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 REASSURES TORORO RESIDENTS ON NEW DISTRICTS, PROMISES MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reassured the people of Tororo that the government has completed its part in resolving the long-standing administrative and district boundary questions raised by Tororo leaders. Recently, the government resolved to elevate Tororo Municipality to city status, making it a neutral administrative unit and creating three new districts from the current Tororo District to accommodate the different communities. The districts include Mukuju, Mulanda and Kisoko. While addressing a massive campaign rally at Lions Park today, the President said he would “check with the Attorney General” to ensure the final legal steps are completed, adding that the concerns brought forward by Tororo leaders “were finished on our side.” The reassurance formed the backbone of the President’s wide-ranging address, in which he also detailed the NRM’s infrastructure plans for the next term. He said the 2026–2031 manifesto focuses on completing Uganda’s backbone infrastructure—roads, electricity, water systems, and health facilities—and enabling every household to generate wealth. He announced government funding for the Tororo– Nagongela– Kisoko– Busulwe–Busaba road and said works on the Busia–Tororo road were ongoing. “These roads support production,” he said, emphasising that movement, trade, and market access depend on the economic infrastructure NRM has built. The President also outlined a sweeping health sector upgrade for Tororo District, including the elevation of Malaba, Lyolwa and Paaya HCIIIs to HCIVs, and the upgrading of 19 HCII facilities across the district. He said this would eliminate the 16 sub-counties currently without government health centres. In education, President Museveni criticised the persistence of school fees in government schools, warning that fees remain a national barrier despite huge investments in school infrastructure. He called for internal NRM discussions on implementing free education, arguing that thousands of children still drop out because of fees challenges. “School fees are a danger. The future of these children is being destroyed.” President Museveni said Uganda’s progress is attributed to the peace NRM established, which laid the foundation for development and wealth creation—principles he said remain central to the 2026–2031 manifesto. The NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Among said she would ensure the district-related directives are implemented. The NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, Hon. Calvin Echodu thanked the residents of Tororo for braving the rain to attend the campaign rally in big numbers. The NRM Tororo District Chairperson, Hon. Yeri Apollo Ofwono thanked the President for creating Mukuju, Mulanda and Kisoko districts, and for granting Tororo city status.

2025-11-15

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ATTENDS PASTOR ROBERT KAYANJA'S COMMAND THE FUTURE CONFERENCE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, today joined thousands of believers for the Command the Future Conference at Miracle Centre Cathedral, Rubaga. The conference, which began on 12th November 2025 brought together Christian leaders, delegates and international speakers including Dr. Paula White who is the Guest of Honor from the United States of America, and it focuses on faith, leadership and wealth creation. In his speech, President Museveni revealed that they attended the conference to glorify God for what He has done for Uganda, the Church and the other faiths. He reflected on his early involvement in Scripture Union in the 1960s, noting that Biblical grounding guided him in his leadership journey. “What Robert Kayanja is saying is because I had also been very active with Scripture union in the 1960s, and I would have been a Bishop if I had not gone through other things,” he said. President Museveni noted that reading the Bible provided guidance that has helped in shaping his leadership. “Because I read the Bible, I was guided in a number of areas which has helped me to do the work of leadership in many areas.” The President recalled past debates about banning churches and explained that his decision was informed by scripture. “People wanted to ban you,” I said but why? “I said no.” I remembered in the Bible, when people came to Jesus and said that some people are pretending to cast out demons like you, should we stop them? Jesus said, ‘Do not stop them. If they are not against us, they are with us.’ President Museveni added that his major concern was for the Born-again churches to abide by the law. “It is not my job to know who is right or who is not. My only concern is that they do not break the law. The rest is for God to judge,” he said. He added that leaders should recognise that God ultimately deals with anyone who deceives His people. President Museveni also commended the wealth creation by different pastors, noting that work is a biblical principle. “We were still there, and I heard that Kayanja and others are creating wealth and I said, oh Kayanja and his group have started moving in the movement of Jesus. “This is because Jesus preached the gospel, healed the sick, fed the hungry but He also worked in Joseph’s carpentry.” President Museveni called upon the believers to work hard, giving an example of the Puritans who fled from Europe to the USA but helped it prosper. “The Christians who built America were called the Puritans, worked hard and created prosperity. Christians build nations,” he said. This United States which you hear about, their prosperity was built by Christians called Puritans who landed in America in 1623,” he said. “The Puritans had fled from Europe where there was a lot of prejudice and favoritism, more less of what Jesus was fighting in the Bible,” he added, calling upon believers not to be hypocrites. In his concluding remarks, he urged believers to influence society through their deeds. “Christians should change others by what they do. The Bible says, Let your light shine before men so that people see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven,” he remarked. On his part, Pastor Robert Kayanja, the lead preacher at Miracle Centre Cathedral, Rubaga, thanked the President for the peace and freedom of worship enjoyed in the country. “Your Excellency, you are not just a leader, you are a father. In 1986 when you had just come from the bush, security forces did not want us to use this place, but you said, ‘Let them worship.’ Because of that decision, we are now seven million,” Pastor Kayanja said. He added that the growth of Miracle Centre Cathedral and its ministries was made possible by the environment of stability. “God has changed our lives. All these pastors from different nations are here because you have provided peace and security. If anyone is to bear witness, it is the Miracle Centre. We were once under kiwempe, but God has chased poverty and brought blessings.” Pastor Kayanja also assured the President of the church’s prayers and ongoing contribution to national development. “You came and commissioned our old church. We shall continue praying for you, and God will do as He wishes,” he stated. “We have also begun what we call faith diplomacy because we want to help shape the future of our nation.” About the Conference: The Command the Future Conference (12th–16th November) is an international Christian gathering focused on: • Faith-driven leadership • Wealth creation and economic empowerment • Spiritual renewal and national transformation This year’s conference has attracted thousands of local and international delegates, underscoring Uganda’s freedom of worship and its growing role globally.

