PRESIDENT MUSEVENI UNVEILS INDIVIDUALIZED WATER PLAN FOR WEALTH CREATORS IN KARAMOJA, PLEDGES MORE ROADS, SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has unveiled a new government initiative to establish individualized water systems aimed at supporting commercial farmers and small-scale producers, as part of a broader effort to eradicate poverty through wealth creation and self-sufficiency. Addressing thousands of supporters during a campaign rally at Kalas Girls Primary School in Amudat District, Karamoja Sub-region, on Tuesday 28th October, 2025, H.E. Museveni said the government was developing a plan to ensure every productive household has access to reliable water for production, a move he said would mark a turning point in Uganda’s rural transformation strategy. “We are working out a plan for water for rural areas. Apart from the valley dams, people need water at each home,” President Museveni said. “The communal water systems will not address their water problem. We are trying to analyze how we can provide individualized water for wealth creators. In the Ankole area, we no longer use those communal dams. If you come to Rwakitura, you will see I have three of my own dams because animals, when they go too far, they get diseases like ticks,” he added. The new policy seeks to end decades of dependency on shared water facilities in semi-arid regions like Karamoja, where boreholes and valley dams are often overstretched or dry up during prolonged droughts. “Borehole water is still very low at 18%. The Minister of Karamoja must find out what the problem is, because in other districts like Abim and Karenga, the percentage is much higher,” President Museveni said. Government data indicates that only 18% of Amudat District’s 415 villages currently have access to safe water, leaving 81.7% without a clean source. Of the existing water-for-production infrastructure, one solar-powered irrigation system has been completed at Katotin, 12 valley tanks have been constructed, and two wind-powered abstraction systems have been installed. Major recent projects include the Kosike Valley Dam, with a capacity of 2.7 billion litres, and the Kaechom Valley Dam, which holds 1.8 billion litres. Ongoing projects include additional solar-powered irrigation systems and a large valley tank under construction. The Lowoyakur Dam, shared with Nakapiripirit, will hold 1.4 billion litres of water once completed. Peace as the foundation of development: Throughout his address, President Museveni emphasized that peace, the first of seven core achievements highlighted in the NRM’s 2026–2031 manifesto, remains the cornerstone of Uganda’s development. “If you want to know that miracles are possible in Africa, come to Karamoja and come to Amudat. I thank God for making me somehow connected to that miracle,” President Museveni said, while revisiting Uganda’s turbulent past. He explained how the National Resistance Movement (NRM) restored peace and national unity after decades of instability, where, before 1986, Uganda’s electoral and administrative systems were poorly aligned, leading to marginalization in areas like Karamoja. “Before the coming into power of NRM, there were no permanent constituencies. They would just make ad hoc constituencies to favor certain parties. In 1989, we decided that each constituency must be equal to a county. At that time, there were 149 counties in the whole of Uganda, and something called Upe was one of them with a population of only 20,000. Some of the counties in the south, like Bukoto, had 360,000 people. But we said that for now, let’s start with the counties, and that’s how Upe became a constituency,” President Museveni said. He highlighted Amudat’s recognition as a district stemming from the government’s respect for cultural and linguistic diversity. “These people are Pokot, and their language is different from Karamojong. Let them have their district and speak their Pokot language there. When I come today and see that the population of Amudat has grown to 203,000, I say this is a miracle,” President Museveni said. Disarmament and border security: President Museveni credited Uganda’s peace to firm decisions such as the disarmament of Karamojong warriors in the early 2000s. He dismissed arguments that communities in Karamoja and neighboring Turkana, Pokot, or Toposa areas should be allowed to keep guns to “balance terror.” “Some said if Karamojong and Turkana both stay with guns, they will stabilize by killing each other. But why have a government if people must protect themselves?” he asked. “And this was a false argument because, like in West Nile, there’s peace, despite the wars in South Sudan and Congo, West Nile is peaceful. Even Kasese and Bundibugyo are peaceful, yet there are wars in Eastern DRC. So, that’s when I insisted that you bring the guns; I will protect you against the Pokot of Kenya, Turkana of Kenya, and others,” President Museveni added, noting that when the Turkana killed three people, including surveyors, he banned them from grazing in Uganda. President Museveni said he had since raised the issue with Kenya’s President William Ruto, demanding that the Kenyan government compensate the victims’ families. “I could not accept this impunity of criminality. I told President Ruto that if these criminals don’t have money, the Kenyan government must pay. I will perform a ceremony in Karamoja here with President Ruto for the Kenyan government to pay for the lives of our officers who died,” President Museveni said, adding that the ceremony will also attract elders to cleanse the blood of the people who died, and the bishops and the sheikhs will also come in and contribute spiritually. Turning to infrastructure, President Museveni vowed to ensure all major roads in Karamoja