PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES TO IMPROVE ROAD CONNECTIVITY IN LANGO SUB-REGION AS CAMPAIGNS INTENSIFY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Chairman and Presidential flagbearer of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has pledged to continue improving the road infrastructure in the Lango sub-region. Addressing more than 15,000 NRM leaders gathered at Lango College in Lira City on Sunday, December 7, 2025, President Museveni acknowledged concerns raised about regional connectivity and pledged to review the issue of eastern access to ensure fair and balanced infrastructure development across the entire sub-region. “I’m going to study the issue of eastern access, the one you talked about. That one makes sense,” President Museveni said. “It makes no sense for someone from Namasale in Amolatar to travel all the way through Lira, Kamdini, and Karuma when Nakasongola is just across the water. Somebody from Namasale is only 80 miles away from Kampala. But when you make them go around, it’s not fair,” President Museveni said. He was responding to one of the key issues presented during the meeting, regarding the sub-region’s low connectivity through tarmac roads. The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, highlighted a proposal by leaders from Amolatar, Dokolo, and Alebtong districts seeking additional road upgrades to facilitate trade, tourism, and regional accessibility. Hon. Obua requested the President to consider annexing the Dokolo–Bata–Abako–Aloe Road, a stretch of 42.4 km, to other ongoing major road projects such as the Dokolo–Namasale Road or the Lira–Aloe–Alebtong Road. He argued that the route has strategic importance, such as improving connectivity, supporting trade, easing access to the newly developing ferry links at Amolatar and Kaberamaido, and reducing travel time between Lango, Acholi, and Karamoja. The enhanced connectivity, he said, would also open up tourism access, especially toward Kidepo Valley National Park. “If it pleases you, that road can even continue from Aloe through Apala, crossing the Rwenkunyu road from Ogul. That would shorten movement and enhance connectivity by tarmac in the Lango sub-region,” Hon. Obua said. Quoting a report by the Equal Opportunities Commission, Hon. Obua noted that Lango stands at only 5% tarmac road coverage, the lowest among Uganda’s regions, despite leading in availability of secondary schools and health centres. “The people believe a good road is an enabler to wealth creation and household income, because it provides access to markets,” he said. The event, one of the largest political mobilization meetings in the region, aimed at empowering NRM leaders from Local Council One (LC1) to the district level with information and campaign tools as they prepare to rally support for President Museveni’s re-election bid and all NRM flagbearers across Lango. President Museveni outlined key infrastructure developments undertaken in Lango and the surrounding region, citing the tarmacking of major roads such as the Soroti–Lira road, the Rwenkunyu–Masindi Port–Lira–Apac road, and the ongoing works on the Bobi–Aboke road. “These have been done through prioritization,” he emphasized. President Museveni called upon the people of Lango to vote massively for NRM in the 2026 elections, citing the seven key contributions the ruling party has made to Uganda, as contained in the NRM manifesto. These include, among others, peace and security, development of physical and social infrastructure, wealth creation and poverty reduction, education expansion, job creation through commercial agriculture, industry and manufacturing, expanding markets, and regional integration. President Museveni reminded the gathering that Lango had suffered immensely during eras of insecurity—citing the 1970s Idi Amin regime, the 1979–1985 wars, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency, and cattle rustling. “The people of Lango know what lack of peace means,” he said, naming several individuals he personally knew who were killed by Idi Amin. He recounted his own opposition to the 1971 coup: “At 5 pm on the same day Amin took over, we met as a student movement in Bugoloobi and said we must fight Idi Amin. That night, I left Uganda and joined others in Tanzania. God has blessed us—there is peace now.” He warned those “playing around with that peace” to be very careful, saying Uganda suffered too much to gamble its stability. President Museveni also said the party will soon discuss the possibility of paying monthly salaries to select NRM leaders at the grassroots as part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots mobilisation network ahead of the 2026 general elections. He said the proposal to introduce a salary structure for some party leaders needs careful evaluation due to its financial implications. “We shall have to discuss and agree on how many NRM leaders could be paid and why,” he said. “You can’t afford to pay salaries to all of them because there are many, in millions. But some, like the administrative secretaries, are already being supported. After the discussion, we shall agree on who we pay a salary to per month.” President Museveni, however, emphasized that salaries alone would not be a sustainable method of supporting NRM grassroots leaders. Instead, he proposed wealth creation programs as a more effective and long-term solution for empowering the majority of the party’s leaders. He referenced the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) initiative, which he launched years ago in the Luweero Triangle together with Gen. Salim Saleh. Through that program, households of former fighters were initially supplied with seedlings such as coffee, before the initiative expanded to the wider population. “What was done in Luweero can be done for all NRM leaders and then supporters,” President Museveni emphasized. In addition, he noted that under the Parish Development Model (PDM), the