PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RECEIVES HEROIC WELCOME IN KAZO, UNVEILS NRM’S 40-YEAR ACHIEVEMENTS AND NEW COMMITMENTS FOR THE DISTRICT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today received a heroic welcome in Kazo district where thousands of jubilant supporters gathered as he continued his campaign trail across the Ankole Sub-region. Accompanied by the First Daughter, Mrs. Patience Rwabwogo Museveni, the President addressed the rally with a detailed breakdown of the NRM’s achievements over the past 40 years and the commitments contained in the 2026–2031 NRM Manifesto. President Museveni told the supporters that the NRM’s first and most important contribution to Uganda is peace, which he said was achieved by rejecting sectarian politics based on religion and tribe. “Because we rejected sectarianism, we were able to build a national political party, a national army, a national police force and ensure stability across the country,” he said. On development, the President outlined progress in both economic and social infrastructure. He cited Kazo’s major tarmac road, part of the Lyantonde–Fort Portal corridor, as a key achievement under the NRM government. President Museveni pledged to extend water to Kazo the same way the government connected Kiruhura through Kakyeera and obtained water from the Kagera River for Mbarara. “We shall get water for Kazo from the Katonga River,” he assured residents. President Museveni also praised progress in the education sector, noting that Kazo now has 63 government primary schools and 254 private primary schools, compared to the years before NRM when many of these schools did not exist. The district also has six government secondary schools and 32 private secondary schools, serving a combined total of more than 36,000 learners. He said this transformation is a result of deliberate NRM investment in social infrastructure, which must be protected and expanded. Turning to the health sector, President Museveni noted that Kazo has one Health Centre IV, seven Health Centre IIIs and 11 Health Centre IIs, but urged residents to appreciate the progress made from the era when health facilities were scarce. He reaffirmed government plans to upgrade Kazo Health Centre IV into a District Hospital, along with upgrading Rwamuranga and Migina Health Centre IIs. Ongoing projects such as the construction of medical stores and a mortuary at Kazo HCIV, funded by the World Bank, were highlighted as timely additions for improving service delivery. The President then spoke on the NRM’s third pillar—wealth creation—and why households must differentiate it from development. He reminded residents that development benefits everyone, but wealth belongs to each family. President Museveni reiterated the Four-Acre Model and criticised the continued practice of free-range grazing in Ankole. “When you do free grazing, one square mile can graze only 200 cows. But when you plant pasture, one acre can feed eight cows, meaning a square mile can handle 500 cows,” he explained, thus encouraging zero-grazing and warned against the habit of selling large ancestral lands and later buying more unproductive land elsewhere. President Museveni further hailed the transformation of Uganda’s dairy and coffee sectors, attributing success to Operation Wealth Creation under Gen. Salim Saleh and to farmers who embraced commercial agriculture. He said the NRM’s fourth contribution—job creation—has flourished through commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT, noting that factories already employ 1.3 million people, far more than the 480,000 employed in government institutions. He also cited the impact of skilling hubs that support youths who dropped out of school but have since gained practical skills and created employment for themselves and others. The Speaker of Parliament and Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Anita Among praised the President for the development he has brought to Kazo, including improved roads, expansion of the technical institute in the area, and strengthened public services. Western Region NRM Vice Chairperson, Hon. Jonard Asiimwe, told the rally that all the concerns raised by Kazo residents had been captured by the party and would be addressed. He encouraged the district to continue supporting the NRM as the only party with a clear and consistent development agenda. Kazo District NRM Chairperson, Mr. Nkeija Wilson, thanked the President for elevating Kazo to district status and said government services had become more accessible as a result. He saluted the President for developments in education, health, electricity and other sectors, pledging that Kazo would vote President Museveni “100 percent” in the upcoming elections. Former Kazo County MP, Hon. John Nasasira, also paid tribute to the President for his contribution to national liberation and development, noting that administrative elevation and improved service delivery have greatly benefitted the people of Kazo. He also credited the NRM’s household-income approach for empowering families and reducing poverty levels.

