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 URGES UGANDANS TO JUDGE NRM BY ITS VISIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS AS HE RALLIES SUPPORT IN RUKIGA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to renew their trust in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) by evaluating the party’s performance over the past four decades, saying the party’s legacy is anchored in visible and tangible contributions that have transformed the country. Addressing thousands of supporters on Tuesday 25th November 2025, at Rushebeya playground in Rushebeya Sub-County, Rukiga District, President Museveni, who is also the NRM presidential flag bearer, said Ugandans have every reason to vote for NRM because its record is grounded in achievements rather than promises. “If you support NRM, you’re on the right path because NRM talks about the visible contributions it has made to Uganda,” President Museveni said, during his address that centered on peace, development, infrastructure, and wealth creation. The rally formed part of his ongoing campaign trail in Western Uganda as he seeks re-election in the 2026 general elections. President Museveni placed peace at the top of what he called the “seven contributions of NRM,” arguing that national stability remains the most critical achievement of his government. “What is important is to tell you the seven contributions of NRM, starting with peace. Uganda is peaceful because of NRM,” the President said. He pointed to ongoing instability in neighbouring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where communities face daily insecurity. In contrast, he said, Ugandans have enjoyed decades of stability. “Yesterday in Kisoro, people spoke about the suffering their neighbours in the DRC continue to face due to insecurity. Ugandans today enjoy stability because of the peace built over the years,” he added, emphasizing that peace has allowed the country to prioritize development, attract investment, and grow the economy. The President said that when the NRM came into power in 1986, electricity supply in the western region was scarce and unreliable. “When the NRM came into power, this side of Kabale had no electricity from Jinja. The power line stopped in Kasese, and Kabale relied on a small dam at Kariba,” President Museveni explained. He noted that today, nearly the entire region is connected, with Rukiga boasting four of its six sub-counties on the national grid. “Plans are underway to electrify Bukinda and Mparo sub-counties in the next term,” he said. Regarding safe water access, President Museveni said he was pleased to learn that Rukiga now has 83% rural safe water coverage, supported by gravity flow schemes, solar-powered irrigation, rainwater harvesting systems, and ongoing sanitation upgrades. President Museveni also credited the NRM government with transforming Uganda’s road network, particularly linking major regions and border points. “We worked on the road network right from Kampala to Kabale up to the Katuna border. We also did the Kabale–Kisoro Road, then the road from Mbarara–Rukungiri–Kanungu up to Kihiihi,” he said. He announced that new works will commence on the long-awaited Muhanga–Rwamucucu road, connecting Kamwezi, Rubale, Rukungiri, and eventually joining the Kanungu road. The announcement was met with loud applause, as road infrastructure remains one of Rukiga District’s key concerns. In a candid moment, President Museveni addressed the challenges of balancing public expectations and limited government resources. “I need you to help me with one thing—prioritization of resources, and to do one thing at a time, not everything at once,” he said, while defending the government’s decision to increase salaries for science teachers before addressing the demands of arts teachers. “We increased the salaries of science teachers because we need them urgently. We need all teachers, but we have to prioritize what benefits everybody before returning to the arts teachers. But the arts teachers want the salaries now-now,” President Museveni said. Drawing parallels with the military, he argued that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) prioritizes equipment and welfare over salaries. “In the UPDF, we prioritize equipment and the welfare of soldiers, not salary. They don’t have good houses; they still sleep in grass-thatched homes. In other countries, they prioritize salary first - that is why they can’t defend themselves,” he added. Environment and Irrigation: President Museveni praised residents of Rukiga for protecting wetlands and avoiding environmental destruction. “I thank you for not destroying the environment and keeping the swampy areas intact,” he said, promising a major government-funded irrigation project in the swamp to boost agricultural productivity. “I’m going to start a big project on this swamp to enable you to start irrigation and get good yields like Dr. Muranga of Bushenyi,” the President said, highlighting Dr. Muranga’s success—harvesting 53 tons of bananas per acre annually—as evidence of what irrigation can achieve as opposed to 5 tons harvested by the rest of the people. Household Wealth: President Museveni revisited a recurring theme in his