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23 November 2025

PRESIDENTS MUSEVENI AND RUTO BREAK GROUND FOR USD 500 MILLION DEVKI MEGA STEEL PLANT, PLEDGE INDUSTRIAL LIBERATION FOR AFRICA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart William Samoei Ruto today presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of USD 500 million Devki Mega Steel Plant in Kayoro Village, Osukuru County, Tororo District, marking the start of one of East Africa’s most ambitious industrial investments. The vertically integrated steel facility, developed by Kenyan industrialist Dr. Narendra Raval (Guru) of the Devki Group, will employ 15,000 Ugandans in Tororo and Mbarara at commencement. Dr. Raval emphasized that the majority of these jobs will come from the integrated steel operations and related activities supported by investments already made in Tororo, Mbarara, and the upcoming Kabale Iron Ore refinery. President Museveni placed the event within Africa’s broader historical struggle, noting that the continent has endured centuries of exploitation and economic injustice. He said that for over 500 years, Africa has been losing value through the slave trade, colonial systems, and modern economic practices that extract raw materials without adding value. “Today, with the groundbreaking ceremony of the Devki Mega Steel project in Tororo, alongside H.E President William Ruto of Kenya, we are in the process of liberating Africa,” President Museveni said. He also emphasized that this liberation involves stopping the long-standing trend of exporting African minerals and jobs. “At full operationalization, we shall be one step closer to reversing the squandering of Africa’s resources—human, mineral, jobs, and foreign exchange,” he added. The President thanked H.E Ruto for encouraging Dr. Raval to set up in Uganda, acknowledging Kenya’s recognition that Uganda is a natural source of key raw materials and that regional collaboration is essential for collective prosperity. He congratulated Dr. Raval for investing heavily in Uganda and urged full production of steel sheets and other intermediate products locally so that Uganda keeps value within its borders. President Museveni further revealed that Dr. Raval will also start another major iron ore project in Kabale that will create more than 16,000 jobs, expanding industrial opportunities across the country. He cautioned Ugandans against frustrating investors with compensation disputes and assured that the government would handle necessary payments. “The man is going to invest USD 500 million here, so please don’t bother him about money for compensation. The government will handle that,” he said. President Museveni warned that Uganda loses an estimated USD 5 billion each year through imports that could instead be manufactured domestically. He described Uganda’s current road-based cargo system as “irrational,” welcoming the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway towards Tororo, which he said would support large industries like Devki and lower transport costs. “What is happening here shows you that the future is bright, and the rest will come,” he said. President Ruto said the ceremony was more than the start of a factory; it marked a bold new chapter in Africa’s industrialization and the strengthening of regional value chains. He paid tribute to President Museveni for his long-standing commitment to industrial development and commended the cooperation that brought the Tororo investment to fruition. President Ruto emphasized that the steel plant will generate employment for the youth, support regional supply chains, and anchor East Africa’s self-sufficiency. “We convene here not just to commission a factory, but to usher in a new, audacious chapter in Africa’s industrialization ambitions,” he said. He also praised President Museveni for championing regional integration within the East African Community (EAC), saying the environment of cooperation across the region is what enables projects like Devki Steel to succeed. He noted that the Tororo plant will grow to 20,000 employees across East Africa by 2027 and highlighted Africa’s rising steel demand, projected to increase from 39.5 million tonnes in 2024 to 52 million tonnes by 2034. He said Kenya will, in January, launch the next phase of the Standard Gauge Railway from Mombasa to Naivasha and from Rironi to Malaba, eventually extending to Tororo to support large-scale manufacturing. Dr. Raval, Chairman of Devki Group, thanked President Museveni for guiding the project and insisting that it be built in Tororo to create jobs for the people of the region. He pledged that 90 percent of the factory’s workforce will be Ugandans. “At this juncture, I would like to promise the Tororo community that whatever employment will be in the factory, 90% of the jobs will be allocated to Tororo and the surrounding communities only.” He also stressed that industrialization is the only path to prosperity. “Importing steel is importing poverty,” he said. “We must produce here, create jobs here, and empower the youth.” He also praised President Ruto for stabilizing Kenya’s economy and curbing inflation, saying such reforms have created a conducive environment for regional investors. First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga said the Mega Steel Project is an important milestone for East Africa and evidence of deepening regional industrial integration. The Energy Minister, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa described the groundbreaking as a landmark and historic event in Uganda’s industrialization journey. She said the project aligns with the government’s commitment to expanding industrial capacity and emphasized that once completed, the factory must deliver tangible social and economic benefits for communities across the region. Hon. Nankabirwa also thanked President Ruto for his support toward the project and praised the collaboration that made the investment possible.

