PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RAISES CONCERNS OVER NUP-LINKED VOTE IRREGULARITIES IN KAMPALA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has raised concerns over what he described as serious vote irregularities involving the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Kampala, saying the incidents marked a worrying shift in the conduct of elections. Speaking during a live radio talk show hosted from his Kisozi farm yesterday, the President said the alleged practices went beyond previous experiences of electoral malpractice and required stronger safeguards. “In Kampala, there was ballot stuffing, but this time they went further. Fake ballot papers were printed on Nkrumah Road about one million and about 1.7 million votes were brought in from Dubai. Altogether, that is about 2.7 million votes,” President Museveni said. The live broadcast was moderated by Mr. Ronald Africa of Sure FM and brought together journalists from the Greater Mubende sub-region. President Museveni’s response followed a question from the programme moderator, Mr. Ronald Africa who asked him to clarify remarks he recently made during his campaign rallies regarding alleged vote irregularities involving the NUP party. The President placed the discussion in historical context, noting that election challenges have existed since Uganda’s early post-independence years. “Vote rigging has been there since 1962,” he said, recalling a period when political parties operated separate ballot boxes, a system that encouraged multiple voting and ballot stuffing. He explained that following the disputed 1962 elections, Uganda did not hold another national vote for 18 years until 1980. After the NRM came to power, reforms were introduced to improve transparency and accountability in elections. “We introduced open lining-up, one ballot paper and one ballot box with candidates’ pictures. These measures can work, but they depend on vigilance,” the President said. Looking ahead, President Museveni said the government is strengthening the use of biometric voter verification machines to address emerging challenges. “Even if your finger is eroded, your eyes are not eroded. Biometrics will help stop ballot stuffing,” he said, responding to concerns raised about manual labourers. On the conduct of security personnel during elections, the President cautioned against the use of excessive force, describing it as unnecessary and avoidable. “Beating people shows lack of patience. Torture during elections is not necessary, and I will engage the security forces on this,” he said. At the same time, President Museveni emphasised that maintaining peace remains a national priority. “No one will be allowed to disturb Uganda’s peace. Those who attempt to cause disorder will be dealt with according to the law,” he said. He also responded to claims that security agencies are overstretched during public disorder. “I have heard statements suggesting there are few soldiers and many rioters. Peace and order are maintained through organisation, not numbers alone,” the President said. Turning to development, President Museveni said the Greater Mubende sub-region has registered progress, but gaps remain due to leadership and prioritisation challenges. “Kasanda has only 34 percent access to safe water. That reflects leadership choices,” he said, contrasting it with areas that have recorded higher coverage. He highlighted improvements in electricity, roads, telecommunications, schools and health centres, noting that places such as Kyankwanzi now have infrastructure that did not exist previously. On health, the President attributed population growth in the region to government immunisation programmes. “Mityana now has over 400,000 people. The population increased because children are surviving,” he said. He added that the government could achieve more if public resources were used in a focused and disciplined manner. “We prioritise and do things step by step. We do not scatter budgets,” he said, pledging continued work on the Kakono–Manyi–Mubende–Sekanyonyi–Busujju road. On job creation, President Museveni reiterated that the government cannot be the main employer in a country of 50 million people. “Government jobs are about 480,000. Real jobs come from wealth — factories, commercial agriculture, services and ICT,” he said, noting that new factories now employ about 1.3 million Ugandans. He also defended free education, attributing school dropouts to the reintroduction of fees. “When we introduced UPE, charges came back, and that led to dropouts,” he said, urging young people across political divides to support the policy of free education. Those who dropped out, he added, are being absorbed into Presidential Skilling Hubs. On markets, President Museveni cautioned against inward-looking economic thinking. “None of the opposition presidential candidates talk about the regional market. That thinking is dangerous,” he said, stressing the importance of economic integration. “Our elders taught us ‘Uhuru na Umoja’ freedom and unity. Being a big fish in small ponds weakens us,” the President said.

