PRESIDENT MUSEVENI VOWS CRACKDOWN ON PDM FUND THEFT AS HE CONCLUDES RWENZORI–TOORO CAMPAIGN TRAIL

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday, December 8, 2025, issued a stern warning to government officials and local leaders accused of mismanaging the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, promising a nationwide crackdown to protect the poor and restore public confidence in the programme. Speaking during a media address at Kabarole State Lodge in Fort Portal City, where he concluded the Rwenzori and Tooro campaign trail, the President said he had received overwhelming reports indicating that many intended beneficiaries were receiving less than the mandatory one million shillings. “That’s very easy. I have done my job, which is to get a solution to help the poor by sending them money directly, but unfortunately, some of the leaders have decided to do their own thing,” the President said. “That mistake is not in Congo or Sudan. We are going to check.” President Museveni, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Chairman and Presidential flagbearer for the 2026 general elections, expressed anger at what he described as widespread theft, deliberate underpayment, and sabotage of a programme specifically designed to lift poor households into the money economy. He added that he had been gathering evidence through the PDM tours and his ongoing campaigns, with citizens reporting cases of fraud from across the country. “During the PDM tours, even now during the campaigns, when I ask, they tell me they’re chopping their money. I am auditing those who got this money and how much. So, we shall go for them, and they will regret — those who are stealing money meant for the poor,” H.E. Museveni warned, citing reports of theft and irregularities emerging from Karugutu, Iganga, Maracha, and Entebbe, vowing to take decisive action once investigations conclude. “I have my auditor. People have been complaining everywhere. If we get some cases investigated properly, we shall stop this,” he said bluntly. The President did not mince words when addressing the alleged perpetrators, describing their actions as both reckless and arrogant. “They are stupid; I don’t know why they think that we shall not know. Information will leak, and we will get them,” President Museveni said. “These thieves are stealing what was given publicly. It’s like the cheating we saw in the NRM primaries when people lined up during the day and were counted, and then someone gave the wrong results. It will stop.” President Museveni assured the public that the government would enforce strict accountability measures and arrest commercial officers or other officials implicated in the theft. He pledged to recover the stolen funds. “I want to assure those who are listening to me — this habit of stealing PDM money will stop because those who do it will be arrested and will bring back the money,” he emphasized. Beyond the PDM concerns, candidate Museveni used his address to highlight the key achievements of the NRM as laid out in the party’s 2026–31 manifesto under the theme: “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.” He outlined seven central pillars of the manifesto, which include sustaining peace, expanding development, wealth creation through commercial agriculture, manufacturing, artisanship, services, and ICT, job creation, improvement of service delivery, expanding markets and regional integration. The President expressed concern that many young people in Africa do not pay adequate attention to economic and political issues shaping the continent’s future. “I always wonder why young people are not thinking about the future of Africa. You spend a lot of time dancing, watching football. I’m always in my room watching you and thinking how these young people will guarantee their future?” he said. President Museveni contrasted this with his own youthful time, noting that from the age of 20, he was already engaged in liberation struggles and thinking about Uganda’s long-term transformation. He stressed that Uganda’s growing production capacity requires expanded markets, citing key commodities such as sugar, cement, and milk. He revealed that Uganda produces up to 60,000 tonnes of sugar annually, yet consumes only about 30,000 tonnes. Similar surpluses exist in milk, cement, and other products, a trend he said reflects the need for stronger regional integration. “China has a 1.5 billion population, but is still looking for a market in Africa. But you in Africa have a smaller population and are doing nothing,” President Museveni said. He applauded progress made under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as a cornerstone for large-scale African industrialization, strategic security, and sustainable economic prosperity. “We have negotiated with the whole of Africa for the Continental Free Trade Area,” he noted. “An integrated African market is essential for large-scale production and global competitiveness.” The Tooro and Rwenzori sub-regions have historically been significant battlegrounds for the NRM, and President Museveni’s messages of wealth creation, corruption crackdown, and regional market expansion dominated his engagements with supporters, local leaders, and the media.