remain passable year-round. “I have warned the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Local Government that I don’t want to hear of a major road that is impassable. It may not be tarmac, but it must be motorable all the time,” he said. Recent road achievements in Karamoja include 180.4 km of newly paved roads, such as Nadunget–Iriiri (65.6 km), Kokeris–Matany (5.5 km), Namalu–Nakapiripirit (17 km), and Akisim–Moroto–Lokitanyala (92.3 km). Currently under construction are the Moroto–Lokitanyala (42 km) and Muyembe–Nakapiripirit (92 km) roads. Several other routes are under procurement, including Kaabong–Kapedo–Karenga (67 km) and Kotido–Kaabong (64 km), while the Moroto–Tochi–Atiang–Opit–Awo (94 km) and Kotido–Abim–Aloi–Lira (99 km) roads are under design. President Museveni said the government would also tarmac the Nakapiripirit–Amudat road, a key artery for trade and connectivity in the region. President Museveni reaffirmed the NRM government’s commitment to universal access to education, saying the ultimate goal is to ensure one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county. Currently, Amudat District has 27 government primary schools, 8 private primary schools, 2 government secondary schools, and 1 private secondary school. Out of 44 parishes, only 11 host at least one government primary school. However, three new Seed Secondary Schools are under construction, which will reduce the number of sub-counties without a government secondary school from 9 to 6. The President said he intends to abolish the practice of charging fees in government schools, calling it an injustice against poor families. “When we introduced UPE in 1996, we wanted children to study for free. But school managers started bringing money again,” he said, adding that in the coming government, he would like to stop the charging of fees in government schools. In the health sector, President Museveni noted that Amudat District currently has one Health Centre IV and three Health Centre IIIs, leaving seven sub-counties without any health facility. To close this gap, the government plans to upgrade and construct several facilities, including: Upgrading Karita HCIV to a General Hospital, upgrading Abilyep HCII, Achorichor HCII, Amudat HCII, Cheptapoyo HCII, and Lokales HCII to HCIIIs and constructing new HCIIIs in Karita and Kongoro sub-counties. Ongoing works include the upgrading of Katabok HCII to HCIII, Karita HCIII to HCIV, and the construction of an operating theatre at Amudat General Hospital. President Museveni used the rally to reinforce his message of wealth creation, urging residents to use the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other government programs to lift themselves out of poverty. He played video testimonials of beneficiaries who have prospered under the PDM, including: George Matongo, a livestock farmer in Ngoma; Dick Korea Ogila, a mango farmer from Abim earning over Shs6 million per harvest; Amos Losengole, a goat farmer from Amudat who invested his Shs1 million PDM fund wisely; and Emmanuel Lokong, a piggery farmer from Nakapiripirit. President Museveni said the government would soon provide vehicles to cooperatives to help farmers transport goods to urban markets. Amudat District has so far received Shs13.49 billion under the PDM, of which Shs13.1 billion (97.2%) has been disbursed to 12,118 households, about 28.6% of the district’s 42,310 households. “We shall support cooperatives with group transport to access Kampala markets,” H.E. Museveni pledged. President Museveni told residents that Uganda’s transformation from instability to peace and development over the last 40 years is a testament to the NRM’s resilience. “Now we have peace not only in Karamoja but also in Acholi, West Nile, the Rwenzori, and Kisoro. There’s peace everywhere,” he said. He urged voters to defend the gains made under the NRM government by ensuring continued support for the party in the upcoming 2026 elections. “If anybody asks you why you support NRM, tell them that in our manifesto of 2026–2031, peace is our first contribution. It is the foundation upon which everything else stands,” President Museveni said. First Lady Janet Museveni calls for 100% NRM vote: The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, also addressed the rally, commending the people of Amudat and Karamoja for their steadfast support of the NRM. “The NRM government is your government. It has worked so hard to make sure that Karamoja is peaceful, like any other part of Uganda. Please make it a responsibility to make sure that everybody votes for NRM so that we protect the gains so far and take a qualitative leap into the middle-income status for the whole of Karamoja and Uganda,” The First Lady said, adding that this would enable all the programs in the pipeline to be implemented in the next term of office. “Therefore, I trust that even this time, you’ll make sure that Amudat will vote 100% for the President and the whole lineup of NRM flagbearers,” she added. Amudat District, with a population of 203,358 people, had 43,647 registered voters in the 2021 elections. Of these, 31,453 (72.1%) voted, and President Museveni secured 30,451 votes (97.6%), while the National Unity Platform (NUP) polled 625 votes (2%). As of 2025, registered voters in the district have risen to 58,203, and the number of polling stations has increased from 120 to 164. The event was also addressed by several senior leaders, including Speaker of Parliament and Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja, Hon. John Baptist Loki, and NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, who urged residents to maintain their loyalty to the ruling party and consolidate the progress achieved under President Museveni’s leadership.