2025-12-18

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ASSURES FLOOD-AFFECTED KAMPALA TRADERS OF COMPENSATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured traders affected by the recent Kampala floods that the government will compensate them for losses incurred, saying the matter is not subject to debate. “We are going to go through that report. We have to compensate you because you made losses. There are no arguments about that,” the President said. He made the remarks yesterday while meeting leaders of traders at his Kisozi Farm. They were led by Mr. John Kabanda, president of the Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA). President Museveni's remarks come in the wake of severe flooding that hit Kampala over a month ago, worsening an already fragile situation along the Nakivubo Channel. Barely three weeks after the October 31 downpour, another heavy rainfall around November 19–20 caused fresh flash floods in low-lying parts of the city, including the Container Village and the Queensway interchange. Traders claim to have lost property worth billions. Together with the city officials, they attributed the flooding to ongoing construction works along the Nakivubo Channel, which narrowed key drainage pathways. Addressing traders’ broader concerns, President Museveni also clarified the government's tax policy, particularly following recent engagements with young entrepreneurs who he referred to as Gen Z. “Some of the Gen Z told me they want to join business but complain about taxes. I explained to them that our taxes are intentional, not accidental,” he said. The President emphasized that taxation largely targets imported and luxury goods, not local trade. “If you are selling bananas, there are no taxes—except occasional market dues. Taxes are mainly on imported products like perfumes and alcohol,” he explained. President Museveni urged traders to embrace internal trade and production, stressing that import substitution remains a key pillar of Uganda’s economic strategy. “If you don’t want to pay taxes, don’t import. We need taxes to run the economy. Go into internal distribution,” the President said, noting that increased local production would naturally reduce importation over time. President Museveni also thanked traders for their continued support of the NRM and pledged to further engage their leaders to address outstanding issues. On her part, Ms. Kellen Kiconco, the Presidential Advisor on Tax Matters, commended Kampala traders for choosing dialogue over confrontation, describing them as key partners in revenue mobilization and national stability. “I appreciate these traders because they are our first tax collectors. When I first met them, they were planning to demonstrate across the country, but they chose dialogue instead of violence,” Ms. Kiconco said. She thanked the traders for preserving the peace which the President worked hard to secure, noting that they had documented their challenges and formally submitted them to the State House for consideration. Ms. Kiconco further revealed that the traders had adopted a collective position to support President Museveni in the upcoming elections. “They organized their issues, presented them formally, and told me that on January 15, 2025, they will vote for you,” she said. On the other hand, Mr. Kabanda underscored peace and freedom of expression as the foundation of their businesses. Mr. Kabanda also thanked the President for maintaining stability in the country despite challenges faced by the trading community. He said traders trust the government’s structures and have already begun mobilization efforts across the country, including Fort Portal, Mbarara, Masaka, Jinja and Mbale, with plans to intensify door-to-door engagement within Kampala. “We are with you. Even those of us with small businesses are confident they will grow because of the peace and security you have provided,” Mr. Kabanda said. He added that traders were aware of attempts by some groups to divert their intentions but reaffirmed their resolve to remain focused. “We will not allow anyone to divert us,” he said. Traders also thanked the President for the swift government response following the recent floods, noting that both the Minister for Kampala and the Prime Minister personally visited the affected areas. Mr. Aman Kavuma, a trader who was affected by floods, recalled the President’s directive after the floods that traders’ concerns be addressed without resorting to lengthy court processes. “We were affected, many shops were destroyed, and names of flood victims were registered. We are waiting for your guidance because you brought peace,” Mr. Kavuma said. Another flood victim, Ms. Allen Kisakye, testified that the floods destroyed all her property, underscoring the urgency of government intervention and compensation. The event was attended by Hon. Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Mr. John Musinguzi Rujoki the Commissioner General of Uganda Revenue Authority.