2025-12-09

KYENJOJO: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CONCLUDES RWENZORI-TOORO CAMPAIGN TRAIL, MAKES CASE FOR WEALTH CREATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer, has today concluded his campaign rallies in the Rwenzori and Tooro sub-regions with a major address in Kyenjojo District. He expressed satisfaction with the turnout and reiterated the NRM’s commitment to peace, wealth creation and accountable leadership. “I am glad to have concluded my campaign rallies in both the Rwenzori and Tooro sub-regions here in Kyenjojo today. I thank you for the massive support,” President Museveni said. The President, who was accompanied by the First Daughter, Mrs. Natasha Karugire Museveni, made the remarks while addressing thousands of supporters at Katoosa Primary School playground. Speaking on wealth creation, President Museveni drew from historical records to underline that Uganda has always been a wealthy country, even before the advent of modern infrastructure. He cited the writings of explorer Henry Morton Stanley, who passed through parts of Bunyoro-Kitara during the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition between 1887 and 1889. President Museveni noted that Stanley observed the abundance of wealth in the region despite the absence of electricity or tarmacked roads. “He wrote that this country was rich at a time when there was no electricity and no tarmac roads. The wealth was already here,” the President said, adding that this historical reality explains why the NRM places emphasis on wealth creation at household level. He further referenced Stanley’s later reflections in 1889, when the explorer described the vast banana plantations he encountered, noting that their shade ‘covered a multitude of huts’, observations that reminded him of Uganda and Buganda in particular. President Museveni reminded the gathering that peace remains the foundation of all development, especially for communities bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has experienced prolonged insecurity. “The parents of these young people know the history. They witnessed insecurity here and in the neighbouring Congo? For the last 40 years, the NRM has maintained peace, and you can see the difference,” he said, adding that sustaining peace requires continued public support. On infrastructure, the President outlined key road projects undertaken in the region, including the Karuma–Masindi–Hoima–Kagadi–Kyenjojo corridor. He said upgrading works are ongoing on the Kyenjojo (Kihura)–Bwizi–Rwamwanja–Kahunge road, covering 68 kilometres, as well as the Mpara–Bwizi road. He also announced that the government is set to commence works on the Fort Portal–Kijura road. “If you were to give marks at this point, you should give us about eight out of ten,” President Museveni remarked. He also acknowledged challenges on the Mubende–Fort Portal road, noting that rehabilitation works have started after delays caused by poor planning and lack of prioritisation. “We must always begin with basics like roads and electricity. Even God took six days to create the world,” the President said. He added that the government allocates about Shs1.2 billion annually for murram road maintenance, but cautioned that the funds must be properly utilised. Turning to the Parish Development Model (PDM), President Museveni reaffirmed the government's zero tolerance to misuse of the funds, stressing that they are strictly meant for poor households. “The PDM funds are for uplifting the poor. Anyone who diverts or mismanages this money will be held accountable,” he said. The President emphasized that PDM remains a cornerstone of the government's strategy to move households from subsistence into the money economy through productive income-generating activities. He also reminded communities that leadership of parish SACCOs is elected by adult members and urged wananchi to take responsibility. “If the SACCO committee is not performing well, call a general meeting and remove them,” he said. President Museveni further noted that widespread access to mobile phones is itself a sign of development. “Today, almost everyone has a phone in their pocket. That is progress,” he said. The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Kyenjojo District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. The rally also featured testimony from Ms. Cedon Kokugonza, a beneficiary of the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Kyenjojo. Ms. Kokugonza said she dropped out of school in Senior Two and remained stranded until she learnt about the skilling hub, where she was admitted to train in hairdressing at no cost. “Everything was free, accommodation, food and training,” she said. After completing the course, she secured employment and earned Shs400,000, which she supplemented with support from her parents to raise start-up capital of Shs500,000. She now owns a salon, keeps poultry and employs three workers. “My life changed forever,” Ms. Kokugonza said. On her part, the Speaker of Parliament and National Resistance Movement Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Anitah Among praised President Museveni for championing critical infrastructure development and supporting improved service delivery in the district. Rt. Hon. Among thanked the people of Kyenjojo for the warm reception and acknowledged the presence of religious leaders, local authorities and party structures. “I thank you all for coming and for the warm welcome. I also recognise our religious leaders who are here with us today. Your presence reflects the unity and faith of the people of Kyenjojo,” she said. She also thanked the President for prioritising road infrastructure