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19 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS NEW NRM OFFICE IN MAYUGE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, commissioned a newly constructed party office in Mayuge District as part of his ongoing campaign trail across the Busoga sub-region. The office, located in Katwe village in Mayuge Town Council, will serve as the NRM’s permanent regional headquarters in Busoga. It sits on a 100 by 75 ft titled plot of land donated by Bunya West MP Hon. Aggrey Henry Bagiire. President Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, made a stopover to commission the office enroute to his final campaign rally of the day. He was joined by senior party leaders, including the NRM Vice Chairperson for the Eastern Region, Hon. Calvin Echodu; the NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, and the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Mayuge Woman MP, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. In a symbolic gesture marking the official opening, the NRM Presidential candidate for the 2026 general elections cut a yellow ribbon before touring the facility. He commended local leaders for their commitment to strengthening party structures at the grassroots. After the commissioning, the President proceeded to a campaign rally where thousands of supporters had gathered. He reiterated his message of peace, development, wealth creation, job creation, and improved education as key pillars of the NRM’s 2026–2031 Manifesto. The new party office is expected to play a central role in coordinating NRM activities in the region ahead of the 2026 general elections, reinforcing the party’s organizational presence and mobilization capacity in Busoga.

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19 November 2025

MAYUGE: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SAYS DIRECTIVE SCRAPPING 5 PERCENT DEDUCTIONS IMPOSED ON SUGARCANE FARMERS STILL STANDS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has maintained that his recent directive scrapping the 5 percent deductions for waste management being imposed on sugarcane farmers by millers still stands. President Museveni who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, made the assurance today while addressing a massive campaign rally in Katwe village, Mayuge Town Council, Mayuge District. This year, President Museveni directed sugar millers to stop deducting a controversial 5 percent “trash levy” from sugarcane farmers, calling it unfair. The directive came after discussions with farmers and millers to address challenges in the sector and came into effect in August 2025. During the same rally, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer also assured sugarcane farmers that the weighbridges for sugarcane transport are still operational and that they shouldn't be worried. President Museveni further announced a major new government initiative to support large-scale farmers, revealing plans to create a national fund to purchase fertilizers and to fully construct fishponds for communities unable to afford them. The President said the new initiative is aimed at boosting productivity and accelerating wealth creation, especially in rural areas where households have the land and potential but lack the capital to modernize agriculture. “We are starting a fund to purchase fertilizers for those who are farming on a large scale. The government will also build ponds because you are not in position to do so yourselves, it’s an expensive venture,” he said. President Museveni explained that this support will complement the wealth-creation message the NRM has pushed since the 1960s. He reminded the crowd that development and wealth are not the same, saying that “a tarmac road or electricity is ours, but wealth is yours.” He urged households to embrace the four-acre model—coffee, fruits, pasture, food crops, along with poultry, piggery or fish farming—ensuring income at the family level. He pointed to examples like George Matongo of Ngoma, a dairy farmer who collects over 900 litres of milk daily despite living in a remote village without major infrastructure, saying such success shows that wealth creation is possible for anyone willing to adopt modern farming practices. The President also thanked God for enabling him, the First Lady and other NRM leaders to return to the area in peace. He recalled that 52 years ago he had been in the same area not for a rally, but fighting in the forests of Kityerera. “We lost many people in that war—Eng. Kasada, Nkonko, Ntwale—and some were executed in public like Karambuzi in Kabale, Karuhanga in Mbarara, Obona and Abejja in Gulu. All those were connected to this Kityerera here; they were in a camp here,” he said. He emphasized the NRM’s contributions to Uganda over the years, beginning with the restoration of peace. He said that Uganda endured many wars even after 1972 but now enjoys “total peace.” On development, he pointed to road works such as the Musita–Mayuge–Busia road, and assured residents that, “what remains is Iganga to Bwanda and others are being done, and what is not yet done will be done.” President Museveni highlighted gaps in the distribution of education facilities, noting that Mayuge has 143 government primary schools and 84 parishes, yet 21 parishes still lack a primary school due to poor planning. He said the district has 12 government secondary schools with nine sub-counties currently served, while new seed schools—Mpungwe (completed), Weilasa (under construction) and Kityerera (to be constructed)—will help address the gaps. On health facilities, the President said that out of 16 sub-counties, only two lack a Health Centre III or IV, and these will be upgraded. On job creation, President Museveni said employment comes from wealth generated in agriculture and factories, noting that industries have created 1.3 million jobs compared to the government's 480,000. He urged supporters to confidently explain that they back the NRM because it has delivered peace, development, wealth creation and jobs. On her part, Maama Janet thanked God for the transformation Uganda has undergone, saying, “There was a time when Uganda had become a failed state, and God brought the President with the NRM. Now we stand here together as a testimony to what God has done.” She thanked the people of Mayuge for their commitment and added, “Please don’t forget you have a duty to vote, and please vote NRM.” Hon. Aggrey Bagiire, the NRM Chairperson for Mayuge District, thanked the President for upgrading roads such as Musita–Busia and for supporting the construction of the District Council Hall, Administration Block and other projects. He applauded the government’s efforts in improving health centres and praised programs like PDM, Emyooga, NAADS and youth livelihood initiatives benefiting various groups like the ghetto youth, boda boda riders and taxi operators. Hon. Bagiire also requested an industrial park for Busoga and a district hospital for Mayuge.