2025-12-17

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI FAULTS KASSANDA'S SLOW DEVELOPMENT ON POOR LEADERSHIP, URGES VOTERS TO REJECT NON-PERFORMING OPPOSITION LEADERS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today held a campaign rally at Bukuya Town Council grounds, Kassanda District, where he urged residents to avoid voting opposition politicians, explaining that they cannot deliver effective services to the people they lead. Addressing supporters who braved heavy rains to attend the rally, President Museveni presented the NRM Manifesto and highlighted the seven key contributions the NRM has made to Uganda over the last 40 years, beginning with peace. He noted that while many African countries are grappling with conflict, Uganda has enjoyed four decades of stability because the NRM rejected politics of sectarianism based on religion, tribe, gender, or age. The President said development is the second major contribution of the NRM, explaining that it covers both economic and social infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water, schools, and health facilities. He cited major road projects including Myanzi–Kiboga–Mubende and Busunju–Kiboga–Lwamata, and revealed plans to upgrade the Myanzi–Kassanda–Kiboga road. However, he attributed delays in some projects to leaders elected by the people who fail to prioritise national development programmes. On electricity, President Museveni said Kassanda has registered progress, though some sub-counties are still not connected. He reiterated the NRM’s plan to extend electricity to every sub-county. He expressed concern over poor water access in Kassanda, saying the district is lagging behind others partly due to electing leaders who do not effectively follow up on service delivery. Touching on social services, the President reaffirmed the government's policy of ensuring at least one government primary school per parish and one government secondary school per sub-county, pledging support to areas still lacking these facilities. President Museveni further emphasised wealth creation as the third pillar of the NRM, noting that while infrastructure benefits everyone, wealth creation starts at the household level. He encouraged residents with small landholdings to adopt the four-acre model and engage in the recommended seven agricultural enterprises to improve household incomes. President Museveni also highlighted job creation as another key NRM contribution, explaining that employment opportunities mainly come from commercial agriculture, industrialisation, services, and ICT. He urged urban youth to take advantage of skilling centres to acquire practical skills and start their own businesses. The NRM Vice Chairperson for Central Region, Hon. Haruna Kassolo, thanked the President for the visible development in Kassanda despite its status as a relatively new district. Kassanda District NRM Chairperson Dr. Michael Bukenya pledged 90 per cent support for President Museveni and the NRM in the forthcoming elections, admitting that voters made mistakes in the previous polls which they are determined not to repeat. He raised concerns over electricity distribution, noting that some areas have transformers without power, and appealed for the establishment of a technical school to equip the district’s growing youth population with skills. Dr. Bukenya also highlighted persistent land conflicts in Kassanda and requested a dedicated land fund to address the challenge.

2025-12-17

“SEND ME PEOPLE WHO UNDERSTAND MY GUIDANCE SO THAT WORK CAN MOVE FASTER,” PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TELLS MITYANA AS HE CONCLUDES GREATER MUBENDE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged voters in Mityana District to rally behind the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and elect leaders who understand and support his approach to governance, warning that poor leadership choices have slowed development in some parts of the country. Addressing a massive campaign rally at Ssaza Grounds in Mityana today, President Museveni said the pace of development in the district has been undermined by leaders who prioritise personal benefits over national development goals. The rally marked the conclusion of his campaign tour in Greater Mubende as he seeks re-election as NRM presidential flagbearer for the 2026 general elections. “We have always had plans to work on the road from Kanoni–Manyi–Mityana and Ssekanyonyi up to Busunju, and we are going to work on that road. It has been delayed because of the people you send me to represent you,” President Museveni told cheering supporters. He explained that his leadership philosophy, shaped by his experience as a guerrilla fighter, is rooted in strict prioritisation of essential sectors such as security, infrastructure, health, and education. According to the President, some legislators have failed to grasp this approach, instead pushing for high administrative costs that divert resources from development projects. “As a guerrilla, I go by prioritisation,” he said. Mityana District comprises five constituencies — Busujju County, Mityana North, Mityana South, Mityana Municipality, and the District Woman Member of Parliament. Of these, four are currently represented by opposition legislators from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Democratic Party (DP). Only Mityana North is represented by an NRM legislator, Hon. Nsegumire Muhamadi Kibedi. President Museveni argued that electing opposition MPs has affected effective follow-up on government programmes, leading to delays in key infrastructure projects. “These people you send me only come to eat what has been done. They disturb implementation because they want to touch everything. Please send me people who understand my guidance so that