2025-11-28

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RALLIES KIRUHURA AND KAZO TO EMBRACE PROFITABLE DAIRY FARMING

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged residents of Kiruhura and Kazo districts to fully exploit their vast land for commercial dairy farming, saying the cattle corridor has the potential to become Uganda’s largest hub of milk-based wealth creation if farmers abandon free-range grazing and adopt intensive production systems. Addressing thousands of supporters at Nyakasharara playground in Kiruhura District on Friday, 28th November 2025, President Museveni, accompanied by the First Daughter, Pastor Patience Rwabwogo, praised the community for gradually shifting from nomadic livestock rearing to commercial dairy farming but insisted that greater transformation is still possible. “The people of Kiruhura and Kazo, and the entire cattle corridor, thank you for heeding our advice on working and grazing cows for wealth creation. But do not stop,” he said. “Free-range grazing makes the land underutilized. On one square mile, you are managing only about 130 cows. But if you adopt zero grazing, you can keep thousands of cows on the same land,” the President emphasized, adding that wealth creation, not mere ownership of land or livestock, is central to Uganda’s household prosperity agenda. President Museveni illustrated his message with success stories of farmers who have built thriving enterprises on small pieces of land by adopting modern practices. One such farmer is Joseph Ijala, a former taxi driver who now runs an integrated farm on 2.5 acres. Ijala started with poultry and expanded into dairy farming. He keeps 10,000-layer chickens, producing 310 trays of eggs per day and earning more than Shs 3 million daily. On just 1.5 acres of land, Ijala also practices zero-grazing dairy farming with eight cows, producing a substantial amount of milk daily. Combined, he earns about Shs 6.8 million per month from eggs and milk. President Museveni said Ijala’s example demonstrates how zero grazing drastically increases productivity. “Ijala keeps eight cows on one acre. If that were a square mile, he would keep over 4,000 cows,” he said. Another example is Richard Nyakaana, a farmer in Kabarole whose Kana Farm sits on only 1.2 acres. Nyakaana runs a range of enterprises, including layer poultry, zero grazing, feed processing, and manure production. With only six milking cows, he produces 120 litres of milk per day, earning Shs 110,000 daily, amounting to Shs 20 million annually in profit. “You people in the cattle corridor have a lot of land. Use that land profitably,” President Museveni urged. “The third contribution of the NRM is wealth creation. Development benefits everyone, but wealth and poverty are yours as a household.” President Museveni also cited George Matongo, a dairy farmer from Ngoma in Nakaseke, as a symbol of the transformative power of commercial agriculture. Matongo, who reportedly never attained formal education and lives far from infrastructure such as tarmac roads or electricity, produces over 900 litres of milk per day and earns an estimated Shs 21 million monthly. “Matongo is extremely prosperous, yet he lives far from a tarmac road or electricity,” H.E. Museveni said. “Meanwhile, people are living next to smooth tarmac roads, but poverty is the order of the day.” The President said Matongo’s success underscores his long-held message that wealth is created by individuals, not by the government, and that the presence of roads or electricity alone cannot guarantee household income. “When I came to Rwakitura many years ago, I followed the grass and invested in farming. People laughed at me. But by the time the tarmac road and electricity arrived, I was already rich,” he said. President Museveni reminded the gathering that upon taking power in the mid-1980s, the new government prioritized mobilizing citizens to embrace the money economy. “In the 1996 manifesto, we introduced the four-acre model,” he said. “We told people: one acre for coffee, one for fruits, one for family food crops, and one for zero grazing. Then use the backyard for poultry, piggery, or fish farming.” Kiruhura District is one of Uganda’s leading milk producers, supported by cattle-keeping communities and emerging processing facilities. The President urged farmers to push for even higher productivity. “Learn to plant grass for zero grazing and avoid free-range grazing. You have the land; use it,” he said. He hailed farmers who embraced this model early on, including those in Nyabushozi, Kiruhura, and Ssembabule. But he also cited examples from other regions, such as Joseph Basangwa of Kamuli, a commercial poultry farmer producing about 200 trays of eggs daily and earning an estimated Shs 20 million per day—translating into billions annually. Basangwa employs more than 300 workers. “People say jobs-jobs-jobs - but where do jobs come from? Agriculture, factories, services, and ICT—not the government,” President Museveni noted. He stressed that while the government continues to deliver security and development, families must take