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19 November 2025

NAMAYINGO: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RETURNS TO FORMER BATTLEFIELD, CELEBRATES PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM Presidential flag bearer, has said the transformation of the Musita–Mayuge–Namayingo–Lumino–Busia road is a powerful reminder of how far the country has come; from the days of conflict to the stability being enjoyed today. Addressing supporters during a campaign rally at Namayingo Primary School Grounds in Namayingo District today, where he was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President reflected on the area’s turbulent past. He recalled the tense encounter with Idi Amin’s soldiers near Musita during the liberation struggle. “That road was once a battlefield, I remember being stopped by Amin’s soldiers. When they tried to cause trouble, my colleague acted quickly and the whole group fled,” he said. He added that returning to the same place and finding a smooth tarmac road gives him great satisfaction, calling it one of the NRM’s great successes. The President told the people of Namayingo that their region is an example of why safeguarding peace must remain a top priority. “This area has seen hard times,” he said, recalling battles with Lakwena in Muterere and FOBA rebels who crossed from Kenya. “Today all that is history. Whatever you are doing, keep the peace, because it is peace that allows us to build and progress.” On health, President Museveni commended the district for making steady progress in expanding health services. Out of 11 sub-counties, Namayingo has one HCIV and eight HCIIIs, leaving only two sub-counties without a government health facility. “It seems the leaders of Namayingo have been quite serious,” he said. To close the remaining gaps, the government has lined up more upgrades including; Mutumba HCIII to HCIV, Sigulu HCIII to HCIV, Lugala HCII to HCIII and Mulombi HCII to HCIII. The district’s current health infrastructure includes a digital X-ray machine with a radiologist at Buyinja HCIV and a fully functional HCIV in Bukooli South with four doctors and an ambulance. On schools, the President mentioned that Namayingo has 84 government primary schools and 129 private primary schools. Out of 50 parishes, 31 have at least one government primary school, while 19 parishes are still lacking. In secondary education, the district has; 7 government secondary schools offering USE and UPOLET, serving 4,958 students. On wealth creation, the President reiterated the “Four-Acre Model” to transform households from subsistence to prosperity. “One acre for coffee, one for fruits, one for food crops, and one for pasture and livestock. Even backyard spaces can support poultry, piggery, or fish farming. This model is not just theory , it is the key to transforming households from subsistence to prosperity,” he said. The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Namayingo District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. On her part, Maama Janet urged Ugandans to treasure peace, stay united under God, and continue supporting the National Resistance Movement for a stronger and more developed Uganda. “We thank the Lord for a day like this, when we come to remember what the NRM means to Uganda. It is a national organisation that unites all Ugandans to do what is good and to resist what is wrong,” she said. The First Lady noted that for decades, the NRM has consistently taught generations about patriotism, discipline and collective responsibility. “As you heard from your district leaders, even the children are learning to protect their schools and to grow up as one nation under God. That unity is what protects our peace,” she said. Maama Janet also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming turnout at the rally. “When I see you in such big numbers, I thank God , He has given you the wisdom to hear what the President has for you. Continue supporting the NRM because it is building a strong, united and developed Uganda for families, for children and for all adults,” she noted. She cautioned Namayingo residents never to take peace for granted, noting that Uganda’s stability has made it a refuge for people fleeing conflict in neighbouring countries. “There are many refugees coming here because there is peace that is not in their nations, so we cannot play with peace and our unity. Remember to vote for the President and the NRM so that we can continue building this nation into a better, stronger and more developed Uganda.” The NRM First National Vice Chairperson Al-Haji Moses Kigongo called on leaders to maintain discipline and avoid divisive politics. “Let us be united and not divided for the good of this country. A movement person behaves well, is disciplined, and does not look for cheap popularity,” he said. He advised leaders to use respectful language during campaigns and avoid intimidating the public. Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for East African Community Affairs, thanked the people of Namayingo for their consistent support to the NRM and encouraged them to remain committed to the work of development. “Thank you for supporting the NRM. Please continue contributing so that the party can deliver more services closer to the people,” she said. The Namayingo District NRM Chairperson, Mr. Raymond Mugisa appreciated the government for elevating Namayingo to district status and highlighted its growing population, now standing at 266,716 people, according to the 2024 census. Namayingo District has 11 sub-counties, 50 parishes, and 306 villages, with a steadily growing population and expanding electoral footprint. The district has received Shs 15.3bn, with 99.96% disbursed to 15,409 households, about 26% of all households. This signals strong absorption and community participation in the money economy. Namayingo hosts 54 Emyooga SACCOs with 2,161 members, benefiting from Shs 1.3 billion in government funding to support enterprise groups. Out of 306 villages, 218 now have safe water-71% coverage. Major projects completed include; Protection of key springs and drilling 24 boreholes. The others are; rehabilitation of 105 water sources, construction of piped water systems in Namayingo Town Council, Sigulu, and Bumalenge. The Namayingo Town Council system alone now serves 19,378 people. Ongoing and planned works include the Lolwe Island piped system, Bukana Water Supply Scheme, and rehabilitation of 35 boreholes, with future expansion planned for Singila Landing Site. The New solar-powered irrigation schemes in Dohwe and Mulwanda are boosting modern farming. Additional 12-acre demonstration sites are planned in Namahuhuni, Butanira, and Buhobi. Namayingo is also currently connected to the national grid. Currently, 7 out of 11 sub-counties have electricity, with the government committing to connect Bukana, Sigulu Islands, Banda and Buhemba in the next kisanja. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