campaigns: the distinction between wealth (a personal economic gain) and development (public infrastructure and services). “Development is for everyone—like roads, schools, hospitals. Wealth is personal and private,” President Museveni told the supporters, further reminding them that the wealth creation message began as early as the 1960s in the cattle corridor, long before he became President. He cited success stories such as George Matongo from Nakaseke, who produces 900 litres of milk daily and earns over Shs 21 million monthly despite living far from the nearest tarmac road. “That is why we tell you to create wealth, and the tarmac road will find you,” he said. President Museveni further revisited the 4-Acre Model, first introduced in the 1996 NRM manifesto, which guides small landholders on how to use limited land to generate consistent income through diversified enterprises such as: coffee, fruits, pasture for zero-grazing, and food crops, in addition to poultry for eggs or piggery in the backyard, and fish farming for those near wetlands. He spoke at length about Joseph Basangwa, a former LC5 aspirant in Kamuli whose poultry enterprise, JEKA Farm, became one of Uganda’s best examples of wealth creation. Basangwa produces 200 trays of eggs daily and earns Shs 20 million per day, translating into Shs 600 million per month and Shs 7.2 billion per year. “Somebody who had no job is now employing 300 people. Wealth creates jobs,” President Museveni said. The President also urged the people of Rukiga to take advantage of the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he said is designed to lift households out of poverty. Rukiga District has so far received Shs 9.2 billion in PDM funds, with 99.46% of the money disbursed to 9,163 beneficiary households. The district has 29,495 households, meaning only 31% have benefited from PDM so far. “These remaining households must also get out of poverty. Even those already in the money economy should expand,” President Museveni said. The President also emphasized that the real driver of employment is not government but agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT. “Uganda has a population of 50 million people, yet government jobs are only 480,000,” he said, adding that factories, like those in industrial parks, now employ over 1.3 million people. He cited Sino-Mbale Industrial Park, which hosts 75 factories, as an example of industrialization creating new opportunities. Free Education: The President said free education in government schools continues to be undermined by head teachers who impose illegal fees on vulnerable families. “When I saw this, I launched the Presidential Skilling Hubs where youths train for free in carpentry, welding, tailoring, hairdressing, baking, leather work, and other practical skills,” he said. He reiterated plans to recruit 5,000 new teachers to reduce the need for schools to charge extra fees to hire additional staff. Turning to oil discovery, President Museveni said Uganda’s oil discovery was possible because of the NRM government. “Europeans were here for many years but never discovered the country’s oil. It was during the NRM government that Uganda identified its commercially viable petroleum resources,” he said. He assured Ugandans that oil development will drive Uganda’s economy to greater heights. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, also the NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, rallied Rukiga residents to vote overwhelmingly for President Museveni. “We appeal to the people of Rukiga to vote for President Museveni 100%. On voting day, go and vote for the old man with a hat—and also vote for everyone with the bus,” she said. She thanked President Museveni for restoring peace, strengthening development, and improving livelihoods across the country. She criticized opposition politicians who she said lack the capacity to lead the country. “This country is not trial-and-error,” she said. Former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda praised President Museveni’s lifelong service to Uganda. “He has offered all his life and energy to serve this country. He is the only candidate Ugandans should entrust with leadership,” Dr. Rugunda said. He attributed Uganda’s increased life expectancy, from 43 years in 1986 to 68 years currently, to NRM-led health interventions such as immunization. Presenting the district memorandum, Rukiga NRM Chairperson, Mr. Frank Besigye Kyerere welcomed President Museveni and praised his leadership. He reminded the President that in the previous elections, he garnered 81.8% of the votes cast in Rukiga. “We expect at least 90% voter turnout, and we highly believe that more than 90% of these votes will be for His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” he said. He listed key achievements in the district, including peace and security, a district status for Rukiga, improved rural water access, and wealth creation programs (PDM, Emyooga, UWEP, YLP, PWD initiatives). Mr. Besigye presented several requests to the President, including the need for a district hospital, a technical school, and tarmacking of key roads, including Muhanga–Rwamucucu–Kisiizi and Rutobo–Kamwezi–Kyogo–Muhanga roads.