work can move faster,” he said. The President recalled the state of infrastructure in Mityana and the wider Mubende region before the NRM came to power, saying significant progress has been made despite current challenges. “When we came into government, the tarmac road used to stop in Mityana, and even that road was old. We have redone it twice. Beyond Mityana towards western Uganda, there was no tarmac at all,” President Museveni said. He revealed that the original road from Mityana to Mubende was constructed with assistance from Yugoslav contractors, who were paid partly in agricultural produce such as soya beans. The road was later extended to Fort Portal and up to the Democratic Republic of Congo border. Health infrastructure gaps: On health services, President Museveni acknowledged existing gaps in Mityana District, noting that only one of the district’s 17 sub-counties has a hospital. Three sub-counties have Health Centre IVs, while 14 have Health Centre IIIs. Three sub-counties currently have no health facility at all. To address these gaps, he announced government plans to upgrade Kasikombe Health Centre II to a Health Centre III in Ssekanyonyi Sub-County. He also pledged to construct new Health Centre IIIs in Banda and Zigoti Town Councils. “These are the things we must prioritise. Health services are essential for our people,” he said. Water coverage: On access to clean water, President Museveni commended Mityana District for achieving relatively high coverage. According to district statistics cited by the President, 528 out of 613 rural villages, about 86 percent, have access to a safe water source, leaving 85 villages without coverage. “You are doing well on clean water, but we must increase capacity for irrigation so that farmers can get higher yields,” President Museveni said. To underscore the importance of irrigation, the President showcased a video of Dr. Florence Muranga’s banana plantation in Bushenyi District, where irrigation has enabled yields of up to 53 tonnes of matooke per acre annually, compared to the national average of five tonnes per acre. “This is what modern agriculture can do. That is why we want irrigation everywhere,” he said. President Museveni also described peace as the first and most important contribution of the NRM to Uganda’s progress, urging residents to safeguard stability. “You all know what peace means. Look at what is happening in other African countries. Here, we have peace throughout Uganda, and that is why development is possible,” he said, warning that political indiscipline could jeopardise the stability the country has enjoyed for decades. Development vs Wealth creation: The President reiterated his long-standing message distinguishing development from wealth creation, saying the two are often confused. “Development is for all of us. Wealth creation is personal. It is at the household and individual level,” President Museveni said. He explained that the government focuses on public goods such as roads, electricity, schools, and health facilities, while citizens must actively engage in income-generating activities to create wealth. To illustrate, President Museveni revisited the four-acre model introduced in the NRM’s 1996 manifesto, designed for households with limited land. Under the model, one acre is allocated to coffee, another one for food crops, the third one for fruits, and the fourth acre for pasture under zero-grazing, complemented by backyard enterprises such as poultry, piggery, and fish farming. President Museveni commended Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kiyemba, the parish priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Busunju, a model farmer who has successfully implemented the four-acre model. Fr. Kiyemba’s farm serves as a demonstration site for other farmers in the area. “He fits directly in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, who preached, healed the sick, fed the hungry, and also worked with his hands as a carpenter,” the President said. “We in the NRM don’t just talk. We support you in creating wealth. I want all of us to get out of poverty,” he added. Jobs: On employment, President Museveni dismissed claims that jobs are primarily found in government, noting that public service employs only about 480,000 people in a country of over 50 million. “Jobs are in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, artisanship, services, and ICT,” he said. He cited Johnson Basangwa, a large-scale poultry farmer whose enterprise employs more than 300 workers and earns an estimated Shs20 million per day from egg sales. “That wealth has produced jobs. That is the difference between politics and economics,” President Museveni said. He also highlighted industrial parks such as Namanve, which hosts more than 273 factories employing over 24,000 workers, and the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, which employs about 12,000 people. At the same rally, NRM First National Vice Chairperson Alhajji Moses Kigongo thanked residents for their continued support but cautioned party members to maintain discipline during the campaign period. “We need many votes from Mityana, but we must be disciplined. This peace we enjoy was ushered in by the NRM,” Alhajji Kigongo said. The NRM Vice Chairperson for the Central region, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, and the NRM Chairperson for Mityana District, Mr. Kintu John, also addressed the gathering, which was attended by several Cabinet ministers, MPs, NRM Secretariat officials, and party flag bearers at various levels. After concluding his Greater Mubende tour, the NRM candidate is scheduled to continue his campaign trail in Greater Masaka on Thursday, with rallies planned in Lyantonde and Rakai districts as he seeks a fresh five-year mandate.