responsibility for creating wealth within their households. “Development is for all of us, but wealth is yours as a family,” he repeated. He highlighted the massive growth of industrial parks, including the Sino-Mbale Industrial Park with over 75 factories, and the Namanve Industrial Park with over 270 factories. These, he said, employ far more Ugandans than government institutions, which have only 480,000 jobs for a population nearing 50 million. While reviewing social services, President Museveni noted that the district has 74 government primary schools and 165 private primary schools. For secondary education, Kiruhura has 7 government secondary schools and 11 private secondary schools. He said the proliferation of private schools in Kiruhura reflects improved household incomes in the region. “It shows wealth among the people, because they can afford school fees in private schools,” he noted. On health services, President Museveni observed that Kiruhura’s 14 sub-counties have one Health Centre IV and 13 Health Centre IIIs. However, Akayanja Sub-County currently has no health facility. The President assured the residents that the government plans to construct a new HCIII there. He also pledged to improve the road network connecting districts in the greater Ankole region. Earlier, Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt Hon. Anita Annet Among welcomed President Museveni to Kiruhura and thanked residents for supporting the ruling party. “We want to thank you, the people of Kiruhura, for bringing up a son—President Museveni—who has taken Uganda from despair to hope,” she said. “Your son has brought peace to Uganda. The Bible says: ‘We shall know them by their deeds,’ and we have seen President Museveni’s deeds.” Speaker Among credited the President for introducing free education, saying it enabled many Ugandans, including herself, to rise to positions of responsibility. “All we can do is continue praying for you and thanking you for respecting the people of Kiruhura by coming to ask them for their vote,” she said. The event was attended by several NRM leaders, ministers, Members of Parliament, and party flag bearers.

2025-11-28

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 KICKS OFF ANKOLE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, REAFFIRMS NRM’S COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING ROAD CONNECTIVITY AND OPENING UP MARKETS FOR FARMERS, TRADERS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the Presidential Flag-bearer for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), today kicked off his campaign trail in the Ankole Sub-region, starting with Isingiro District. He was accompanied by the First daughter, Mrs. Patience Rwabwogo Museveni, who joined him in engaging supporters across the district. Addressing thousands of supporters at Isingiro District Headquarters, the President thanked God for the peace and stability the NRM has maintained over the years. “As I introduce to you the 2026/31 Manifesto, I want to thank God. I came here today wearing yellow and without guns. In the past—1972, 1979, and 1985—I passed through here with guns, fighting. But today, we have gathered peacefully, well-dressed, dancing, and united. I thank God, and I thank the NRM for restoring peace in Uganda,” he said. President Museveni highlighted the government’s achievements in road infrastructure within the region. He noted that the NRM Government had already completed key roads such as the Mbarara–Kikagate–Isingiro road and the Kachumbala–Kabale–Ntungamo Road. The President added that the remaining priority roads include; Kikagate–Kitwe–Namahimba road and Kabingo–Rwekubo–Rugaaga–Endizi–Magabi–Rakai–Mutukula road, reaffirming the NRM’s commitment to improving connectivity and opening up markets for farmers and traders. Development Alone Is Not Enough: The President emphasized that while Uganda has made enormous strides in development, household wealth must now be the focus. He clarified the long-standing confusion between development and wealth creation, noting that urban centres like Kampala enjoy vast infrastructure yet some residents remain poor. He outlined the four pillars of wealth creation including; commercial agriculture, manufacturing and factories, services such as hotels and transport and ICT. President Museveni reminded the supporters that after securing peace, the NRM introduced the Four-Acre Model in the 1996 Manifesto as a practical pathway out of poverty. He explained the model; one acre for coffee, one acre for fruits, one acre for pasture for dairy cattle, one acre for food for the family and backyard poultry or piggery as well as fish farming for those near wetlands. To strengthen wealth creation, the President said the government will continue injecting funds into programmes such as Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, and will add new dedicated funds for leaders, ghettos, boda bodas, unemployed graduates, religious leaders, and cultural leaders. Jobs Come from Wealth, Not Government: The President also addressed misconceptions about employment, noting that