2025-11-28

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CAMPAIGNS IN BUYENDE, REMINDS YOUTH OF NRM’S CULTURE OF DISCIPLINE AND HARD-WORK

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer, has called on the young people in the party to embrace the NRM culture of discipline, hard work and results. President Museveni noted that it is this spirit that has built Uganda over the last four decades. Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President made the remarks today during a campaign rally at Kagulu Primary School Grounds in Buyende District. He emphasized that the NRM’s strength lies in its consistency. “NRM is a serious movement. You, the young members, should copy the culture of the NRM, the party of doers and determined people. Because of that determination, we have laid seven bricks on the house of Uganda,” he said. He reminded the supporters of Buyende’s history as a refuge area for people fleeing insecurity in Teso during the turbulent years. “People ran from Teso to this area because of rebels and cattle rustlers supported by foreign groups. But NRM defeated all of them because we follow politics of interests, not politics of identity,” he said. He urged residents to reflect on why peace eluded previous governments and why many African countries still struggle with it. “Once you understand that, you will know the value of the NRM,” he added. The President outlined ongoing and planned development projects in Buyende, noting that although not everything is complete, progress is steady. He confirmed government funding for the 127km Mbulamuti–Kamuli–Bukungu road and announced that the Kamuli–Igingo–Kaliro road has now been added to the national plan. On education, he revealed that Buyende has 92 government primary schools against 73 parishes but warned leaders about poor distribution. “Some parishes have more than one school while 36 parishes have none. Be strict about this,” he said. For secondary education, the district has 6 government secondary schools across 14 sub-counties. The government is constructing one Seed Secondary School, which will reduce the sub-counties without a government secondary school from eight to seven. On health, President Museveni outlined major upgrades including upgrading Kagulu HCII, Nkoone HCII, and Ngandho HCII to HCIII, construction of new HCIIIs in Gumpi, Buyanja, and Kidera. He noted that the district also has two HCIVs, each with a doctor. President Museveni once again cautioned Ugandans against confusing development with wealth. “Development is for all of us, but wealth is personal. Wealth is created in four sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT,” he noted. He encouraged Buyende residents to embrace the Four-Acre Model and praised regions like Karamoja for adopting commercial agriculture. President Museveni said the government will continue supporting households through the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and new targeted funds for youth, ghetto groups, cultural leaders, boda bodas and unemployed graduates. The President further highlighted Uganda’s production boom; coffee rising from 3 million to 12 million bags, milk production growing from 200 million litres to 5.3 billion litres and similar growth in maize and other crops. “What I want is everyone to join the money economy,” he said. President Museveni also dismissed the belief that the government should employ everyone. “Government jobs are 480,000. We are 50 million Ugandans. Real jobs come from factories, commercial agriculture, services and ICT. Factories now employ 1.3 million Ugandans, three times more than the government.” He also expressed frustration with the resistance to free education. “We introduced free education in 1996, but some head teachers and PTAs blocked children because of fees. That’s why I started the Presidential Skilling Hubs,” he said. The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Buyende District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. On her part, Maama Janet called on Ugandans to take personal responsibility in protecting the peace and unity that the country has enjoyed under the NRM government. Maama Janet said Uganda’s painful history should remind citizens that peace must never be taken for granted. “My first prayer is that the people of Uganda take responsibility for protecting the unity of our country,” she said. “Uganda suffered for a long time, but by God’s grace He brought us together, gave us the NRM government, and restored peace and unity. Now it is our duty as Ugandans to preserve this peace so that our country can continue moving forward.” She appealed to voters to make a deliberate choice for stability in the upcoming elections. “Let us ensure to see that our children may have the freedom to walk in this land knowing that there is peace for every family, that is why, when voting day comes, every Ugandan of voting age must go and vote for the President of the NRM and NRM leaders,” she appealed. “Thank you Buyende for standing strong. May we continue standing as one nation under God, building