2025-12-17

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ENGAGES NRM YOUTH FROM NORTHERN REGION, CALLS FOR PROSPERITY-DRIVEN MOBILIZATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday called on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth leaders in Northern Uganda to focus their mobilisation on peace, prosperity, health and skills development. While meeting the group which was led by Hon. Hamson Denis Obua, NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda and Government Chief Whip, at his Kisozi farm, the President said security and economic empowerment remain the foundation of Uganda’s progress. The NRM youth leaders were drawn from Lango, Acholi and West Nile sub-regions. President Museveni emphasized that political mobilisation should go beyond slogans and instead demonstrate how Ugandans, especially the youth, can achieve prosperity. “The mobilisation you should do is to show everybody, including the youth, how they can be prosperous. The first thing you should tell them is to support NRM because they need security,” President Museveni said. He reminded the youth of Uganda’s past instability, urging them to use history to explain the value of peace. “You can give the history of Uganda and show pictures of what happened in the 1980s, the dead bodies and chaos and compare that with countries like Sudan, Congo and Somalia,” he said. President Museveni cautioned young people against confusion and misinformation, stressing that youth are capable of understanding national issues deeply. “You should stop confusing yourselves. You are not babies. You are people who should understand even more than elders. Before lightening the moment: When you see me wearing a hat, it is Muhoozi who told me to put one on because I have a bald head.” President Museveni also warned against irresponsible lifestyles, emphasizing health as a pillar of productivity. He reminded the youth that the government and parents fulfilled their responsibility through childhood immunisation. “We immunised you when you were young together with your parents. That is why you don’t have polio and measles. All the immunisation was done—thank the government and your parents,” he said. He added that adulthood comes with responsibility. “Now it is time for you to immunise yourselves. Life is in your hands. If you are irresponsible, you will suffer from the health point of view,” President Museveni cautioned. President Museveni strongly defended the Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE/USE) policy, blaming sections of the local elite for weakening it. “The problem we have is the local elite—teachers, PTAs and foundation bodies. They did not care much about the poor people,” he said. He criticised the reintroduction of school charges, saying this contributed to school dropouts. “When we brought UPE, the elites did not follow it up. They brought back school charges, and that is how we got dropouts,” President Museveni explained. He urged the youth to defend the policy across the political divide. “Whether you are in opposition or not, tell the people to support free education. Those who dropped out, I am now taking them to the Presidential Skilling Hubs,” he said. President Museveni further explained that once peace, health and education are secured, the next challenge is employment. “Once we have peace, health and education, the next question is jobs,” he said. He noted that jobs will mainly come from four sectors: commercial agriculture (crops, livestock and fisheries), manufacturing, artisanship, services and ICT, supported by industrial hubs across the country. He reiterated the importance of the four-acre model for household wealth creation. President Museveni urged the youth to take interest in government budgeting priorities. “My priority sectors of budgeting