in the region, noting that several key routes linking Kyenjojo to neighbouring districts are currently under construction or rehabilitation. She also acknowledged the government's commitment to upgrading the Kyenjojo–Kyakatwire–Kamwenge road, noting that while the pledge has been long-standing, its inclusion in the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) is a significant step towards its eventual construction. “We thank you for ensuring that this road has been captured under NDP IV. It gives us confidence that the people of Kyenjojo have been heard,” she said. On health services, Rt. Hon. Among expressed concern about congestion at Kyenjojo General Hospital, noting that the facility continues to receive a high number of patients from within and beyond the district. She appealed for support to secure additional land to allow expansion and modernization of the hospital. “Kyenjojo General Hospital is increasingly overcrowded. We humbly request support to acquire more land so that it can be expanded into a more modern facility,” they said. The Speaker also asked to consider increasing funding for road maintenance in the district, with district leaders noting that Kyenjojo’s size and road network are comparable to major regional districts such as Fort Portal and Kasese. “Given the size of Kyenjojo, we may need to double the district road maintenance fund to keep our roads in good condition,” they said. The NRM Chairperson for Kyenjojo, Mr. Edward Nkonge Rwamwaro credited President Museveni’s leadership for sustaining peace, unity and steady socio-economic transformation in the district and across the country. Mr. Rwamwaro said Uganda’s 40 years of peace have created a firm foundation for development, allowing communities in Kyenjojo to focus on wealth creation and service delivery. “We thank President Museveni for the peace that has prevailed in Uganda for all these years. For four decades, our country has remained stable, and this has enabled our people to work, invest and plan for the future,” Mr. Rwamwaro said. He commended the President for consistently championing national unity since 1986, noting that the message of working together has helped Ugandans overcome divisions and concentrate on shared progress. “Since 1986 up to today, the President has continuously preached unity. He united Ugandans and reminded us that development can only come when we work together as one people,” he added. He said the government’s wealth creation agenda is now bearing visible results in Kyenjojo, citing interventions under the Parish Development Model and Emyooga programmes. He also thanked the President for the construction of Kyenjojo Presidential zonal Skilling hub that has benefitted many unprivileged youth that had lost hope after dropping out of school. “Your Excellency, we thank you for this hub because so far about 175 youth have benefited. This has saved and changed lives forever because they get skills at a free cost,” he said. Mr. Rwamwaro reported that Kyenjojo District, which has 31 sub-counties and town councils, 167 parishes and 892 villages, has so far received over Shs51.6bn under PDM, benefiting 51,799 households, representing 39.5% of the district’s total households. “The wealth creation gospel that President Museveni introduced is working. Thousands of households in Kyenjojo are already benefiting, and more will continue to be reached,” he said. Under the Emyooga programme, he noted that the district has 54 SACCOs with 25,336 members, which have collectively received Shs2.76 billion, boosting small businesses and household incomes. Mr. Rwamwaro also highlighted progress in infrastructure and agriculture, thanking the government for coffee value-addition machines and the construction of community access roads which have improved market access and rural connectivity. In the education sector, he said Kyenjojo now has 128 government primary schools enrolling nearly 79,000 pupils, and 11 government secondary schools offering Universal Secondary Education and post-O-Level training. He welcomed the ongoing construction of three seed secondary schools, describing it as a major step toward expanding access to secondary education, especially in underserved sub-counties. Health service delivery has also improved, according to Mr. Rwamwaro, with the district hosting a hospital, a Health Centre IV and multiple Health Centre IIIs. He said government plans to construct additional Health Centre IIIs in several sub-counties and it would further reduce the distance residents travel to access healthcare. On water and sanitation, the NRM Chairperson said the government investments have significantly expanded access to safe water through boreholes and piped water systems, benefiting tens of thousands of residents in both rural and urban areas. He acknowledged ongoing projects and rehabilitations aimed at addressing remaining gaps, particularly in hard-to-reach villages. Mr. Rwamwaro further welcomed the extension of electricity to Kyenjojo District, saying it has boosted businesses and service delivery, and expressed optimism that the remaining sub-counties will be connected in the next government term. “All these achievements show what peace, unity and focused leadership can deliver. As Kyenjojo, we remain grateful and committed to supporting programs that uplift our people and transform our district,” he said. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-12-09

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