a united and strong Uganda. God bless Buyende, God bless Busoga and God bless Uganda.” The NRM First National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Moses Kigongo, praised the people of Buyende for their support and commended the First Lady for her devotion to the President and the country. “Thank you Maama for staying with Mzee, supporting him and energizing him,” he said. Alhaji Kigongo emphasized that the NRM’s longevity in power has been rooted in discipline and unity. “What has kept us in leadership up to today is the discipline we carried from the bush. That discipline must be maintained. As leaders we must be exemplary and united as one movement,” he said. He urged Buyende residents to support NRM candidates at all levels, from the national chairman to the grassroots. “Whoever is carrying our flag, support them,” he added, noting that the party remains committed to protecting the peace established during the liberation struggle. Rt. Hon. Anita Among, the Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice chairperson also pledged overwhelming support from the district. “We pledge to you 98% of the votes in Buyende,” she said, praising President Museveni for promoting politics of ideology, not interests. She also thanked Maama Janet for her continued prayers for peace in Uganda. The Minister for Presidency and NRM parliamentary flag bearer for Budiope West, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda commended President Museveni for the visionary leadership and development programs in Buyende. She also requested the people of Buyende to overwhelmingly vote for President Museveni and other party flag bearers in the forthcoming elections. The Budiope East MP, Hon. Moses Magogo, thanked President Museveni for the transformation Buyende has experienced since attaining district status in 2010. “Thank you, Your Excellency, for your wise leadership. You turned Buyende into a district, and today the population stands at 403,486,” he said. Hon. Magogo noted that the extension of electricity to the district changed lives. “You reminded us about the national grid and you delivered it. What we once thought was a dream is now a reality,” he said. He added that Buyende has become a safe home for people displaced by the Teso conflicts in the past. “People have settled here, integrated and are progressing,” he said, also thanking the President for making Uganda safe enough that “one can move from one district to another at any time.” Hon. Magogo appealed for inclusion in the livestock restocking programme following years of cattle rustling and thanked the President for acting on his request to upgrade Kamuli–Kaliro Road. “You wrote to the Ministry of Transport, and we are hopeful because the road is already planned for works,” he said. Buyende's progress: Buyende, a district of 14 sub-counties and 73 parishes, is one of the areas heavily impacted by government development programmes especially the Parish Development Model, education investments, water infrastructure and electricity extension. The district has so far received Shs 22.38 billion under the PDM, with 99.92% already disbursed to 22,461 beneficiary households. Buyende has 83,497 households, meaning 26.9% have already received PDM funds. Under Emyooga, the district has 36 SACCOs with 10,705 members, which have collectively received Shs 1.39bn to boost enterprise growth. Out of the 14 sub-counties, Buyende currently has 2 HCIVs and 6 HCIIIs, leaving 6 sub-counties without any health facility. The government plans to upgrade Kagulu, Nkoone and Ngandho HCIIs to HCIII status and construct new HCIIIs in Gumpi, Buyanja and Kidera. On water, safe water access stands at 54.9%, with 300 out of 546 villages having a reliable source. Key achievements include 72 boreholes drilled, multiple piped-water systems completed in Buyende TC, Irundu, Bukungu and Lyingo, solar-powered water system in Magogo Village and ongoing drilling of 12 new boreholes and construction of more piped systems. Plans are underway to build water systems in Iringo, Bugaya and Kidera, plus medium-scale irrigation schemes in Nakawa A and Ngole. It is also important to note that Buyende District is now fully connected to the national electricity grid, enabling business growth and improving living standards. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-11-18

PRESS BRIEFING AHEAD OF NATIONAL HIV AIDS SYMPOSIUM AND WORLD AIDS DAY

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2025-11-18