government was now adding Shs 15 million per parish specifically for local leadership, a move he said would further stimulate income generation and community-driven development. “The best way is to help families to have their own income to support themselves and the party, where needed,” he said, drawing contrasts with historical political formations in Uganda, where he rejected the idea of compelling party members to pay subscription fees, as was common in older parties such as the UPC and DP. “How can you ask poor people to contribute?” he asked. “It should be the other way round—where the party supports its members, families, and other Ugandans, who would in turn voluntarily contribute to the party if they have extra money.” The NRM’s Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Among praised President Museveni for restoring peace to the region. “You would sleep one week on the road because of insecurity caused by Kony–Lakwena rebels,” she said. “But we want to thank you for sacrificing yourself and bringing peace.” Rt. Hon. Among also introduced the massive gathering of 15,000 leaders from the ten districts of Lango—Apac, Kole, Otuke, Alebtong, Kwania, Oyam, Amolatar, Dokolo, Lira, and Lira City. She applauded President Museveni for increasing LC1 chairpersons’ pay from Shs 10,000 to Shs 100,000 and requested that they be made ex-officio members of district councils so they can directly monitor government programs. “People keep saying, ‘Don’t vote for President Museveni.’ Do you own the voters?” She challenged critics. “This country belongs to all of us. For me, I can assure you, we are going to deliver.” Rt. Hon. Among emphasized that candidate Museveni’s trust in Lango, is reflected through key ministerial appointments from the region, including the Ministers of Health, Gender, and the Government Chief Whip. Hon. Obua, who earlier welcomed President Museveni to what he termed a historic gathering, said no similar meeting of such magnitude had ever been held in the history of NRM. He urged the President to replicate the same model in Acholi and West Nile, arguing that such engagements energize grassroots structures. Hon. Obua outlined President Museveni’s achievements in the region, including, establishment of Lira University, the upgrading of Lira Hospital to a Regional Referral Hospital (RRH), the development of Akii Bua Stadium, and the progress on four strategic road projects, including the Dokolo–Kaberamaido–Namasale and Abuke–Bobi roads. After the Lira meeting, the President is scheduled to resume his campaign itinerary on Monday, December 8, 2025, with visits to Kamwenge and Kyegegwa districts.

2025-12-08

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES TO PROMOTE FISH FARMING IN BUKEDI

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called upon the leaders of Bukedi sub-region to preach the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s wealth creation message, stressing the need to promote modern farming, value addition and enterprise development. He made the remarks on Sunday 7th December, 2025 while addressing over 10,000 NRM leaders gathered at Pallisa Secondary School playground in Pallisa district. The meeting, organised by the Speaker of Parliament and NRM’s Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among brought together leaders from the districts of Pallisa, Tororo, Busia, Butebo, Butaleja and Kibuku aimed at strengthening mobilisation and advancing socio-economic transformation. President Museveni emphasised the NRM government’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities in the Bukedi sub-region, declaring that the government will help to aggressively promote fish farming in the sub region to boost household incomes and empower communities. “This is something we are going to promote aggressively here in the Bukedi region. When individuals get rich, the whole country gets rich,” he said, encouraging leaders to guide the population towards development. He also called upon the people of Bukedi to work towards creating wealth, explaining that wealth created by individuals and families is what ultimately leads to sustainable job creation, especially through commercial agriculture, factories, ICT and services. The President further tasked leaders to ensure government programmes reach households that need them most. On the other hand, President Museveni called upon the people of Pallisa to vote for NRM come 2026 elections, highlighting the party's seven contributions to Uganda for the last 40 years. He said the contributions include among others; peace, development of social and physical infrastructure, wealth creation, job creation, market expansion and regional integration. He also promised to extend support to the families of the people of Busia whose people were killed by the Force Obote Back Again (FOBA) rebel group. “We have not even supported the families of the people who were killed by FOBA, we still have that issue. We shall have to support those families,” he said. President Museveni cautioned the leaders to take the issue of peace seriously, recalling the years Lakwena brought instability in Tororo. He also advised Members of Parliament to support prioritisation, arguing that it helps to eliminate inefficiencies. “One by one makes a bundle,” he said, noting that several major projects, including key roads, would not have been possible without strategic prioritisation. “You either prioritise or make mistakes,” he added. President Museveni further promised to extend support to leaders through offering start-up capital. On her part, Rt. Hon. Among thanked the President for honouring the invitation and pledged continued collaboration between local leaders and the government to enhance development in the Bukedi sub-region. She also commended President Museveni for increasing the salary of LCI chairpersons from Shs10,000 to Shs100,000 monthly and called them upon to extend the President’s wealth creation message to their people.