“UPDF TO SET UP BARRACKS IN KAMWENGE TO CONSOLIDATE PEACE IN THE AREA,” SAYS PRESIDENT MUSEVENI AS HE ANNOUNCES NEW DEVELOPMENT INTERVENTIONS IN THE DISTRICT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced that Kamwenge District will host a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) battalion and barracks as the government moves to consolidate peace in an area that for years suffered insecurity linked to Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel activity. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer, made the announcement today while addressing thousands of supporters during a campaign rally at Kyabenda Primary School playground in Kamwenge District. The President was accompanied by the First Daughter, Mrs. Natasha Karugire Museveni. “For a long time, Kamwenge faced insecurity because of ADF incursions through the forests. But because of unity and a strong army, we have managed to maintain peace,” President Museveni said. “Whenever the ADF attempted to enter this area, we chased them away and defeated them. To consolidate this peace, we are going to establish a battalion here in Kamwenge and look for land to build a barrack.” President Museveni also thanked residents of Kamwenge for the massive turnout and reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting lives and property. After restoring peace, President Museveni said the government shifted focus to development but encountered persistent poverty at household level, prompting a renewed push for wealth creation. “I am glad to see that many farmers here listened to our message, you have moved away from small-scale maize growing to coffee, fruits and bananas. This is the Ekibaaro I have been preaching, small land, commercial farming. Those who listened are now in the money economy. You should continue,” he emphasized. As part of industrialisation efforts, the President announced that the government will also seek land to establish an industrial park in the district, alongside a presidential slaughter hub to support livestock farmers. He further pledged the establishment of SACCOs and seed nurseries, noting that seed beds will be provided per constituency and per district. On infrastructure, President Museveni said major roads in the region are being prioritised. “We worked from Lyantonde through Ibanda to Kamwenge and Fort Portal. We are now going to work on the Kyenjojo–Kihura road and also improve the Rwimi road,” he said. President Museveni highlighted irrigation as the country’s next major battle, stressing the need to protect wetlands. “Our new war is irrigation. The government will take it seriously, but we must make sure we do not destroy our wetlands,” he said. He also cited exemplary wealth creators in Kamwenge, singling out Mr. Julius Akorinako, a retired District Inspector of Schools, as a model farmer who transformed his livelihood after following government advice. “I thank Julius for listening to our message,” the President said. Mr. Akorinako, who once earned little from maize farming, adopted commercial coffee farming in 2019, starting with two acres of clonal coffee. He later expanded to six acres and now earns an estimated net income of Shs40 million annually, demonstrating the impact of commercial agriculture. On education, President Museveni acknowledged challenges in the implementation of free education, noting that some school administrators have not fully complied. He said the government addressed the gaps by establishing presidential skilling hubs to equip young people with practical skills. One of the beneficiaries, Ms. Racheal Natukunda from Kyenjojo District, shared how the programme transformed her life. A Senior Four dropout who stayed home for three years due to school fees challenges, she enrolled at a presidential skilling hub after learning it offered free training. “At the skilling hub, I studied mindset change and later learnt hairdressing and cosmetology,” she said. “We also learnt how to make products like soap, hair oil and shampoo.” Using the skills acquired, Ms. Natukunda secured a microfinance loan of Shs500,000 and opened her own salon, where she now employs another worker. She has since diversified into poultry farming. Reflecting on her transformation, President Museveni said, “Natukunda was once hopeless. Today she is skilled, she employs others and she owns poultry. That is exactly what we want for our young people.” The President reiterated that the government will continue focusing on peace, infrastructure, skilling and household wealth creation to ensure inclusive development across the country. President Museveni also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Kamwenge District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. On his part, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the NRM Chairperson for Kamwenge District and Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, said the district’s progress was anchored on security, unity, and deliberate government interventions. “We thank the NRM government for giving us Kamwenge District and for defeating the ADF threat in this region,” Hon. Tumwebaze said. “When the rebels attempted to destabilise the area in 2003, the President deployed the UPDF, which decisively crushed them. That security is what has allowed our people to work and invest.” He commended President Museveni for consistently advising leaders against fragmenting the district, noting that unity had accelerated development. “Kamwenge is one people, united and peaceful. Division would only slow down progress,” he added. Hon. Tumwebaze highlighted a major transformation in household livelihoods, particularly through agriculture. “Previously, most families depended on maize. Today, following government guidance, more than half of our homesteads have shifted to coffee. Many of our farmers are now medium- and large-scale producers,” he said. He