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

STUDENT LEADERS URGED TO SUSTAIN UGANDA’S SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Joint Staff Political Commissar, Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko has revealed that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has been able to sustain its socio-economic transformation by embracing the right ideology. “When the NRM came to power, it started by addressing the strategic bottlenecks; by saying no to bad politics and reconstructing the state and making it viable,” he said. Gen. Matsiko made the remarks today as a chief guest during the student leaders and alumni town hall meeting, held at Makerere University, Kampala. Organised by the Makerere University Convocation, the event ran under the theme: “Sustaining Uganda’s transformation: A town hall with emerging leaders”, and attracted leaders and students from various universities around the country such as Makerere, Kyambogo, UCU, KIU, Victoria University, Bishop Stuart, St. Lawrence, among others. Gen. Matsiko said Uganda’s journey of transformation is not by accident, explaining that it is being steered by a visionary leader, in the name of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He also reminded the young leaders of Uganda’s political turmoil before the NRM government came into power in 1986. “When Idi Amin came, things totally collapsed. Many opportunities were missed in sectors like human resource development, markets, industrialization and governance,” he disclosed. He noted that when President Museveni came into power, he came up with the right ideology of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation and democracy, principles he said have helped to develop the country. “The government has been able to expand the Ugandan economy through industrialization and infrastructure development,” he said. “Today we are confident that the Ugandan state is fully reconstructed, fueled and unstoppable. You only have a suicidal mind to assume that you can destabilize Uganda,” he cautioned. Furthermore, Gen. Matsiko urged the youth not to be diverted by selfish forces with a hidden agenda to destabilize Uganda. “Take advantage of the current peace in Uganda to develop not to cause chaos. Gen Z let nobody divert you, you should be part of this winning story,” he advised. “You should refuse to be poisoned and diverted. Smell in every cup of message you are being given and when you detect that it smells poison, reject it.” The head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema implored the young leaders to ensure that the path to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation is firmly constructed to endure the times ahead. “As you might know, for the last 10 years or so, we have been talking about advancing socio-economic transformation in Uganda. The real challenge for leaders, however, lies in sustaining this transformation,” she said. According to Col. Nakalema, since 1986, Uganda’s socio-economic transformation has moved from a collapsed, state-controlled economy to a liberal, private-sector-led model, yielding commendable economic growth rates and levels of poverty reduction. “The 25th edition of the Uganda Economic Update, published on September 30th,2025 shows that inflation at 3.5 percent in Financial Year 2024/2025 compared to 3.2 percent the year before remains below the central bank’s target of 5 percent. This report projects a positive medium-term outlook, with growth accelerating to 10.4 percent in Financial Year 2026/2027 as oil production begins before stabilizing around 6 percent,” she said. Col. Nakalema explained that with Shs17. 18 trillion allocated, 23.7 percent of the Shs 72.38 trillion budget, Uganda is advancing its ten-fold growth strategy to reach a USD500 billion economy by 2040. “Foreign Direct Investment rose 26.3 percent to USD 785.79 million, totaling USD3.48 billion as Uganda also continues to be a favorable destination for Foreign Direct Investment,” she said. “Whilst the reality of this progress is undeniable, transformation is not the destination, it remains an ongoing journey. Therefore, beyond providing the spark which ignites growth, our inherent worth as leaders lies in our ability to sustain transformation through the changing tides of economic shifts, political changes and unforeseen crises. That is what defines us as true stewards of prosperity.” Col. Nakalema further revealed that leaders should sustain transformation through building resilience, decisively implementing the direction of progress, investing in preparedness for the future, advancing a new paradigm of transformation and reconsidering development mindset. “Transformation is interconnected to an unprecedented extent. Working as one front of government institutions and the private sector towards collective prosperity builds a shared imperative to safeguard the benefits of development,” she said. Additionally, Col. Nakalema noted that sustaining the transformation which Uganda has achieved so far warrants a depth of conviction, unshakable courage, collective foresight and unswerving commitment to an attractive future of the country. “As someone rightly predicted, our legacy as leaders of today will be judged not by the speed of our initial sprint, but by the endurance and equity of the economic prosperity we will leave behind. Therefore, let us lead not just for today's headlines, but for tomorrow's history,” she stated. On the other hand, Col. Nakalema implored the youth to guard and sustain what Uganda has achieved so far. “Focus on the peace and stability of the country and adding value wherever you're,” she urged. Representing Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Sarah Saali, Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics, appreciated the Convocation for organising the event. She said as leaders, they have a duty to contribute to the government’s development agenda. “We have a duty to take development to our people. As leaders we need to develop a clarity of purpose and vision,” Prof. Ssali said. “We should thank the government for expanding higher education; that decision is the reason why we are here in big numbers.” The Chairperson of Makerere University Convocation, Mr. George Turyamureeba Mugabi thanked the NRM government for including the graduate fund in its 2026-2031 Manifesto. He said the fund will help to deal with the challenge of unemployment. “As the Convocation we want to engage the youth in a useful manner. We want to start the journey of making the young people civil, and we work together in order to develop our country,” he said. Mr. Turyamureeba also urged leaders to sensitise the masses to maintain peace during and after the 2026 elections. “We have a big role to play in informing the public on how best we can behave before and after elections so that we are able to protect our country,” he said. “Even when we are engaging in leadership, we need to do it in a civil manner.” The event was also attended by the former Attorney General, Hon. Fred Ruhindi, the Chairperson of the Education Service Commission, Rev. Prof. Dr. Samuel Abimerech Luboga, top academicians, among others.

2025-12-08

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

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

2025-12-06