2025-12-08

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MUNYAGWA’S FATHER THROWS WEIGHT BEHIND PRESIDENT MUSEVENI AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS

Hajji Bruhan Sserunga, a veteran community leader and father of Hon. Mubarak Munyagwa, the presidential candidate for the Common Man’s Party, has publicly hailed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his exceptional leadership, sending a strong message of respect and confidence ahead of the elections. Speaking to thousands of President Museveni’s supporters during a campaign rally at Kayombo Primary School in Kitagwenda today, Mzee Sserunga declared, “I am a civilian veteran. I helped the NRA war people by offering shelter. I have seen where this country has come from and where it is going. I hail President Museveni for his good and wise leadership.” He also praised the President’s vision for peace, development, and wealth creation, highlighting how the community has benefited from the government’s various development programs. Mzee Sserunga further requested the people of Kitagwenda to overwhelmingly vote for President Museveni for another term in office for more development. President Museveni, visibly moved, commended Mzee Sserunga for his lifelong service to the nation, saying his counsel and support have been invaluable to the local communities. “I thank God for enabling me to meet my veteran comrade Mzee Bruhan Sserunga, the father of Munyagwa, who understands the challenges of our fishing communities, I will engage him further,” he said. On the other hand, President Museveni hailed Kitagwenda farmers for engaging into the money economy, something that he has emphasized since the 1960s. “I thank the farmers in Kitagwenda. I have been informed that 60% of the homes are already engaged in the money economy, this is good news, it is something that we have been talking about since the 1960s, wealth creation at the household level is key for you as an individual,” he said. The President highlighted the distinction between development and wealth, noting that while development benefits the entire community, wealth creation is an individual, family, or company-based endeavor. “Many people confuse development and wealth. Development is for all, but wealth is personal. In Banyankole, when one is blessing another, they say, kazaare, katungye ente no tookye, they don’t say katungye tarmac,” he explained. He emphasized that despite the presence of long-standing infrastructure, such as tarmac roads, some people remain poor. “Yes, development is key, but wealth at a household level is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted,” President Museveni said. On peace and security, the President expressed gratitude to the Local Defence Units (LDU) for supporting the army in defeating the ADF rebels. “The people of Kitagwenda are neighbors to Congo; you are witnesses that without peace, people die, property is destroyed, and lives are ruined. The NRM has refused war,” he noted. The President also pledged that the government is going to work on the Ibanda–Kagongo–Kabujogera–Kamwenge road. “We have secured a loan for this project,” he said, adding that some infrastructural delays are due to prioritization, as the army often focuses first on security and equipment. Turning to wealth creation, President Museveni praised individuals practicing practical farming. He highlighted Mr. George Matongo, a local farmer who transitioned from subsistence farming to earning income through modern commercial agriculture. “If you don’t have income in your homes, you are causing problems for your family but also for your country because the government gets taxes from what you buy. When you have no money, you are not contributing to your family or your nation,” he stressed. President Museveni also pledged to set up a coffee factory to support farmers in the district. On job creation, the President said, “Government jobs are only 480,000. Factories alone have created 1.3 million jobs. I really feel sorry for Africa when people call themselves leaders by just talking. When you produce a good, who buys it? The internal market is not enough. That’s why the NRM says: let’s have Uganda unite maximally. When I produce milk in Mbarara, I am happy when the people of Arua buy it. We need a broader market, Uganda, East Africa, and Africa.” President Museveni also highlighted success stories from the Presidential Skilling Hubs. He shared the story of Ninsiima Moria from Kitagwenda District, who dropped out in Primary Three but later joined the Kyenjojo Presidential Skilling Hub. “I studied hairdressing and mindset change for six months free of charge. Everything such as food, accommodation, and medicine was provided,” Ninsiima said. “After training, I started my own salon and now I employ two workers. I also train students and earn an income every weekend. I have 20 hens and a coffee plantation.” The President praised Ninsiima, noting that she is now skilled, a wealth creator, and an