attributed the change to the President’s Four-Acre Model initiative, which has enabled even small-scale farmers to earn sustainably and transition into the money economy. Presenting Kamwenge’s current profile, Hon. Tumwebaze said the district has 18 sub-counties and town councils, 74 parishes, and 442 villages, with a population of 337,167 people according to the 2024 census. He noted the district’s strong political participation, recalling that during the 2021 presidential elections, 91,749 voters, about 78% of registered voters turned out to vote, reflecting trust in the NRM leadership. On wealth creation programmes, Hon. Tumwebaze said Kamwenge has so far received over Shs19bn under the Parish Development Model (PDM), with nearly 98 percent of the funds already disbursed to 18,625 households. “Out of our 76,274 households, about a quarter have already benefited from PDM.” He added that the Emyooga programme had also strengthened household enterprises, with 36 SACCOs and more than 15,500 members, supported by government funding of nearly Shs2 billion. Hon. Tumwebaze praised the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, for expanding access to education in the district through seed schools. Kamwenge currently has 86 government primary schools and 11 government secondary schools, alongside a growing private sector. He revealed that five new seed secondary schools are under construction, a move that will significantly reduce the number of sub-counties without government secondary schools. “Our challenge now is ensuring every parish has access to a government primary school and that no child walks long distances to study,” he said. While acknowledging improvements in health infrastructure, Hon. Tumwebaze said gaps remain, especially in sub-counties without functional health facilities. He disclosed government plans to upgrade several health centres and construct new ones to improve coverage. Leaders also formally requested the upgrade of Kamwenge Health Centre III to Health Centre IV, the deployment of additional health workers, and the establishment of an industrial park in Kamwenge to support agro-processing, including a coffee processing factory. Water access has improved to about 66 percent of rural villages, with numerous piped water systems completed across the district. The government, he said, plans to extend services to the remaining underserved areas. On energy, Hon. Tumwebaze confirmed that Kamwenge is now connected to the national grid, with plans underway to electrify the remaining sub-counties in the next term. He concluded by reaffirming Kamwenge’s loyalty to President Museveni and the NRM, pledging continued mobilisation to support government programmes aimed at transforming lives and lifting more households into the money economy. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-12-08

KYEGEGWA TO GET MAJOR INDUSTRIAL PARK, PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CONFIRMS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced that the government has secured 10 square miles of land in Kyaka to establish a major industrial park, promising factories including an avocado processing plant. He said the park will drive jobs, value addition and household incomes in Kyegegwa District. President Museveni made the remarks today while addressing a campaign rally at Wekomire Parish, Kyegegwa District. He said the people of Kyegegwa had expressed strong interest in industrialisation, and the government was ready to deliver. He emphasised that factories remain a major source of jobs—currently employing 1.3 million Ugandans—and will help lift more households into the money economy. The President also introduced the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto for 2026-2031, highlighting its seven contributions to Uganda over the last 40 years, starting with peace. He noted that Kyaka is one of the areas that best understands the value of peace, having hosted refugees for years and witnessed insecurity during the liberation struggle. On development, President Museveni pointed to infrastructure improvements in roads and electricity. He noted that the tarmac road previously ended in Mityana but the government rehabilitated and built more roads, and plans are underway to construct the Kazo- Kabogore– Kyegegwa–Kapuyo road. He also added that all sub-counties in Kyegegwa are now connected to the national grid. The President further addressed service delivery challenges from the district fact sheet, including gaps in education, health and water. He acknowledged that 41 parishes still lack a government primary school, and that the government is constructing four new seed secondary schools to reduce the number of sub-counties without a government secondary school. On health, President Museveni noted that only nine out of 19 sub-counties have functional facilities, but upgrades and new HCIIIs are planned in Kigambo, Migongwe, Migamba, Ruhangire, Bugogo, Kyatega, Hapuuyo, Kakabara and Mpara. On water, he expressed concern that only 256 out of 677 villages have safe water and pledged that the government will draw water from River Muzizi to improve supply. Additionally, President Museveni reiterated the NRM’s efforts in promoting wealth creation, encouraging residents to adopt the four-acre model. He also warned against the mismanagement of the Parish Development Model Initiative, saying every beneficiary must receive the full Shs 1 million. The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Western region, Hon. Jonard Asiimwe, and Kyegegwa District Chairperson, Mr. Wilson Byabona all praised the President’s development efforts and pledged strong support in the forthcoming election.

2025-12-08