are defence and security, roads, electricity, schools, health centres and wealth funds,” he said. He also endorsed door-to-door mobilisation at village level, saying it is more effective than previous methods. On industrial parks, he advised communities to avail sufficient land. “If your people want industrial parks, tell them we need land at least a square mile,” President Museveni said. He added that youth SACCOs will support such initiatives and pledged continued investment in sports infrastructure, noting that more stadiums will be constructed. Dr. Mercy Lakisa, the Vice Chairperson for the Northern Region of the NRM Youth League, thanked President Museveni for sustained engagement with young people across the country, saying the youth feel recognised and included in the national development agenda. “We thank you for not forgetting us. You started meeting youth groups across the country, and we appreciate you for considering us in your busy schedule. We pray that the Lord continues to guide you as you lead this country forward,” Dr. Lakisa said. She welcomed the ongoing parish-level mobilisation, noting that the youth, being the largest population group, require targeted facilitation to carry out effective mobilisation. “We appreciate the parish mobilisation that is ongoing, but the youth who are doing the mobilisation need a special package because we are the biggest population,” she said. Dr. Lakisa described NRM youth as the backbone of grassroots mobilisation, particularly in responding to opposition narratives. She thanked President Museveni for the establishment of industrial parks, citing the Mbale Industrial Park, which she said is employing over 10,000 young people. “We thank you for the Mbale Industrial Park that is employing over 10,000 youth, and we request that these industrial works be extended to other sub-regions,” Dr. Lakisa said. Dr. Lakisa also applauded the rollout of Presidential Skilling Hubs in the northern region, saying they are already yielding results. However, she appealed for expanded access. “We thank you for the Presidential Skilling Hubs that have been introduced in our zones. We request that the intake of beneficiaries be increased and, if possible, that the skilling hubs be extended down to district level,” she said. She further requested increased support for NRM Youth League SACCOs, saying they remain a key pillar for youth economic empowerment. “We request for your support under the National NRM Youth League SACCOs, and we trust that there will be more support,” she added. Dr. Lakisa also asked for broader access to leadership and ideological training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) to equip youth leaders with more ideas and skills. On sports development, Dr. Lakisa thanked President Museveni for continued investment in the sector, particularly the construction of Akii Bua Stadium in Lango Sub-region, which she said is progressing well. “We thank you for your continued support towards sports development. The construction of Akii Bua Stadium is underway, and our region is blessed with diverse talent,” she said. She appealed for similar infrastructure in other parts of Northern Uganda. “After AFCON, we request that West Nile and Acholi sub-regions also get stadiums,” Dr. Lakisa added. She noted that many youth leaders are beneficiaries of Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE/USE), which she credited for empowering the current generation. She concluded by reaffirming the youth’s commitment to President Museveni’s leadership and electoral victory. “We are very confident that we shall deliver come 15th January 2026. Where we are right now, President Museveni is the most fit individual to lead this country. We look forward to delivering over 95 per cent victory. Long live the President,” she said.