2025-11-14

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PROMISES ROAD UPGRADES IN BUTALEJA, COMMENDS DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS IN THE DISTRICT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the NRM Presidential flag bearer, has today promised to tarmac major roads in Butaleja District, as he addressed thousands of supporters at Booma Grounds during a campaign rally. President Museveni highlighted the Nabumali–Butaleja–Namutumba Road and the Tororo–Nagongera–Busolwe Road as key projects that had been delayed. “Now we have secured the funds, and the contractor has already been identified. These roads would have been completed earlier if priorities were handled properly. Let’s learn how to plan and execute effectively,” he said. The President attributed past delays to poor budgeting and overloading of projects. “When people bring too many things into the budget at the same time, important projects get scattered. Members of Parliament and the population must understand that you cannot pursue everything at once,” he emphasized. Reflecting on the district’s turbulent past, he noted: “The elders here witnessed the challenges of cattle rustling, rebel activity, and instability. Otherwise, these roads could have been done long ago.” President Museveni lauded Butaleja’s progress across multiple sectors, noting that the district is doing well on water, whereby out of 443 villages, 418 now have access to safe water, that is 94% with 25 remaining. On Irrigation, he said: “I can see irrigation schemes in Doho and Walala. That is good, as they take water from the river and irrigate their crops. Those growing in the swamp will require further discussion.” He noted that all the sub-counties have been electrified apart from the sub-county headquarters, which he said will also be connected. On health, he said: “For the 15 sub-counties here, one has a covenant district hospital, one has a Health Centre IV, and 11 have Health Centre IIIs. Only two sub-counties lack Health Centre IIIs.” On agriculture, President Museveni praised locals for embracing irrigation techniques for rice cultivation. “Rice grown under irrigation yields Sh7m. per acre before costs, and Sh5m after costs. This is the productive rice, not the one growing in the swamp,” he said. He also reiterated his vision for diversified farming in the district, outlining seven key activities: one acre for coffee, one acre for fruit, third acre for pasture with zero-grazing cows, and the fourth acre for family food, poultry in the backyard, piggery , and fish farming near wetlands. “These activities provide both income and food security. People who have interpreted our message are now doing well,” the President added. President Museveni concluded by encouraging the people of Butaleja to continue building on these achievements, emphasizing that infrastructure, agriculture, and proper planning are central to sustainable development. The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Butaleja District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, Speaker of Parliament and NRM second vice-chairperson, recounted her experience during the past conflicts. “We left Bukedea and came to Butaleja to help refugees. Your Excellency, we are grateful for the Budumba Bridge, which is now under construction.” She also requested that Butaleja be included in the restocking program to support livestock recovery in areas affected by cattle rustling. Mr. Moses Pabire, Butaleja District NRM Chairperson, highlighted the community’s strong NRM support. “After serving in the youth league, the revolutionary members of the party elevated me to NRM chairperson. It is my singular honor to welcome our Excellency to Butaleja, the land of rice, which has flourished under your leadership. NRM impact in Butaleja: The district has 102 government primary schools and 70 private primary schools, 13 government secondary schools and 22 private secondary schools. All government secondary schools provide Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Universal Post-Ordinary Level Education and Training. The construction of two Seed Secondary Schools will reduce the number of sub-counties without a government secondary school from six to four. Butaleja has embraced irrigation schemes, with Doho covering 2,760 acres and Wapala 253 acres, benefiting over 3,500 households. Rice grown under irrigation is particularly productive, yielding significant income per acre. The district also benefits from the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga SACCOs; Out of 65,776 households, 23,285 (35.4%) have received PDM funds totaling Shs. 23.28bn. Butaleja has 35 Emyooga SACCOs with 13,619 members, receiving Shs.1.23bn in government support. Butaleja has 15 sub-counties/town councils, 76 parishes, and 443 villages, with a population of 312,771 according to the 2024 census. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-11-14