government jobs alone cannot employ the country’s large population. He explained that Uganda currently has about 480,000 government jobs, compared to a population of 50 million, making it impossible for the state to absorb everyone. “You cannot talk of jobs without talking of wealth. Jobs come from commercial agriculture, factories, services, and ICT,” the President said. He gave the example of Mbale Industrial Park, which now houses over 75 factories and has created thousands of jobs. The President stressed that while the government employs 480,000 people, the new factories across the country have already created 1.3 million jobs—nearly three times more than the public sector. President Museveni further guided banana farmers in the area to embrace modern agricultural practices and use of irrigation to boost productivity. Isingiro District is predominantly a banana growing district with a wider market reach for bananas which the President intends to further improve through irrigation and better land management practices. President Museveni also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairpersons, councillors, and other party candidates in Isingiro District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. The Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among also the Second National Vice chairperson NRM urged the people of Isingiro to maintain their overwhelming support for the NRM, saying the district remains a shining example of good organization and accountability. She revealed that earlier in the day, leaders had launched a workers’ SACCO to boost incomes and promote wealth creation in the district. “We do not have audit queries in Isingiro, and that speaks to the discipline and transparency in this area,” she said. Hon. Among also appreciated ongoing government efforts to provide clean water to the sub-region, including the Kagera and Doctor Deep water projects, which serve both host communities and refugee settlements. “This is a refugee-hosting district, and we thank you, Your Excellency, for the peace and stability that allow these communities to thrive,” she said. This party is not just for President Museveni; it is for all of us.” The State Minister for Agriculture and Animal Industry, Hon. Lt. Col. Bright Rwamirama, reassured President Museveni of massive support in the district. “Thank you, Your Excellency, for standing with the people of Isingiro. We appreciate everything you do for us, and we commit to support you immensely,” he said. NRM District Chairperson Lt. Moses Mushabe welcomed the President, recalling that Isingiro delivered 94% of the vote in the 2021 general elections. He pledged to close the gap further. “This time, the remaining votes will also go to you, Your Excellency,” he said. He highlighted the district’s demographic profile—30 Sub-Counties/Town Councils, 131 Parishes, 901 villages, and a population of 635,077—noting the district’s rapid growth and increasing needs, particularly in health facilities since the area hosts refugees. Lt. Mushabe reported that Isingiro has received Shs. 47.1 billion under the Parish Development Model, including the latest funds released in November 2025. So far, 41,131 households, representing 27.7% of all households, have benefited. Under Emyooga, the district has 89 SACCOs with 31,901 members, supported by government financing totaling Shs. 3.35 billion, helping artisans, traders, and service providers expand their enterprises. Isingiro’s education footprint has grown significantly, with; 197 government primary schools and 543 private primary schools and 21 government secondary schools and 75 private secondary schools. However, some parishes and sub-counties still lack government institutions. To close these gaps, the district is constructing seven new Seed Secondary Schools. Once completed, the number of sub-counties without government secondary schools will drop from 16 to 9. The district also benefits from the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs, with the Ankole hub located in Mbarara City. So far, 1,226 youth have been trained, and 247 learners are currently enrolled in trades such as carpentry, tailoring, metal fabrication, hairdressing, baking, and construction. Out of the 30 Sub-Counties, Isingiro currently operates 4 HCIVs and 26 HCIIIs, leaving 8 sub-counties without a government health facility. To address this, the government plans to upgrade multiple HCII facilities to HCIII and construct new HCIIIs in Kabingo and Kagarama. Water access stands at 51%, with 461 out of 901 villages having safe water sources. In recent years, government has delivered; major piped water systems in Nyarubungo, Rugaga, Kihiihi, Isingiro Town Council, Kaberere, and other areas, serving over 100,000 residents, construction of 15 protected springs, 41 rehabilitated boreholes, and multiple gravity-flow schemes, boreholes drilled in water-stressed areas such as Kagaga, Karunga, Ntenga, Kyarwanshashura, and Kihanda. Ongoing works include the construction of the Isingiro piped water and sanitation system, expansions of the Nyamisindo and Rumuri systems, and new protections for natural springs in Mahaama, Nyakisheshero, and Nyakabingo. The government has invested heavily in water for production infrastructure, including; Kamwema (10,000m³) and Kyakashana (5,000m³) valley tanks, Small-scale irrigation schemes in Ruhimbo, Bugarika, and Kibwera, rehabilitation of Kagango dam and construction of large-capacity valley tanks like Nyamarungi. The flagship of Kabuyanda Multipurpose Dam and Irrigation Scheme, covering 3,300 hectares, is underway and will benefit 32,000 farmers across 38 villages. The district leadership confirmed that Isingiro is now fully connected to the national electricity grid, boosting businesses, schools, health centres, and households. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-11-27