2025-12-16

KYANKWANZI: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HIGHLIGHTS NRM’S SEVEN HISTORIC CONTRIBUTIONS AS BUGANDA CAMPAIGN TRAIL INTENSIFIES

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, addressed a massive rally in Kyankwanzi district amid heavy rainfall where he unveiled the National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto for 2026–2031, anchored on peace, infrastructure development, wealth creation, and job generation. Thousands of supporters braved a relentless downpour to fill Butemba College School Playground, a turnout the President described as symbolic of loyalty, resilience, and the historical revolutionary spirit of the region. “I want to thank you for showing the world that you are children and grandchildren of freedom fighters — that when we decide to do something, we do it wholeheartedly and with love,” President Museveni said. “I have not been around, but I was told that when it rained heavily, you remained. And indeed, I found you here. Thank you so much,” he added, drawing cheers from supporters who waved NRM flags and umbrellas alike. The NRM candidate unveiled the NRM manifesto for 2026–31, while highlighting the party’s “seven historic contributions” to Uganda, beginning with peace. “We, the people of Greater Luwero, know what it means to lack peace,” President Museveni said, referencing the region’s turbulent history. “We fought several wars here — in 1971, 1979, and 1986. Today, many children have grown up without seeing war or instability.” He argued that the peace ushered in since 1986 enabled the establishment of strong national institutions, including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the police, prisons, and the judiciary. “These institutions were built because the NRM does not look at tribe or religion, but at what you can do as a person,” he said, reiterating his long-held emphasis on meritocracy over sectarian politics. Roads, Water, and Electricity: The President identified economic and social infrastructure as the second major contribution of the NRM, highlighting road construction as a transformative intervention in Kyankwanzi and the greater Buganda sub-region. “When the NRM came, the tarmac road stopped at Busunju,” President Museveni recalled. “We extended it to Kiboga, Kafu, and Hoima. On the other side, it ended in Mityana, but we pushed it to Mubende, Fort Portal, and Bundibugyo.” He pledged continued road upgrades to enhance connectivity, trade, and market access. On water access, President Museveni presented district-specific statistics, noting that out of 486 rural villages in Kyankwanzi District, 420 have access to safe water sources — an 86 percent coverage rate, while 66 villages (14 percent) remain unserved. “This is good progress,” he said, “but now we must go beyond domestic water. We need water for irrigation to increase production.” To drive home the point, President Museveni showcased a video of Dr. Florence Muranga’s banana plantation in Bushenyi District, where irrigation has enabled yields of up to 53 tonnes of matooke per acre annually, compared to the national average of five tonnes. “That difference is water,” President Museveni said. “But water also means protecting wetlands. You cannot destroy the source of your wealth.” He warned against encroachment on wetlands for crops such as rice and yams, while assuring Kyankwanzi residents that government plans for large-scale irrigation would prioritise swamp-rich areas. On electricity, President Museveni reaffirmed the government’s phased expansion strategy — from district headquarters to sub-counties and eventually villages. Health Sector: Turning to health services, President Museveni acknowledged existing gaps in Kyankwanzi District. Of the district’s 21 sub-counties, only one has a Health Centre IV, while 11 have Health Centre IIIs. Nine sub-counties lack facilities at the HCIII level or above. To address this, he announced a series of planned upgrades which include Bananywa HCII to HCIII, Kisala HCII to HCIII, Byelima HCII to HCIII, Nakitembe HCII to HCIII in Watubba Sub-County, and Kikubya HCII to HCIII in Watubba Town Council. He also revealed that new Health Centre IIIs would be constructed in Masodde Kalagi Town Council, Nkandwa, Kilyanongo, and Kigando sub-counties. Development vs Wealth Creation: President Museveni urged the people of Kyankwanzi to make a distinction between development and wealth creation, a message he said he has consistently delivered since the 1990s. “Development benefits all of us but wealth creation is personal. It is at the household and individual level.” Quoting a Lusoga proverb Akange kakira akaife (“What is mine is better than what is ours”), President Museveni stressed that while public infrastructure is essential, families must actively engage in income-generating activities. “Since 1986, we have been telling you not to work only for the stomach, but also for the pocket,” he said. To illustrate his point, President Museveni revisited the four-acre model introduced in the NRM’s 1996 