“NRM NOT JUST PROMISING, BUT PRESENTING PROVEN ACHIEVEMENTS,” PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TELLS BUDAKA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, has said his party is not merely making promises but presenting tangible results from the past 40 years that it intends to consolidate in the next term. Speaking on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Saaza Grounds in Budaka District, President Museveni, who was on his second day of campaigning in the Bukedi sub-region, told thousands of supporters that the NRM’s record of peace, development, and wealth creation speaks louder than promises from other political parties. “We are together with other leaders to present to you the manifesto of the NRM for the period 2026–2031. The NRM is not just promising, but presenting what has already been done,” President Museveni said. The President outlined the NRM’s historical contributions to Uganda’s transformation, emphasizing that the foundation of all progress has been peace, followed by infrastructure and social development. “In the last 40 years, we first brought peace, and then development came in two parts: economic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water, telephones, and the railway; and social infrastructure like schools and hospitals,” he said. In Budaka, President Museveni highlighted key completed and ongoing infrastructure projects. He pointed to the completion of the Iganga–Mbale road, the Tirinyi–Pallisa–Kumi road, and the Pallisa–Kamonkoli–Mbale road, while noting that the Nabumali–Butaleja–Namutumba road is in the pipeline. “We have done a good job on roads. Electricity has reached many areas, and now everyone has a telephone in their pocket,” the President said. On water coverage, President Museveni reported that Budaka District has achieved 93% access to safe water, with 299 out of 323 rural villages connected to clean water sources. He said the Budaka Town Council Piped Water System, serving 21,262 people, and the Kamonkoli Piped Water System, serving 14,400 people, are now operational. Ongoing works include the digging of seven deep boreholes, six spring protection projects, and the rehabilitation of 19 boreholes. Plans are also underway to construct piped water systems in Naboa, Iki-Iki, and Kachomo town councils. Turning to education, President Museveni reported significant progress under the Universal Primary and Secondary Education programs. Budaka District, he said, has 59 government and 94 private primary schools, and 10 government and 23 private secondary schools. Of the district’s 76 parishes, 48 have at least one government primary school, while 28 still lack one. Ten of Budaka’s 20 sub-counties have government secondary schools, leaving 10 without, though five new secondary schools are under construction. “Our plan is to have one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county. Those who have not yet received will get. This is the plan,” President Museveni said. However, the President expressed disappointment over the continued practice of charging school fees in public schools, which he said undermines his free education policy. “I introduced free education 30 years ago, but some people have not implemented it fully. They are still charging school fees, and as a result, children drop out,” President Museveni said. To address the challenge, he said he initiated presidential skilling hubs to equip school dropouts with practical skills for self-employment. The Bukedi Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling hub, located in Tirinyi, Kibuku District, serves youth aged 18–35 from across the Bukedi sub-region. Candidate Museveni listened to testimonies from graduates of the skilling hubs who had transformed their lives. Among them was Michael Onganga from Budaka, who dropped out of primary school due to a lack of fees but was trained in welding and now employs two people. Another beneficiary, Jane Lagose, dropped out in Senior Two but trained in tailoring at the Bukedi Industrial Hub. After graduation, she started her own workshop with support from the President. “These children had lost hope because of school fees, but after six months of training, they are producing items that used to be imported. In the next term, we shall ensure no child is deprived of free education,” H.E. Museveni said. Health Infrastructure: The President also detailed improvements in the health sector. Budaka District has one Health Centre IV in Budaka Constituency, staffed with three doctors. Out of the 20 sub-counties, 14 have Health Centre IIIs, while six remain without a health facility. Planned health projects include upgrading Butove Health Centre II to a Health Centre III and constructing new Health Centre IIIs in Kakoli, Kamonkoli, Iki-Iki, Kachomo, and Kabuna sub-counties. “When these