employer. On her part, the Speaker of Parliament and Second National Vice Chairperson of the NRM, Hon. Anita Annet Among, hailed residents of Kitagwenda for their loyalty to the ruling party and commended them for warmly receiving the President during his visit to the district. Rt. Hon. Among described Kitagwenda as a hard-to-reach area that has historically faced service delivery challenges but credited the President for granting the area district status, saying the move has laid a firm foundation for accelerated development. She praised the President for his continued support to farmers, noting that Kitagwenda is predominantly a coffee-growing district whose farmers rely heavily on access to quality seedlings and sustained government backing to improve productivity and incomes. The Speaker also commended the government for investing in water infrastructure, citing the Kanara Gravity Water System, which cost Shs375 million and is now serving more than 1,600 farmers, significantly easing access to clean water for both domestic use and agricultural activities. On health services, Rt. Hon. Among backed the request raised by the district leadership, confirming that Ntara Health Centre IV will be upgraded to a district general hospital, a development she said will improve access to specialised healthcare and reduce referrals outside the district. Regarding infrastructure, she informed residents that the Ibanda–Kagongo–Kabujogera–Kamwenge road has already been approved for construction, and assured them that works will commence soon. Rt. Hon. Among reaffirmed President Museveni’s commitment to youth empowerment, describing him as a leader who consistently prioritises young people through targeted programs aimed at employment creation and wealth generation. She concluded by urging unity within the NRM, stressing that party cohesion remains central to sustaining peace and accelerating development across communities. The NRM Chairperson for Kitagwenda District, Mr. Nathan Masana lauded President Museveni for maintaining peace and rolling out government programs that are transforming livelihoods, particularly among the youth, women and the elderly. Mr. Masana noted that Kitagwenda is a young district, having been carved out of Kamwenge in 2018 and beginning full operations in 2019. Despite its youthful status, he said the district has registered steady progress anchored on stability and targeted government interventions. He particularly appreciated the Emyooga programme and the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he said are steadily integrating households into the money economy. Kitagwenda District, Mr. Masana reported, is administratively composed of 13 sub-counties and town councils, 55 parishes and 356 villages, with a population of 184,947 people, according to the 2024 National Population Census. On wealth creation, he revealed that the district’s 55 parishes have cumulatively received Shs16.89 billion under the PDM, with 99.91 percent of the funds already disbursed to 16,875 beneficiary households. Mr. Masana further informed the President that Kitagwenda has 18 Emyooga SACCOs with 12,543 members, which have so far received Shs960 million in government support. In the education sector, he noted that the district has 68 government and 88 private primary schools, as well as seven government and 13 private secondary schools. Six government secondary schools offer Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Universal Post-O-Level Education and Training, with a combined enrollment of 32,703 learners. However, he pointed out gaps in access, noting that 23 parishes still lack a government primary school, while seven out of the 13 sub-counties do not have a government secondary school. Health service delivery, Mr. Masana said, remains a key challenge. Of the 13 sub-counties, only one has a Health Centre IV and four have Health Centre IIIs, leaving eight sub-counties without any health facility of that level. He therefore appealed for the upgrade of Ntara HCIV to a general hospital and the elevation of several Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs, alongside the construction of new Health Centre IIIs in Ntara Town Council, Kicheche, Ruhunga and Mahyoro sub-counties. On water and sanitation, Mr. Masana reported that 62 percent of villages have access to safe water, leaving 37.9 percent still unserved. He highlighted major achievements, including the rehabilitation and expansion of gravity flow schemes, construction of piped water systems serving thousands of residents, solar-powered water projects, drilling of boreholes and construction of public latrines. He said government plans are underway to close the remaining gap through solar-powered mini water schemes, rehabilitation of existing sources, and targeted investments aimed at achieving universal safe water coverage within the next two years. In agriculture, Mr. Masana cited successful solar-powered irrigation systems in Ntutu and Kyendangara sub-counties, which are boosting coffee production and generating millions of shillings in annual income for farmers. On infrastructure, he welcomed the connection of Kitagwenda to the national electricity grid, noting that eight sub-counties are already connected, with the government pledging to extend power to the remaining sub-counties in the next term. He further appealed for the construction of the Ibanda–Kagongo–Kabujogera–Kamwenge road, describing it as a vital link for trade, service delivery and regional integration. Mr. Masana concluded by expressing gratitude to the President for peace and steady development, pledging continued support for the NRM and government programs aimed at transforming the lives of ordinary Ugandans. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-12-06

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI WOOS KABAROLE AND FORT PORTAL VOTERS, PLEDGES MORE DEVELOPMENT NEXT TERM IN OFFICE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni this afternoon held his campaign rally at St. Leo’s Kyegobe Playground in Fort Portal City, addressing both Kabarole District and Fort Portal City residents. President Museveni reiterated the NRM’s core contributions to Uganda, beginning with peace. He noted that communities in the Rwenzori sub region understand the value of peace because of the instability in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. President Museveni emphasised that stability was achieved because the NRM rejected politics of sectarianism based on religion, tribe and gender, enabling the government to build strong national institutions such as the army, police and judiciary. On development, the President explained that it consists of economic infrastructure like roads, electricity, telecommunications and railway. He highlighted the road network in the region, noting that when the NRM came into government, tarmac roads stopped in Mityana. The NRM extended the Mityana–Mubende–Fort Portal road and constructed several others, boosting socio-economic transformation. He assured the public that road works—both tarmac and marrum would continue. President Museveni, however, expressed concern about the poor maintenance of marrum roads, despite the government sending funds, saying some sub-counties either lack adequate resources or mismanage what is allocated. He assured residents that the government will investigate and resolve the issue. President Museveni further revisited the teachers’ recent demands for salary increments, saying the government had prioritised critical investments such as roads and defence. He explained that soldiers still live in grass-thatched houses because the government prioritised security over accommodation, which enabled Uganda’s stability. Speaking on the third NRM contribution—wealth creation—the President gave the example of Tumusime Deziranta of Rubirizi, who lived near a tarmac road for 64 years but remained poor, illustrating that development alone does not create individual wealth. He emphasised the need to separate wealth creation (personal) from development (public). He reminded residents of the 1996 four-acre model for small landholders, encouraging mixed enterprises such as coffee, fruits, pasture, food crops, poultry, piggery and fish farming for those near wetlands. He highlighted the Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama as a successful example of the four-acre model and announced that the government will create a revolving fund to help farmers acquire fertilisers for better yields. The President reported that Uganda’s coffee production has grown to 9 million bags annually, showing that both individuals and the nation are becoming richer. He also underscored NRM’s fourth contribution—job creation—saying that jobs come from commercial agriculture, factories, services and ICT. President Museveni welcomed requests for an industrial park in Fort Portal and revealed that the government has already secured 10 square miles in Kyaka for the park. He encouraged urban dwellers and those not interested in agriculture to embrace skilling programmes to fight poverty and create employment. The Speaker of Parliament and Second National Vice Chairperson of the NRM, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among thanked the President for giving Fort Portal a city status. She also appealed to the people of Fort Portal and Kabarole to vote for President Museveni and other NRM flagbearers. Kabarole District NRM Chairperson, Hon. Victoria Businge Rusoke, thanked the President for the peace ushered in by the NRM, which has enabled development across the region. She also appreciated the granting of city status to Fort Portal and the establishment of Mountains of the Moon University serving nine districts. She pledged 99% support for the President in the forthcoming elections. Fort Portal City NRM Chairperson, Mrs. Claire Kasande, hailed the President for the development registered in the area, across sectors such as education, health, water, electricity and others.