2025-11-25

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PRESENTS NRM MANIFESTO TO KABALE AS HE DRUMS UP SUPPORT AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today presented the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto for 2026-2031 to residents of Kabale ahead of the 2026 general elections. Addressing a massive campaign rally at Kigezi High School Primary Lower School Playground in Kabale Municipality, President Museveni who is also the NRM Presidential flagbearer reiterated the seven key contributions the ruling party has delivered to Uganda over the last 40 years. “Our first contribution is peace,” he said, noting that the previous day’s visit to Kisoro reaffirmed how deeply people appreciate peace, especially given the instability in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. On wealth creation, the President expressed satisfaction with efforts by religious leaders in Kigezi who had earlier consulted him about their internal differences. “I advised them to go and see the work being done by Nyakana of Fort Portal and Hon. Fred Byamukama of Bugangaizi West, in line with the four-acre model,” he said. “I am happy they are doing a great job.” The President emphasized that those with small pieces of land should undertake intensive farming through the four-acre model’s seven activities, while those with large landholdings should practice extensive farming such as cotton, tobacco, or free-range livestock. “What causes poverty now is people with small pieces of land trying to do extensive farming,” he noted. He also highlighted Uganda’s rising coffee production. “We now have 12 million coffee bags because many Ugandans have woken up.” On job creation—the fourth NRM contribution—the President clarified common misconceptions. “Most people think jobs come from the government, which is wrong. Government jobs are only 480,000,” he explained. He cited the story of Mr. Basangwa from Busoga, who had initially sought a government position but instead embraced commercial agriculture. “From his wealth, he has been able to create 300 jobs. You can’t talk about jobs without talking about wealth creation.” President Museveni added that factories, services, and ICT are also major job creators, with new factories employing more than 1.3 million Ugandans. The President also addressed land use challenges in Kabale, revealing that government plans to establish an iron and steel factory in the district. “We need 150 acres. The Bible says a nation without a vision perishes. Land in Kabale has been fragmented, and now I have a factory but nowhere to put it,” he said. He stressed that the coming industrial town would focus on manufacturing and value addition—not retail trading. The President also highlighted development as the NRM’s second major contribution, citing progress in roads, electricity, telecommunications, schools, and hospitals. “Those that are not yet done will be done,” he assured. At the same event, several NRM leaders delivered remarks. The Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, Second National Vice Chairperson of the NRM, urged the people of Kabale to support President Museveni in the upcoming election. She cautioned them not to be swayed by other presidential candidates, saying, “He is the only hope Uganda has,” and applauded his commitment to establishing an iron and steel industry in Kabale. The NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, Hon. Asiimwe Jonard, thanked the President for empowering the youth. With youth comprising 70% of Uganda’s population, he said, “They need to be empowered more to join production.” Former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda praised the President for taking a bold stand against bad regimes and securing Uganda’s peace. He credited President Museveni for defeating insurgent groups such as Kony, Lakwena, and the ADF, leading to the stability the country enjoys today. Asinga Bridget Tumwesigye, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Kabale District thanked the President for maintaining peace and security in the district. She commended government support for road maintenance, the establishment of government seed schools, and the Presidential Skilling Hub in Kigezi, which has equipped many youths with practical skills.