are complete, all the 20 sub-counties will have Health Centre IIIs, and one of the existing facilities will be upgraded to a district hospital,” President Museveni said. Wealth Creation: President Museveni reiterated that while the government builds infrastructure, families must take responsibility for wealth creation. “Development is ours, but wealth and poverty are yours. Roads and electricity are for everyone, but what you have in your home depends on you,” he said. The President urged residents to adopt the 4-acre model, first introduced in the 1996 NRM manifesto: one acre for coffee, one for food crops, one for pasture, and one for fruits, supplemented by piggery, poultry, and fish farming. He cited the example of farmer Joseph Ijala of Serere District, who earns Shs6.8 million per day from eggs and milk despite lacking tarmac roads. Locally, President Museveni praised Budaka farmers such as Florence Nabutono, who upgraded from local to improved pig breeds under the Parish Development Model (PDM). The President also referenced his model farm in Baralegi, Lira District, where he practices the 4-acre model plan with fish ponds, zero-grazing, and banana farming. “From one fish pond of half an acre, I earn Shs100 million annually and save Shs.70 million after costs. You people of Budaka are very blessed because your wetlands can support fish farming and fruit growing,” President Museveni said. Job Creation: The President said job creation is the fourth pillar of NRM’s achievements after peace, development, and wealth creation. “The question is: where do jobs come from?” he asked. “They come from enterprises — from people who use land productively.” President Museveni showcased a video of Hon. Fred Byamukama from Kagadi, whose 4-acre model farm employs 26 workers and generates about Shs700 million in annual profits. “Factories are another source of jobs. I am glad that the people of Budaka are asking for an industrial park; that is the right direction,” he added, highlighting the Sino-Mbale Industrial Park as an example, employing 12,000 people in one location. Across Uganda, he said, factories now employ 1.3 million people compared to 480,000 in government service. “Factories are employing three times more than the government. That is NRM’s fourth contribution - jobs,” President Museveni said, emphasizing that the NRM’s 2026–2031 manifesto is rooted in “protecting and consolidating the gains” made over four decades. The rally was attended by several senior NRM leaders, including the Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, who thanked the President for bringing peace and development to the Bukedi sub-region. “Before you came, we used to run away from these areas because of the Karimojong rustlers and Lakwena rebels. Now, our youth sleep in peace. Thank you for the peace you have brought,” said Rt. Hon. Among. She also appreciated the improved road network and pledged Bukedi’s overwhelming support for Museveni’s 2026 bid. “We will deliver over 80 percent of the votes for NRM. Uganda belongs to all of us, and we believe in politics of ideology, not tribal interests,” she said. NRM National Treasurer, Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo presented the “Bukedi Service Delivery Handbook,” a document detailing NRM’s achievements and remaining gaps in the region. “Our campaign theme is ‘Protecting the Gains.’ The handbook highlights what NRM has accomplished in Bukedi and identifies the gaps we still need to fill,” Amb. Nekesa said, expressing confidence that Bukedi will again rally behind President Museveni and the NRM because of the tangible progress under his leadership. “We have made tremendous strides in development, wealth creation, and service delivery. The Bakedi will not only vote for the President but for all NRM flag bearers,” she said. Budaka District NRM Chairperson, Eng. Kyebene Musa welcomed the President and raised several local concerns, including the need to extend electricity to Katira, Mogiti, and Nasa sub-counties through the Rural Electrification Agency. He also appealed for compensation for residents affected by cattle rustling and urged the government to establish an industrial park in Katira Sub-County, where land is available. “We are also part of Butebo, where compensation is ongoing. Our people submitted requests, but they have not yet been handled. We also request an industrial park to create jobs for our youth,” Kyebene said. The Budaka rally drew thousands of residents and featured senior government and NRM officials, including Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hon. Hellen Asamo, and Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara. Others included members of the NRM Central Executive Committee, sitting and former Members of Parliament, religious and traditional leaders from across Bukedi.