manifesto, designed for households with small land holdings. The model proposes one acre for coffee, food crops, fruits, and pasture under zero-grazing, and also proposes backyard enterprises such as poultry, piggery, and fish farming. Large screens displayed videos of successful farmers who adopted the model. One was George Matongo, a livestock farmer from Ngoma Sub-County in Nakaseke District, who collects over 900 litres of milk daily. Despite having no formal education and living more than 70 miles from a tarmac road, Matongo earns about Shs29 million per month — roughly Shs 250 million annually. “He built a good house and educated his children. That is wealth creation,” President Museveni noted. Another featured farm was the Kamanyire Demonstration Farm in Kakumiro District, owned by State Minister for Transport Fred Byamukama. On four acres, the farm integrates coffee, bananas, pineapples, poultry, dairy, and piggery. Hon. Byamukama’s farm keeps more than 200 pigs, over 25,000 layers producing about 300 trays of eggs daily, and eight dairy cows yielding approximately 120 litres of milk each day. President Museveni also cited Korea Dick Ogira, a farmer from Abim District in the Karamoja sub-region, to challenge assumptions linking wealth strictly to infrastructure. Ogira received 200 mango seedlings from Operation Wealth Creation and Shs1 million under the Parish Development Model (PDM). By intercropping mangoes with cassava, he earned Shs12 million in his first year, selling mangoes at Shs1,000 each. “Next year I expect to earn Shs18 million, and then Shs32 million after two harvests,” Ogira said in the video. “That man is in Abim, where there is no tarmac road. Development is not there, but wealth is there,” President Museveni said. The President further cited his own Baralege model farm in Lira District, where integrated agriculture yields significant returns. From a single fish pond measuring 20 by 50 metres, President Museveni said he earns about Shs100 million annually, with profits of around Shs70 million after costs. Job Creation: Regarding job creation, President Museveni dismissed the notion that government employment could absorb Uganda’s growing population. “There are only about 480,000 government jobs,” he said. “Yet we are 50 million Ugandans.” He argued that jobs must come from commercial agriculture, manufacturing, artisanship, services, and ICT. To illustrate this, President Museveni cited Johnson Basangwa, a large-scale poultry farmer whose business employs more than 300 workers and earns an estimated Shs20 million per day from egg sales. “That wealth has produced jobs. That is the difference between politics and economics.” He also highlighted industrial parks such as Namanve, with over 273 factories employing more than 24,000 workers, and Sino-Mbale, which employs about 12,000 people. NRM Second National Vice Chairperson and Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, praised residents for enduring the rain and raised several local concerns. She highlighted the issue of absentee landlords, commending President Museveni for consistently funding the land purchase programme to secure tenants’ rights. She also informed the President that 12 sub-counties are settled on National Forestry Authority (NFA) land, where residents have faced evictions since 1973. “As the father of these people, we ask you to relocate them or gazette that land for settlement,” Rt. Hon. Among said. President Museveni pledged to handle the matter and ensure a peaceful settlement. Rt Hon. Among further requested the tarmacking of the Kyankwanzi–NALI road and reiterated calls to upgrade the Bukomero–Kyankwanzi–Bukuya road corridor. NRM Vice Chairperson for central region, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, said the party had deployed 30 mobilisers per village, complemented by district teams. “The Buganda of 2021 and the Buganda of 2026 are different,” Hon. Kasolo said. “The youth have decided to rally behind you.” He urged President Museveni to address land disputes in Kyankwanzi, warning that land insecurity undermines development. Kyankwanzi District NRM Chairperson, Ms. Wekembe Mary thanked President Museveni for granting Kyankwanzi district status and expanding government programmes such as PDM, Emyooga, SAGE, and youth funds. She appealed for a district technical institute, citing the need to equip young people with employable skills, and reminded President Museveni of earlier pledges to upgrade Ntwetwe Health Centre IV to a district hospital. Kyankwanzi District currently has 21 sub-counties and town councils, 119 parishes, and 486 villages, with a population of 278,432, according to the 2024 census. In the 2021 elections, President Museveni polled 39,859 votes (61.6 percent) in the district. By 2025, registered voters had increased to 133,655, up from 108,311 — a rise of 25,344 voters, with polling stations increasing from 255 to 338. The Kyankwanzi rally was also attended by NRM secretariat officials, ministers, MPs, party flag bearers, and veterans.

2025-12-16