2025-11-25

SFC AND POLICE LEADERSHIP COMMENDED FOR ENHANCING NATIONAL SECURITY THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

The Special Forces Command (SFC) and Uganda Police Force have been applauded for enhancing national security through continued cooperation between the two institutions. This was during the pass-out of 125 Presidential Protection Guard (PPG) officers who completed a four-month Tier 2 VVIP protection course at VVIPTS–Sera Kasenyi on Saturday 22nd November 2025. The Chief guest, Brig Gen. Paul Namawa, the SFC Chief of Staff, thanked the SFC Commander and the Inspector General of Police for supporting joint training efforts that enhance national security. He emphasized that the long-standing partnership between the PPG and SFC is crucial for protecting VVIPs and responding to wider security demands. He echoed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s guidance on coordinated security operations, warning against “blind deployment” that overworks personnel and increases unnecessary costs. Brig Gen. Namawa congratulated the graduates and reminded them to uphold professionalism and the values of courage, loyalty, consciousness, integrity, and ideological clarity as they begin their duties. The training school Commandant Maj. Samson Mucunguzi expressed gratitude to the UPDF leadership—particularly Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Maj Gen. David Mugisha—for the continuous support and thanked the Police Force for entrusting the school with training its officers. He commended instructors for their commitment and called on graduates to remain disciplined, healthy, and focused. Col. Wilson Bagonza, the 3SFG Commander, urged the trainees to embrace patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism as guiding principles in both peace- and war-time service. He praised their demonstrated skills in drills, shooting, and martial arts, cautioning them to maintain physical fitness and avoid corruption, sectarianism, intrigue, and the lure of a “soft life.” Representing the IGP, Commissioner of Police Simon Okosh lauded the SFC for providing elite, internationally respected training and told graduates to consider themselves privileged to have learned from highly skilled instructors. He encouraged them to maintain discipline and professionalism, noting that the partnership between the UPDF, SFC, and Police continues to raise security standards. He dismissed claims that the army had taken over election security, reaffirming that the Police remains the lead agency, with UPDF providing support under police command.

2025-11-24

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI LAUNCHES WESTERN UGANDA CAMPAIGN TRAIL, APPEALS FOR SUPPORT TO PROTECT THE GAINS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, on Monday, 24th November 2025, made a spirited appeal to Ugandans to rally behind the National Resistance Movement (NRM), emphasising the party’s role in securing peace, development, and socio-economic transformation over nearly four decades. Addressing thousands of jubilant supporters at Saaza Grounds in Kisoro District, the NRM national chairman and 2026 presidential flag bearer kicked off his first major rally in western Uganda as he intensified his re-election bid. President Museveni, welcomed with thunderous chants from supporters who filled the expansive grounds, said the country still needs the NRM to consolidate the gains achieved and to drive Uganda toward high middle-income status. “The reasons we are here are to ask you to support the National Resistance Movement and to give you the reasons why,” he said. “People move around saying, ‘support me, support me,’ but ask them what they have done for the country. Uganda has had many problems — sugar shortages, cement, salt, clothes — but we have solved many of them. Most of the work has been done by the NRM,” he added. The President reiterated the campaign theme: “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into a High Middle-income Status”, saying the next phase of Uganda’s transformation requires continuity, discipline, and prioritisation of wealth creation at the household level. President Museveni also highlighted what he termed the seven major contributions of the NRM, beginning with peace, which he said remains the foundation of all progress. “You, the people of Kisoro, know the importance of peace,” he told the cheering crowd, referencing the once-volatile border region and praising residents for supporting government efforts to secure the area. The second contribution, he said, is development, citing improvements in transport, electricity, communication, and education over the years. He pointed to road upgrades from Kampala to Mbarara and Kisoro, and promised the completion of additional critical routes, including the Kabale–Kisoro–Mgahinga National Park road, which is under construction, and the Kisoro–Muko–Rukiri–Katoojo road. President Museveni said the education sector in Kisoro has greatly expanded under the NRM, with 136 government primary schools and 14 government secondary schools offering Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Universal Post-O-Level Education and Training. However, he expressed concern over the unequal distribution of government schools across the district’s 71 parishes. Of these, 45 parishes have at least one government primary school, while 26 parishes remain without any. “There are parishes with more than one government primary school, leaving 