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI AND FIRST LADY JANET RALLY NTUNGAMO TO BACK NRM IN 2026 GENERAL ELECTIONS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, was today received by thousands of supporters at Kyamate Secondary School grounds in Ntungamo District. The rally focused on the presentation of the 2026-2031 NRM manifesto and intensifying mobilisation ahead of the 2026 general elections. The President reiterated the seven contributions the NRM has delivered to Uganda over the last 40 years, beginning with peace. He said the entire country is now stable and secure, with citizens going about their activities because “God used the NRM to bring peace to Uganda.” He emphasised that peace remains the foundation for all national progress. On infrastructure development, President Museveni clarified ongoing and planned road works in the region, including the rehabilitation of Kanungu Road; the upcoming works on the Ntungamo–Kanungu Road; and the improvement of the Mirama Hills–Kitwe–Ruborogota–Kikagati corridor. He further highlighted the already completed Kafunjo–Mirama Hills–Kagitumba route. He added that the government will expand irrigation infrastructure to support farmers, noting that water for production is now a key priority. The President also pointed to improvements in schools and health centres, recalling that Ntungamo once had only three dispensaries. On wealth creation, President Museveni encouraged families to adopt the Four-Acre Model and warned households not to rely on government development alone, emphasizing that wealth creation is a personal responsibility. He explained that PDM does not require land ownership and cited Mr. Ayesiga Kenneth of Kanungu, who used PDM funds to start a restaurant by renting premises. “PDM is not for the rich; it is for the poor,” he stressed. He said job creation continues to expand, noting that while the government employs only 480,000 people, factories already provide 1.3 million jobs. President Museveni further pointed to the impact of skilling hubs that equip youths—many of whom once dropped out of school—with hands-on skills that allow them to start work and employ others. On the other hand, the President reminded voters to protect the peace brought by the NRM and encouraged reconciliation among leaders, praising Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa for successfully mediating with independents to support NRM flagbearers in Ntungamo. On her part, Maama Janet who also serves as the NRM Chairperson for Ntungamo District, delivered the district's memorandum, noting the district’s growth to 552,786 people, its 34 sub-counties and 135 parishes, and its increased voter register from 268,541 in 2021 to 310,539 in 2025. She said Ntungamo leaders remained united and did not split the district, following the President’s guidance. The First Lady detailed government investments amounting to UGX 53 billion under the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and other programs, and outlined progress in health, education, water provision, irrigation, and electricity expansion. She also listed priorities needing attention in the next term, including upgrading health facilities, eliminating school charges in government schools, expanding water access, adding more secondary schools, addressing tick-borne diseases, and increasing market access for farm produce. Both the President and the First Lady urged residents to begin vigorous mobilisation ahead of the January 2026 elections, with a target of delivering 99 percent support for the NRM. At the same rally, the Second National Vice Chairperson and Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, delivered a message of gratitude, thanking Maama Janet for her steadfast role as a “prayer warrior” for the Movement. She commended the First Lady for her spiritual leadership and unwavering contribution to Uganda’s stability, unity, and education sector. The NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, Hon. Jonard Asiimwe, also addressed the gathering, celebrating individuals who recently crossed from opposition parties to join the NRM. He said they had “seen the light” and assured them that they would not regret their decision, adding that the Movement’s values of stability, development, and reconciliation continue to draw Ugandans back to the party.