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RALLIES BUGWERI AS BUSOGA PLEDGES RENEWED SUPPORT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the Presidential flag bearer of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) today held a massive rally at Kyabazinga Grounds in Bugweri District, marking his second stop in the Busoga region as the NRM campaigns intensify ahead of the 2026 general elections. Accompanied by the First Lady and the Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, President Museveni revisited his early days of resistance against Idi Amin to achieve peace, which is NRM’s first and most prized achievement. “I was here in 1973, fighting Idi Amin with Engineer Kasadha. We went to Mayuge and later to Jinja. I salute the families in Busoga who worked with us in fighting Idi Amin,” he said, drawing applause as he recognized historical figures and victims from the region. He invoked the memories of Busoga sons who suffered during the dark political years, including Hajji Balunywa, Shaban Nkuutu, Nkooto, Ntale, and others who were killed or forced into exile, such as Waluma, Kasadha, Kibedi, and Mbigiti. “In the last 40 years, we have had seven contributions to Uganda, and the first one is peace. You know what lack of peace means and how many people died,” he said. “Therefore, the NRM in the last 40 years has been able to bring peace to Uganda.” Development in Bugweri: The NRM candidate reassured residents that he is aware of the gaps in Bugweri, especially its lack of adequate road equipment due to its status as a relatively new district. “Your district does not have enough road equipment. I’m going to sort that one out. I got a lot of equipment from Japan to ensure every district has what it takes to maintain its roads,” President Museveni said. He cited ongoing and completed road works such as Nawangisa–Buseesa–Nakivumbi–Ndongwe–Iganga and promised to personally follow up on the less familiar routes presented to him. District leaders later reinforced this demand, including calls for the tarmacking of Nawangisa–Nakivumbi with a spur to Iganga and Mayuge. In the water sector, Bugweri District, according to President Museveni, now boasts 84% safe water coverage, with 124 out of 147 villages having access to clean water. “These investments have strengthened water security and sanitation, especially in schools and trading centers,” he said, highlighting that the district is nearing full water coverage. Regarding electricity, President Museveni highlighted the NRM’s electricity rollout plan, where power first reaches district headquarters, then sub-counties, and finally villages. He noted that more sub-counties in Bugweri are now connected to power, signaling progress. “If you see power in the sub-counties, know that everything is going on well,” he said. On education, President Museveni noted that Bugweri District has 54 government primary schools serving 46,876 pupils and 193 private primary schools, along with 7 government secondary schools enrolling 6,784 students and 50 private secondary schools. President Museveni, however, expressed concern that despite having 37 parishes, 11 have no government primary school, while others have multiple. “This one, please sort it out as leaders,” he warned, reminding them that national policy requires one government primary school per parish and one government secondary school per sub-county. Bugweri’s 8 sub-counties currently have 5 government secondary schools, but the ongoing construction of 2 Seed Secondary Schools will ensure each sub-county has one. President Museveni strongly criticized school administrators, PTAs, and foundation bodies for charging illegal fees in government schools, which he said was the leading cause of dropouts. “That’s why I started skilling hubs where I give free education to my children.” For Bugweri, the Presidential Skilling Hub is located in Jinja City, offering hands-on skilling in carpentry, tailoring, welding, baking, construction, plumbing, electrical work, automotive mechanics, and weaving. So far, 961 youth from Busoga have been trained, with the current intake of 240 undergoing training. Namukwaya Salima, from Bugombe, narrated how she dropped out after Senior Four due to the inability to pay fees. After enrolling in tailoring at the skilling hub, she borrowed 80,000 shillings and started making children’s dresses. “Now I’m not on the streets begging or doing prostitution,” she said, drawing applause and emotional reactions across the crowd. Subiri Saleh, from Makuutu in Kasozi Parish, said bakery skills from the hub transformed his life. He earns about 20,000 shillings a day in profit, approximately 600,000 shillings monthly. “I have also taught others how to do what I’m doing,” he proudly said. President Museveni commended the young people and used their testimonies to challenge leaders. “When God gives you the chance to lead, you should be very careful,” he said. “If you’re leaders and you deny education to these children, you are denying God.” President Museveni also emphasized that the skilling hubs have enabled youth to produce items previously imported from China, India, and Dubai, including beds, chairs, metallic doors, and clothing. He noted that Bugweri District has one HCIV in Bugweri Constituency with two doctors and an ambulance, six HCIIIs, ten HCIIs, and two sub-counties that still lack any health facility. “We plan to upgrade Busesa HCIV to a general hospital. We shall upgrade Idudi HCII to HCIII in Idudi Town Council and upgrade Nsale HCII to HCIII in Ibulanku Sub-County,” he said. Ongoing works include the expansion of the Busesa HCIV maternity ward and