2025-12-06

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES COCOA PROCESSING FACTORY FOR BUNDIBUGYO

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday, 5th December, 2025, promised to set up a cocoa processing factory in Bundibugyo, saying that the project will transform the district’s agricultural potential into industrial wealth and create thousands of jobs. Speaking during a campaign rally ahead of the 2026 general elections, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer said the government has secured committed investors and that the project will mark a turning point for Uganda’s biggest cocoa-producing district. “We’re going to establish a cocoa factory,” President Museveni said. “I went to America long ago and asked them to come and make chocolate here, but they refused. Now we have serious investors and we shall have our own factory.” Bundibugyo accounts for over 70% of Uganda’s cocoa exports, making it a critical source of foreign exchange. President Museveni said the factory will not only add value to cocoa but also anchor a broader industrial ecosystem. “We shall not put only one factory but a town of factories like Namanve and Mbale,” the President said, referring to Namanve Industrial Park, which employs 24,000 workers, and the Sino-Mbale Industrial Park which hosts 75 factories and employs 12,000 people. The NRM candidate reiterated his long-standing argument that Uganda’s job creation capacity lies in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT—not the public sector. “There are only 480,000 government jobs yet we are 50 million Ugandans. How will those jobs sustain us all?” he asked, giving examples of successful private-sector entrepreneurs like Johnson Basangwa of Kamuli whose poultry business employs 300 workers. He urged youth to embrace skills development and enterprise, praising testimonies from Ntoroko Industrial Hub graduates now running successful tailoring and carpentry businesses. The President also delivered his message around the NRM’s seven contributions to Uganda, beginning with peace. “Uganda had become ungovernable. People died, properties were destroyed. But when NRM came, peace returned,” he said, contrasting Uganda’s stability with security turbulence in neighbouring DR Congo. The second contribution, he noted, is development, recalling how Uganda once exchanged maize for road construction with Yugoslavia. He promised to rehabilitate the aging Mubende–Fort Portal–Bundibugyo road, now riddled with potholes. However, H.E. Museveni warned against “misplaced prioritization,” taking a swipe at public servants who demand salary increments before critical infrastructure is completed. “Teachers strike, wanting more salaries now. But what do I do first—fix the road for Bamba and Bakonjo or increase salaries? We must prioritize,” he said. On education, the President said Bundibugyo currently has 107 government primary schools and 12 secondary schools. Under the NRM plan, every parish should have a primary school and every sub-county a secondary school. Turning to health, President Museveni gave a detailed breakdown which included one government hospital, two HCIVs (Bwamba and Bughendera), each with two doctors, 14 HCIIIs and 10 sub-counties without a single HCIII or HCIV. He announced upgrades and new HCIII constructions in Ngite, Bundingoma, Busoru, Bulyambwa, Mabere, Mbatya, Ndugutu, Kagugu, Ntoroko, and Buganikere Town Council. Ongoing projects include Ntotoro HCIII, Kyondo HCIII, and a maternity complex at Nyahuka HCIV. President Museveni repeated his long-standing message that prevention remains Uganda’s strongest health pillar. “You see me, I’m 81 years old and have spent two months campaigning, but I’ve not been to hospital. Prevention is better than cure,” he said, urging citizens to embrace immunization, clean water, and healthy lifestyles. He criticized theft of medicines in health centres, saying local leaders and elected representatives must take responsibility:
 “I have given you the gun to shoot the thief, but you don’t know how to use it. Elect serious leaders who will supervise your interests.” Regarding wealth creation, the President revisited his hallmark distinction between development and wealth, urging residents to embrace commercial agriculture. He cited Bundibugyo cocoa farmer Benard Kacuro, who earns up to Shs 75 million per month during peak harvesting, which is proof that wealth can grow even before infrastructure arrives. He also mentioned a cattle farmer - George Matongo of Nakaseke, who milks 900 litres daily and earns about Shs 250 million annually, despite living 70 miles off a tarmac road. President Museveni reminded supporters of the NRM’s four-acre model introduced in the 1996 manifesto, encouraging households with small landholdings to grow coffee, fruits, food crops, and adopt zero-grazing dairy farming alongside poultry, piggery, and fish farming. “People of Bundibugyo had already understood this message,” he noted. Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, also the NRM’s Second National Vice Chairperson, affirmed that the government has progressed on the creation of Bughendera District. “In the last cabinet meeting, the President pronounced himself on creating Bughendera District,” she said, warning local leaders against sowing division or mobilising people against government programmes. “You cannot refuse people to attend rallies over district issues that are already in process,” she said. Bundibugyo District NRM Chairperson, Mr. David Kabyanga applauded President Museveni for what he called “immense gains” under his leadership. He said the cocoa factory assessment team had completed its work, and the district now awaits actual construction. Mr. Kabyanga highlighted achievements under PDM and Emyooga. He said 40.6 billion shillings has been received under PDM for 130 parishes, while 36 Emyooga SACCOs have received 1.5 billion shillings. This is in addition to the 1 billion shillings allocated for repair of roads and bridges destroyed by floods. However, he asked the government for a special consideration due to frequent landslides that wash away infrastructure. “Before the roads are completed, landslides come and destroy the work. We need special facilitation for road funds,” he said.

2025-12-05

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES SWIFT ACTION FOR 9,000 NTOROKO FLOOD VICTIMS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer, has today announced firm government action to resolve the plight of over 9,000 people displaced by floods in Ntoroko District. Addressing thousands of supporters at Karugutu Secondary School, Ntoroko during a campaign rally, the President said he had already instructed his Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to coordinate an immediate response from top government officials. “I have directed the PPS to invite the Prime Minister and the Head of Public Service to come and deal with the issue of the 9,000 flood victims who are stuck here,” the President said. The displaced residents have been living in temporary shelters and IDP camps since 2019, after rising water levels of Lake Albert and the overflowing River Semliki submerged homes, schools and health facilities in Kanara Town Council and Kanara Sub-county. The President assured the community that the situation would be handled urgently. He added that the government would also review the budget for the Semliki Bridge, which remains a concern for residents. On the challenges surrounding access to Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, the President directed the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi, together with the PDM Secretariat, to meet affected persons and resolve the issue of expensive processing. Turning to national matters, the President reminded Ugandans that peace remains the foundation of the country’s development. “We have maintained peace under the NRM government. We border Congo, and today we host about 700,000 refugees from there. We are surrounded by wars in Congo, South Sudan and Somalia, but Uganda remains stable,” he said. He highlighted the government's efforts in expanding economic infrastructure like roads, electricity and security and noted that delays in some areas were caused by competing priorities. “We the soldiers have survived all these years on the principle of Kamu Kamu, gwe muganda,” he said. The President further applauded the education strides in Ntoroko District, noting that it now boasts 38 government primary schools, 44 private primary schools, five government secondary schools and nine private secondary schools. “Those who know where we have come from as a nation can testify,” he said. He further announced a series of major health sector upgrades to improve service deliver; upgrade Karugutu HCIV to a General Hospital, upgrade Musandama HCII in Nombe Sub-county to HCIII and construct new HCIIIs in Kibuku Town Council, Karugutu and Rwebisengo Sub-counties. The President noted that out of the 10 sub-counties in Ntoroko, four; Karugutu, Rwebisengo, Nombe and Kibuku still lack a HCIII, HCIV or hospital but said the government is moving to close this gap. Ntoroko District currently has two HCIVs in Ntoroko Constituency, staffed with six doctors and supported by an ambulance at Karugutu HCIV. President Museveni also reaffirmed government commitments to; continue nationwide immunisation programmes, work towards total malaria eradication, use ICT to track medicines and reduce health worker absenteeism and construct staff houses for health workers. The President further thanked the people of Ntoroko for their resilience and support to NRM. He also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Ntoroko District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. The First Daughter, Mrs. Natasha Karugire Museveni representing the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, thanked supporters for turning up in large numbers. “Thank you for coming, I want to thank Mzee. Many young people and I are grateful for your tireless work over the years day after day ensuring the peace of Uganda and our continued advancement and development,” she said. Mrs. Karugire reminded the gathering that the peace the country enjoys today was hard-earned and must be