2025-11-27

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES SPECIAL FERTILISER FUND AS HE RALLIES KANUNGU ON WEALTH CREATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced that the government will establish a dedicated special fund to enable tea farmers in Kanungu District to access affordable fertilisers, saying the intervention will boost productivity and strengthen the district’s tea-driven economy. Addressing thousands of supporters during a campaign rally at Rwere Playground in Kanungu District on Wednesday, 26th November, 2025, President Museveni, also the NRM Presidential flag bearer, said the high cost of fertilisers had become a major constraint for growers, especially those managing large estates. “My people – the tea growers – are saying that the cost of fertilizers is too high and it is becoming unaffordable for large-scale growers. We are going to start a special fund for them so that they can easily access these fertilizers,” President Museveni said. He added that the financing would be channeled through farmers’ SACCOs, similar to the model the government is preparing for sugarcane growers and fishermen. Tea growing is the economic backbone of Kanungu District, supported by large factories that process both estate tea and out-grower leaf. President Museveni noted that the crop is best suited for people with extensive acreage, just like maize, sugarcane, and cotton, which require substantial land to generate meaningful income. For smallholder farmers, the President emphasized the 4-Acre Model, introduced in the 1996 NRM manifesto, as a proven pathway out of poverty. At the same rally, President Museveni placed peace at the top of what he termed the “seven contributions of NRM”, arguing that national stability remains the most essential achievement of his leadership. He reminded residents of Kanungu - situated near the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) - that they understand better the value of peace, given the insecurity that persists across the border. “You, the people of Kanungu who are near the Congo border, know better what peace means,” he said, contrasting Uganda’s decades of stability with the turmoil faced by neighbouring countries. The President said Uganda’s peace-building success was achieved without reliance on international forces. “Uganda - we don’t need the United Nations to protect us. We do it ourselves because we emphasize prioritization of what is essential in defence and not high salaries or good houses,” he noted. President Museveni credited the NRM government with transforming Uganda’s road network and linking border points to major economic routes. He announced that more roads in the Kigezi sub-region would be upgraded, including the 149-kilometre Hamurwa–Kerere–Kanungu–Butogota–Hamayanza–Ifasha–Ikunza stretch. “We are going to work on that road,” he assured. Local leaders had earlier thanked the President for the Rukungiri–Kanungu road, which they said had significantly improved trade and movement in the area. Turning to the subject of household wealth creation, President Museveni warned against confusing government development projects, such as roads, electricity and schools, with personal prosperity. Using a popular Busoga proverb, “Akange kakira akaife,” he explained that although public infrastructure benefits everyone, wealth remains a private responsibility. “The tarmac road is ours, but wealth and poverty are yours personally,” he told the crowd. “You may leave a rally like this one and find poverty waiting for you at home.” President Museveni cited long-tarmacked roads such as the Kabale–Mbarara–Masaka–Tororo highway, noting that despite the road’s longevity, many residents living along it remain poor. He stressed that while development enables economic opportunity, it does not guarantee wealth. To illustrate his wealth creation message, the President showcased several success stories across Uganda. One of these is George Matongo of Nakaseke, who produces 900 litres of milk daily and earns over Shs 21 million every month, despite living far from a tarmac road. “This man is far away from the tarmac road. Development is not there but wealth is there,” President Museveni said, noting the contrast