the construction of incinerators at Busembatia HCIII, Nawangisa HCIII, and Minani HCIII. Wealth creation and jobs: President Museveni cautioned residents against relying solely on physical infrastructure to escape poverty. “I passed here in 1965, going to Teso College and Gulu to play games there. This road was already tarmacked from Kabale all the way to Soroti, and we have been repairing it several times. But even if you go today, you will find poor people near that tarmac road, yet development was there 60 years ago,” President Museveni said. He reiterated the NRM’s 4-acre model, allocating one acre to coffee, another to pasture for zero-grazing cows, a third to fruits, and a fourth to food crops, with pigs and poultry in the backyard and fish farming for swamp-adjacent areas. President Museveni highlighted success stories, such as a farmer in Abim earning 36 million shillings annually from mangoes. He said his Barlege farm in Lira, where he has a 20 m × 50 m fishpond, generates 100 million shillings per year, and MP Fred Byamukama’s 4-acre enterprise, which employs 26 people, makes 108 million shillings per month from poultry alone. He criticized political actors who demand government jobs for everyone. “Those who tell you to wait for government jobs are enemies of Uganda,” he said, citing the Sino-Mbale Industrial Park’s 75 factories employing 12,000 people as evidence of the NRM’s job creation strategy. On the other hand, Maama Janet delivered a passionate message, acknowledging NRM’s track record and urging Bugweri to protect past achievements while embracing future transformation. “Please remember on that day of voting, you need to go in person to vote for your own—President Museveni and the whole lineup of NRM flag bearers—so that you allow NRM to continue to protect this peace in our country and the freedom to work hard so that our country becomes better than it has been,” Maama Janet said, emphasizing that unity within the NRM is essential for Uganda’s progress. Several key NRM figures delivered remarks reaffirming support for President Museveni and outlining regional demands. Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, NRM First National Vice Chairman, urged Busoga to back President Museveni for continued peace and asked leaders to avoid internal fights during the election season. Hon. Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, welcomed President Museveni “back home” to Busoga and hailed Bugweri leaders for strong mobilization. “And these people are here because they are rallying and uniting around you. Busoga is very excited, and we thank you for being a uniting point for Busoga,” Hon. Echodu said. The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, also welcomed President Museveni to Bugweri and presented several demands from the district. She highlighted the need for a second constituency and noted that many sub-counties still lack essential services. Hon. Kadaga further appealed to the President to prioritize the construction of the Nondwe–Busembatya road. She also informed President Museveni that the current PDM allocation is insufficient for Bugweri due to the high population in its parishes. According to available statistics, Bugweri District has 36 PDM SACCOs and has so far received a total of Shs 11.106 billion, all of which has been disbursed to 11,387 beneficiary households. Out of the district’s 46,584 households, only 11,387, equivalent to 24.44%, have benefited from the PDM. This leaves 35,197 households, or 75.6%, yet to benefit, including some that are already participating in the money economy. Alhajji Shaban Sadiki Nkutu, the NRM District Chairperson for Bugweri, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for granting the Bugweri district status. He also emphasized the community’s aspirations, including the establishment of an industrial park and the tarmacking of the Nawangisa–Nakivumbi road. NRM's Support in Bugweri: Bugweri District is made up of 8 sub-counties and town councils, 37 parishes, and 147 villages, with a total population of 211,511 according to the 2024 census. In the 2021 elections, the district had 84,953 registered voters, of whom 47,064 cast their ballots, representing a voter turnout of 55.4%. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, President Museveni, received 17,428 votes (38.7%), while the National Unity Platform (NUP) secured 25,939 votes (57.6%). Ahead of the 2025 elections, the number of registered voters in Bugweri has risen to 96,437, and the number of polling stations has increased from 154 to 230. The rally drew a notable lineup of NRM heavyweights, highlighting its significance in the lead-up to the 2026 elections. Among those in attendance were Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, the Third Deputy Prime Minister; Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency; and Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe, former Vice President; Shafic Mwanje, CEC member responsible for People with Disabilities; Arinaitwe Rwakajara Chairperson of the Workers’ League in the CEC.