protected. “It is our responsibility to preserve it, and we do that by voting,” she noted. On behalf of the First Lady, Mrs. Karugire noted: “ Maama Janet’s message for 15th January is that each one of us should go out and vote, vote for Mzee, the old man with the hat, and for the NRM. Thank you, and God bless you all.” The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, also the NRM Second National Vice Chairperson praised the President for restoring peace and security in Ntoroko District, saying the area had long suffered insecurity but now enjoys stability under his leadership. “Your Excellency, thank you for the work you have done in this district. This place has faced situations of insecurity, but you have ensured that our people now sleep in their homes and their property is protected,” she said. Rt. Hon. Among reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upgrading the Karugutu road, noting that the funds had been allocated for it, alongside Shs 22 billion that was provided in the supplementary budget for affected persons of the floods. She added that the most urgent priority now is the resettlement of the 9,634 people displaced by the floods, urging that the matter be fast-tracked. “Now that you know the problem, we believe you are going to resolve it,” she said. She also commended the Doctor Dee Project that has been rolled out in Ntoroko—an initiative she said is strengthening services in roads, health, schools, and border-related areas because of the district’s proximity to the DRC. Rt. Hon. Among further noted that the President’s leadership has been consistent and inclusive. “Before I came to western Uganda, I thought you were doing this only in the east and north. Now I know you love the whole of Uganda. You are the leader we are looking for—not one who just comes to try,” she said. “You are our only hope. You brought this country from instability to stability, from no hope to hope. Today, people even have PDM money.” The Ntoroko District NRM Chairperson and State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, highlighted the district’s development profile, noting that Ntoroko has 10 sub-counties and town councils, 46 parishes and 178 villages, with a population of 114,858, according to the 2024 census. He reported strong progress under the Parish Development Model programme. Ntoroko’s PDM SACCOs have so far received Shs 16.7 billion, of which Shs 14.5 billion (86.47%) has been disbursed to 14,509 households—representing 71.89% of the district’s 20,180 households. The district also benefits from 18 Emyooga SACCOs comprising 9,777 members, which have collectively received Shs 760 million. Hon. Mugarra noted that Ntoroko now has a solid education footprint, with 38 government primary schools and 44 private primary schools, spread across 46 parishes. Thirty parishes have at least one government primary school, while 16 still lack one, although some parishes host more than one institution. At the secondary level, the district has 5 government and 9 private secondary schools, with all five government schools offering Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Universal Post-O-Level Education and Training (UPOLET), serving a combined enrollment of 3,251 students. To address gaps, the district is benefiting from the construction of four Seed Secondary Schools, which will reduce the number of sub-counties without government secondary schools from five to just one. He also highlighted the Ntoroko Presidential Industrial Zonal Skilling Hub, where 937 youth have already been trained, and an additional 240 trainees are currently enrolled. Out of Ntoroko’s 178 villages, 111 now have access to safe water, representing 62.35% coverage. The remaining 67 villages, or 38%, are yet to be served. Completed water interventions include; expansion of piped water systems in Itojo, Rwebisengo–Kanara and Nyakatok, construction of 3 rainwater harvesting facilities , rehabilitation of 12 boreholes across several communities and construction of public sanitation facilities in Rwangara and Itojo. Operational piped water systems now serve tens of thousands. District sanitation interventions also included construction of public latrines, drilling of deep boreholes, spring well rehabilitation, and extension of piped water to underserved villages. Planned projects include expansion of piped water to Kanara and Karugutu sub-counties, solar-powered mini water schemes in flood-prone areas, and strengthening community engagement for sustainability. Under water for production, the district completed the Kiranga Small-Scale Irrigation Scheme, covering 12 acres and benefiting 24 households. The scheme produces 9.2 tonnes of watermelons, tomatoes and onions annually, earning farmers Shs 21.6 million per year. Ntoroko is connected to the national electricity grid. Out of the district’s 10 sub-counties, 7 already have power access. In the next term, the government plans to extend electricity to the remaining three areas; Kanara Sub-county, Kanara Town Council and Bweramule to achieve full district-wide electrification. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-12-05