26 without. This is not good,” President Museveni said. “Government schools should be distributed fairly.” At the secondary level, out of 24 sub-counties, 10 still have no government secondary school. Wealth Creation: President Museveni used the Kisoro rally to revisit one of his long-standing messages: distinguishing development from wealth. “We have tarmac roads up to Bunagana and Cyanika to Kabale, but people don’t sleep on the road,” he said. “That is why NRM emphasises wealth creation for every household,” he added, highlighting the success stories that demonstrate the potential of Uganda’s rural economy when the right agricultural models are adopted. One example was George Matongo of Ngoma, Nakaseke, who, despite living 70 miles from the nearest tarmac road, produces 900 litres of milk daily, earning around Shs. 21 million monthly. “Development may still be lacking, but wealth is there,” President Museveni said. “That is why we tell you to create wealth, and the tarmac road will find you.” He also revisited the 4-acre model, first introduced in the 1996 manifesto, which encourages smallholder farmers to diversify into high-value enterprises, including coffee, fruits, dairy, poultry, piggery, and fish farming. President Museveni spoke of Joseph Basangwa, a prominent poultry farmer from Kamuli, who turned to farming after failing to win a district leadership seat in 2007. “Basangwa is selling 110,000 eggs a day, earning Shs 20 million daily — that’s Shs 600 million a month and Shs 7.2 billion a year,” President Museveni said. “He listened to our message. I advised him to join wealth creation, and now he employs 300 people.” On employment, President Museveni stressed that jobs come from four sectors: commercial agriculture, industry and manufacturing, services and ICT. He highlighted the growing contribution of industrialisation, citing factories that now employ 1.3 million Ugandans, compared to 480,000 on the government payroll. President Museveni singled out the Sino-Mbale Industrial Park, which hosts over 75 factories, as an example of NRM’s deliberate strategy to promote manufacturing. Even small enterprises, he said, are central to job creation, praising young people trained under the Presidential Skilling Hubs for using hands-on vocational skills to start businesses in welding, carpentry, tailoring, hairdressing, bakery, leather design, and construction. According to the President, Uganda has made significant progress under the NRM, but it needs stability and continuity to secure a prosperous future. “With your support, we shall consolidate the achievements and continue transforming Uganda,” he said. Several top NRM leaders accompanied the NRM Presidential candidate to Kisoro and echoed calls for unity and overwhelming support for the President in the upcoming 2026 elections. Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, the NRM Second National Vice Chairperson and Speaker of Parliament, thanked President Museveni for transforming Uganda. “The people in the north and east have promised 90% of the votes. From Kisoro to Masindi, we expect you to vote 100%,” said Rt. Hon. Among. She also praised the improved road network in western Uganda. “I have passed on this road from Kabale to Kisoro, and I must confess, it is a beautiful road,” she said, adding that Ugandans would vote for NRM to express gratitude for the peace and development the country has enjoyed. “I wonder when people come here and say you have done nothing. The votes we are giving you this time are for appreciating what you have done,” she stressed. Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa described President Museveni’s decision to begin his western Uganda campaigns in Kisoro as “a sign of love,” and urged residents to maintain unity, while the NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, Hon. Asiimwe Jonard, said the region remains a stronghold for the party. “The gains in western Uganda are many. We are going to support the party as children of NRM,” Hon. Asiimwe said, calling for unity under the party. The Kisoro rally drew a powerful team of NRM heavyweights, including the NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and Prominent Kisoro personalities, including Gen. Kale Kayihura and King Ceasor Mulenga.

2025-11-24

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI VOWS TO ENHANCE INFRASTRUCTURE AND HOUSEHOLD WEALTH IN RUBANDA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer, has today pledged to strengthen peace, improve key road networks and deepen household income initiatives in Rubanda District. Speaking at a campaign rally in Rubanda, the President said the NRM’s 2026–2031 Manifesto will focus on the continuation of Uganda’s journey of peace, development, and prosperity for all Ugandans. He told residents that communities in Kisoro and Rubanda understand the value of stability because of their proximity to conflict-affected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “After defeating Kony and the other rebel groups that once disturbed our people, we secured this peace. And we must protect it,” he said. The President highlighted infrastructure development as a major pillar of his next term, citing completed works such as the Kabale–Kisoro Road. He confirmed that the government has secured funding for the Katuna–Muko–Kamuganguzi Road. He assured residents that the Kisoro–Nkuringo–Buguri–Buko Road, the Kabale–Bunyonyi–Kisoro–Mgahinga route and the