2025-11-17

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HAILS NRM GAINS, PLEDGES MORE INVESTMENT IN WEALTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN NAMUTUMBA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, today addressed thousands of residents at Kaiti Cell in Namutumba Town Council, reaffirming the NRM government’s commitment to peace, infrastructure development and household wealth creation. The President said Busoga occupies a special place in Uganda’s liberation history and saluted the families that supported him during the 1971–1973 period. “When I am in Busoga, I am in the areas where we fought. Many of my supporters were killed here during the insurgencies, including those executed publicly in Jinja. I am here to represent those who died and those still alive. The NRM is not a party of jokers,” he said. President Museveni outlined the seven contributions forming the 2026–2031 NRM Manifesto, beginning with peace. He reminded the gathering that many people in Busoga perished due to political violence, including leaders such as Mathias Ngobi, and noted that the peace enjoyed today is a result of NRM’s sacrifice. He said the second contribution, development, includes both economic infrastructure—roads, electricity, telephones, the railway and water—and social infrastructure such as schools and health centres. The President cited completed and upcoming road works and assured residents that Namutumba’s connectivity will continue improving. He noted that the Nakalama–Busembatya–Namutumba–Tirinyi–Budaka–Mbale road, which once was murram, has been fully tarmacked. He added that the government is set to work on the Nabumali–Butaleja –Namutumba road, the Busembatya– Nsinze–Kibale–Ivukula–Namakokola road and the Kaliro–Ivukula–Naziba route. On electricity, he said NRM has extended power to all district headquarters across Uganda except Naikona and is now pushing power to sub-county headquarters. “In Namutumba, there is electricity in Bulange, Namutumba and Nsinze Town Councils. We shall extend power to the remaining areas,” he assured. The President expressed concern over Namutumba’s low safe water coverage, noting that out of 629 villages, only 280 have access to clean water. “That means 349 villages lack safe water. Leaders must do something urgently,” he said. Turning to education, he said Namutumba has made progress but the distribution of government schools is still imbalanced. The district has 109 government primary schools and 165 private ones, but only 51 out of 111 parishes have a government-aided primary school. The target, he emphasized, is one government primary school per parish. At secondary level, the district has eight government schools, but only seven out of the 20 sub-counties have one. Construction of three Seed Secondary Schools is underway and will reduce the sub-counties without a government secondary school from 13 to 10. “In 1961, these schools were not here. So, I am happy to see this transformation,” he said. On health, President Museveni explained that Namutumba has one HCIV and eight HCIIIs, 11 sub-counties without a HCIII, HCIV or hospital. He announced that the government will upgrade nine Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs in Irimbi, Kikaru, Buwonge, Kiranga, Bugobi, Namusita, Kisimu, Bukonte and Mulama. He also said the government will construct new HCIIIs in Nabweyo and Bugobi sub-counties to improve access to maternal and outpatient services. The President said wealth creation remains the NRM’s third major contribution after peace and development. “You have good roads, but you do not sleep on the tarmac. When you return home, you find the poverty you left in the morning. Development is for everyone, but wealth is for individuals and families,” he said. President Museveni highlighted success stories in the district, including Kazibwe, who started with one cow from NAADS and now has eight cows, 80 litres of daily milk production, income from cocoa and coffee, and biogas; a farmer from Karamoja who combined mangoes from Operation Wealth Creation with goats from PDM; and Hon. Fred Byamukama, who earns 108 million shillings from eggs alone and retains 55 million shillings after costs while creating 26 jobs. The President also demonstrated how fish farming on half an acre can generate 100 million shillings in revenue and still leave 70 million shillings in profit. “NRM first advised you (okuwabura) and later supported you through Entandikwa, NAADS, Emyooga, Youth Livelihood and now PDM. There is no excuse for remaining in poverty. It is possible to get out of poverty,” he emphasized. Maama Janet praised the people of Busoga for supporting NRM and urged them to protect the peace and progress achieved under the movement. “We thank God for using the President and the NRM to bring peace and maintain it. Our manifesto says we must protect these gains to take a qualitative leap into the Middle Income. Please support NRM so that we remain united and strong,” she said. She also reminded the public that Busoga University has been operationalised. NRM First National Vice Chairperson Alhajji Moses Kigongo encouraged residents to support President Museveni in the coming election to ensure peace continues. “It is peace that took the NRA to the bush. We must preserve it,” he said. The Eastern Region NRM Chairperson Hon. Calvin Echodu thanked the people for turning up in large numbers. The First Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga requested the establishment of an Industrial Park in Namutumba to create jobs and promote value addition. The Namutumba District NRM Chairperson, Mr. Simon Menya thanked the President for wealth creation programmes such as PDM and Emyooga and for major road improvements including the Nabumali–Butaleja –Namutumba road.