2025-11-13

COL. NAKALEMA REASSURES INVESTORS OF UGANDA’S COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT AND PROTECT THEIR INVESTMENTS

The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema has reassured investors of Uganda’s commitment to supporting and protecting their investments in the East African country. “Collaborating with government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to maintain investor confidence levels in Uganda at an all-time high is the raison d'etre of SHIPU. This move was and still is the President’s reassurance to investors,” she said. Col. Nakalema made the remarks today while meeting with the members of the Netherlands - Uganda Trade and Investment Platform (NUTIP) at SHIPU offices in Kampala. NUTIP is a Ugandan association that harnesses the economic power of cooperation between Dutch and Ugandan entrepreneurs. The meeting was attended by key MDAs including Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and it aimed at reassuring NUTIP of the government's commitment to supporting their investment decision and to address the areas of interest raised by the association. Col. Nakalema informed the investors that by investing in Uganda, they chose the best investment destination. “Uganda was consistently named Africa’s top investment destination by AIM UAE in both 2023 and 2024 and also won the investment catalyst award at the Go Global Awards in 2023 by the International Trade Council,” she said. She further assured them that all their challenges will be addressed in order to create a more thriving investment climate in Uganda. In the same meeting, Col. Nakalema also appreciated the relentless effort by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in promoting modern agricultural practices through the “Best Farmers” annual bank-sponsored agribusiness study tour to the Netherlands which has been running for over a decade. “I'm aware that the Netherlands has years of experience in agriculture and its location at the mouth of two large rivers that flow through some of the most productive areas in Europe makes it well-endowed to stand out as an agricultural giant. It is only sensible that Uganda, as an agricultural economy, would seriously consider partnerships in order to gain from the opportunities to commercialize agriculture here.” The Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, H.E Bouwe-Jan Smeding thanked Col. Nakalema for organising the meeting, saying that such engagements are key in negotiating and solving challenges affecting the investors. “Businesses will only thrive if stakeholders know how things are done,” he said. “Despite the conducive investment climate, there are always challenges faced by businesspeople like disputes and such challenges threaten people from investing in the country.” Mr. Smeding also underscored the Netherlands’ contribution to the economic development of Uganda. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands is the biggest source of Foreign Direct Investment in Uganda,” he said. The Director of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Mr. Moses Kaggwa assured investors that Uganda’s economy is growing steadily. “It's good to be in Uganda at this time when we are seeing the takeoff of this country,” he said. Mr. Kaggwa added that Uganda is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and the country is moving towards lower middle-income status. “We have also managed to keep our inflation under control, below 4 percent,” he said. Mr. Kaggwa further revealed that the government has an ambitious plan known as tenfold growth strategy which aims to increase the country’s GDP from USD62 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040. Additionally, Mr. Kaggwa reaffirmed to the investors that Uganda is ready for business and where things are not moving on well, the government is also ready to adjust. On behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr. Cleopas Ndorere, Commissioner in Charge of External Trade, said they are ready to give all the necessary support to make trade possible among businesspeople in Uganda. “We have negotiated markets in and around Uganda and with the market, it makes trade possible,” he said. Mr. Isaac Mugerwa, a board member of NUTIP, said the association kicked-off operations in 2013 and currently has 75 members. According to Mr. Mugerwa, NUTIP aims at promoting trade and investment between Uganda and the Netherlands. He also appreciated SHIPU’s swift response in addressing their long-standing concern within just two days. During the same meeting, the investors raised an issue of being tossed around by some government agencies such as URA. In response, Ms. Julian Sabiiti, an official from URA informed them that the authority has already set up a Stakeholders Relations Office to deal with such matters.

2025-11-13