Hamurwa– Kerere– Kanungu– Kanyantorogo–Butogota–Buhoma/Ifasha–Ikumba stretch will all be upgraded. “These strategic roads will boost tourism, improve access to markets and increase incomes,” he said. Reiterating a campaign he began in the 1960s, the President praised the cattle corridor communities who heeded his early call for economic transformation. “I’m very glad the dairy farmers of 1964–65 listened. We told them to stop moving from place to place trying to run from foot and mouth disease. They listened and now, they’re earning big,” he said. He then advocated for intensive agriculture, especially for families with limited land. “If you have a small piece of land say two acres and you grow cotton or tobacco, you get little per year. But you must produce a good or service for sale and you must do it with ekibalo (calculation),” he said. Explaining the Four-Acre Model first introduced in the 1996 NRM Manifesto, he elaborated, “If you have four acres, do seven things: One acre for coffee , it can bring you Shs15 million a year. The second acre for fruits, the third for pasture you can support cows on one acre.” “The fourth for food crops for the family. In the backyard, do poultry for eggs, piggery if you're not a Muslim, and fish farming if you're near swamps. Fish farming brings a lot of money. One acre accommodates four ponds which make up to Shs80 million a year.” On the Parish Development Model (PDM), the President reminded beneficiaries that the funds are not giveaways but community-owned investments. “This PDM is your bank. It is not a handout, it’s a revolving fund meant to uplift you from poverty, those who have received the money must ensure it is put to good use and repaid after two years so that others can also benefit,” he noted. He also issued a stern warning against misuse or neglect of the program. “This money belongs to you and your community. If you misuse it or fail to repay, you deny others a chance to improve their livelihoods. The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Rubanda District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. The Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), also member of Parliament, Rubanda East Constituency, Hon. Henry Musasizi thanked the President for expanded services in education, health, water and electricity. He reported progress in government schools, health centre upgrades and rural water systems. “However, Your Excellency, we request that you enforce the police to curb crime like theft in the villages. This is one of those issues we are facing here,” he noted. Former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda welcomed President Museveni to Kigezi and urged residents to maintain their support as they have always done. NRM impact in Rubanda: Rubanda District has registered notable progress in the education sector, with 110 government primary schools and 81 private ones now serving learners across the district. The area also has nine government secondary schools and 29 privately run institutions. Government-aided secondary schools continue to offer Universal Secondary Education and UPOLET, with current enrolment standing at 5,381 students. Out of the district’s 70 parishes, 45 have at least one government primary school, while ongoing construction of two Seed Secondary Schools is expected to reduce the number of sub-counties without a government secondary school from ten to eight once completed. The district has outlined a series of interventions to improve the health centers, including the upgrading of Muko HCIV and the elevation of Kiyebe, Kaara, Ihunga, Kagarama, Mugyera and Kashasha health centres to HCIII status. New HC IIIs are also planned for Bubaare, Kacere and Katojo. Rubanda West currently hosts a general hospital, while Rubanda East has a functioning HCIV, each staffed with two medical doctors. Access to water and sanitation remains mixed. Of the 476 villages in Rubanda, 54% have access to a safe water source, leaving 46% unserved. Recent improvements include the protection of twelve springs, construction of the Nyakasazi Gravity Flow Scheme and completion of the Burimbe piped water system. The district has also rehabilitated the Rwanseza and Ruboroga gravity flow schemes and expanded town water systems in Rubanda, Hamurwa, Bubaare, Bufundi, Muko, Kacerere, Nyamweru and several other centres, delivering safe water to tens of thousands of residents. Ongoing works involve additional protected springs, installation of rainwater harvesting tanks in selected institutions and an expansion programme in Butare–Katojo aimed at extending safe water to hard-to-reach villages. Future plans include new piped water systems for Nshanjare, Katojo and Mugyera town councils. In the energy sector, Rubanda is now fully connected to the national grid. The government says its next phase will focus on extending electricity to the remaining ten sub-counties which Hamurwa, Bubare, Ikumba, Bufundi, Bubaare, Butare–Katojo, Habuhutu–Mugyera, Kacerere and Ruhija. On economic empowerment, district data shows Rubanda has 63,754 households, of which 20,733 have so far benefited from the Parish Development Model. The district has cumulatively received Shs 21.1bn under the programme, with 96.66 percent of the funds already disbursed to beneficiaries. Rubanda further hosts 32 Emyooga SACCOs with a combined membership of 20,963 people, and these have collectively received Shs 1.76bn to support enterprise growth. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-11-24