2025-11-17

OPENING OF THE AFRICA INDUSTRIALISATION WEEK

THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA REMARKS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND COOPERATIVES AT THE OPENING OF THE AFRICA INDUSTRIALISATION WEEK Theme: “Transforming Africa’s Economy Through Sustainable Industrialization, Reginal Integration and Innovation” 17th NOVEMBER, 2025 SPEKE RESORT, MUNYONYO. Hon. Ministers Present; Commissioners from the African Union Commission; Development Partners; Government officials present, Delegates and Representatives from across Africa; Our Industrialists and other private sector entrepreneurs; Our colleagues from the Academia; Members from Civil Society; Our friends from the press; All Invited guests; Ladies and Gentlemen Good morning. I am deeply honoured to welcome you to the Africa Industrialisation Week 2025. Your presence here is a testament to our shared commitment to Africa's economic transformation. As you know, the Africa Industrialisation Day, conceived by the OAU and ratified by the UN in 1989, is a moment to highlight our progress, confront our challenges, and chart a decisive path forward The theme for this year is clear: “Transforming Africa’s Economy Through Sustainable Industrialization, Regional Integration and Innovation.” This is not just a theme; it is a mandate for action. Sustainable industrialization demands a concerted and determined effort to remove the bottlenecks that hold us back. This means: •Improving infrastructure. •Enhancing access to finance. •Promoting innovation. •Creating a truly enabling regulatory environment. Industrial facilitation—through policy reforms, public-private partnerships, technology transfer, and investment—is not optional; it is paramount to industrializing our continent. This week is designed to be a dynamic platform for tangible progress. I urge you to actively engage in the diverse and critical events we have organized: Event Focus and Impact African Women in Processing Forum Highlighting the achievements of women entrepreneurs and connecting them directly with investors, buyers, and financial institutions. African Youth Start-ups Forum Accelerating youth-led industrialization by focusing on deal-making, investor readiness, and B2B/B2G matchmaking across strategic sectors like healthcare, green-tech, and digital technologies. Innovation Industry Enterprise Convention Connecting MSMEs and Cooperatives to the growing African industry and the continental market, culminating in a technical position paper on industrial innovation. Africa Manufacturing Investment Forum (AMIF) A flagship event dedicated to stimulating investment in manufacturing by focusing on Physical Infrastructure, Workforce Skills Enhancement, and Investment Financing. These are not just meetings; they are the engines of our industrial future. Network, share your experiences, and forge the partnerships that will drive our continent forward. Please allow me to express our sincere gratitude to the partners who have made this week possible, The African Union Commission (AUC), Office of the President, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of ICT, Pan-African Women’s Organization (PAWO), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), The UHURU Institute, African Women in Processing (AWIP), United Nations Association - Uganda (UNAU), Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotion Authority (UFZEPA), Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), The Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Manufacturers Association, Uganda Media Centre; among others. Finally, I have two urgent calls to action: First, to the Delegates: Please take time to visit the exhibition in the tent outside. It is a showcase of Africa-made industrial products and innovations. Engage with our entrepreneurs—you may find the next key contact to enhance your supply chain. Second, to the AU Secretariat: I urge you to ensure that the outcome of this week is not just a summary, but a report with concrete proposals, clear pathways, and actionable roadmaps for synergistic industrial growth. African governments need this guidance to prioritize policies that attract investment, increase manufacturing value addition, and create jobs, especially for our growing youth population. Let us network, collaborate, and learn from each other. Let us make this week a turning point for Africa's industrial future. Thank you. FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY

2025-11-17