji Mohammed Ggubya welcomed President Museveni and highlighted post-war recovery. “Before the war, towns like Kiwoko, Nakaseke, Kapeeka and Semuto existed, but the war destroyed them,” he said. “Now they are back with storied commercial buildings.” He noted that the district had one secondary school in 1986 but now has 17 government secondary schools, several technical institutions, and over 114 government primary schools, alongside 256 private schools. NRM Vice Chairperson for Nakaseke, Hajjat Saida Bbumba, appealed to President Museveni to resolve land challenges hindering development. The rally was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee members, Ministers, Members of Parliament, former national leaders, party flag bearers, and district officials.

2025-12-30