between infrastructure and household productivity. He also shared the story of Joseph Basangwa from Kamuli, who after listening to the NRM wealth message, started JEKA Farm on a 50×100 ft plot. The enterprise now produces 200 trays of eggs daily, generating Shs 20 million per day and Shs 7.2 billion annually. Basangwa now employs more than 300 people. Another example was Mr. Dickson in Abim, Karamoja, who planted mangoes using seedlings from Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). After harvesting, he earned over Shs 12 million in 2023 and now anticipates Shs 36 million annually as Soroti Fruit Factory has contracted his produce. He also invested PDM funds into goats and cassava. “That man is in Karamoja—no tarmac road, but electricity is there. OWC was for the whole country, but some of you never minded about it,” he remarked. The President underlined that Uganda’s real engine of employment is not government but commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT. With a national population of 50 million, only about 480,000 jobs are within government structures. “Factories in industrial parks now employ over 1.3 million people,” he said, citing Sino-Mbale, Kapeeka, and Mukono Industrial Parks as examples. “The jobs in manufacturing and industrialization are three times more than those in government.” On education, the President expressed disappointment with individuals who continue to frustrate free education in government schools. He reminded the audience that the government launched Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 1996, followed by Universal Secondary Education (USE), yet many children are still being sent away over school fees. To demonstrate that free education is possible, President Museveni said he had established 19 Presidential Skilling Hubs across the country to train youths who dropped out of school. For Kanungu District, the regional hub for Kigezi is located in Kabale, offering training in tailoring, welding, baking, carpentry, automotive mechanics, and several other trades. The President heard testimonies from beneficiaries, including Kushemererwa Bosco, who studied welding and now employs four people, and Flavia Akankunda, who trained in tailoring after dropping out of school due to fees. Kanungu District, carved out of Rukungiri in 2001, comprises 27 sub-counties and town councils, 102 parishes, and 525 villages. According to the 2024 census, the district has a population of 310,062. In the 2021 presidential election, Kanungu had 146,064 registered voters, of whom 60.5% turned up to vote. President Museveni garnered 72,126 votes (84.2%), while the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) scored 7.8%. In 2025, the number of registered voters had risen to 164,992, while polling stations increased from 309 to 442. Local NRM leaders thanked President Museveni for the Parish Development Model (PDM) project, which they said had significantly benefited the district. Kanungu has 102 parishes, 98 of which have received PDM funds, since four were created after the program’s launch. To date, the district has received Shs 30.05 billion for PDM, of which 98.89% has been disbursed to 29,726 beneficiary households. Through Emyooga, Kanungu has 36 SACCOs comprising 29,545 members, with the government releasing Shs 2.42 billion to support enterprise groups. The NRM 2nd National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon Anita Among praised Kanungu residents for consistently supporting President Museveni, whom she credited for restoring peace in the Kigezi sub-region and across Uganda. Former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi also addressed the rally, saying President Museveni “understands Uganda more than everyone else” and urged voters to extend his mandate in 2026. Mr. Caleb Kipande, the NRM chairperson for Kanungu District, thanked the President for peace, the Rukungiri–Kanungu road, and the Matanda Irrigation Scheme, which he said will enhance agricultural resilience. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including NRM Central Executive Committee members led by Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, cabinet ministers, MPs, and NRM historicals.

2025-11-26