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19 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI FAULTS UNEQUAL SCHOOL DISTRIBUTION IN BUSOGA, TASKS LEADERS TO ENFORCE EDUCATION POLICY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed strong concern over what he described as a persistent and “illogical” imbalance in the distribution of government primary and secondary schools across several districts in Busoga Sub-Region, calling on local leaders to correct what he said was undermining equitable access to education. Speaking while campaigning in Kaliro District on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, President Museveni, who is also the NRM presidential flag bearer, said he was disturbed by reports showing that despite the existence of a clear national policy, some parishes have multiple government schools while others have none. He said the trend reflects either negligence or deliberate failure by district leaders to align school construction to population and administrative units. President Museveni, who was accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, told supporters that he had reviewed district-level data for both Kaliro and Bugweri and found the same discrepancies repeating themselves across Busoga. According to figures presented to the President, Kaliro District has 89 government primary schools and 132 private primary schools. However, the district’s 87 parishes do not benefit equally from the public schools. Only 38 parishes have at least one government primary school, while 49 parishes - more than half have none. He said this violates the government’s own long-standing education distribution policy, which requires at least one government primary school in every parish and one government secondary school in every sub-county. “The leaders need to be strict here. The 89 government primary schools are located in only 38 parishes, leaving 49 parishes without a single government school. The NRM chairperson and the District Education Officer should be very strict about this,” he said. “Don’t allow more government primary schools in a parish when other parishes don't have any.” President Museveni said such irrational distribution patterns deny children in underserved parishes an equal chance to access free primary education, a key pillar of the NRM’s social transformation agenda. Earlier in Bugweri District, the President raised similar concerns after learning that the district has 54 government primary schools serving 46,876 pupils, yet 11 out of its 37 parishes have no school at all. “This one, please sort it out as leaders,” the President warned, saying the National policy requires one government school per parish and one government secondary school per sub-county. He said it was unacceptable that some parishes hosted two or more schools while others had none, insisting that leaders must prioritise equitable distribution rather than political lobbying. He also hinted that moving forward, education infrastructure allocation would increasingly be tied to the strict observance of this policy. On the status of secondary school education in Kaliro, President Museveni said the district currently has nine government secondary schools offering both Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Universal Post O-level Education and Training (UPOLET), with a total enrolment of 9,047 students. This is complemented by 26 private secondary schools. But out of the 15 sub-counties in the district, only eight have government secondary schools, leaving seven without. Candidate Museveni said the situation would improve soon because the government is constructing four Seed Secondary Schools in Kaliro district, which will reduce the number of sub-counties without government schools from seven to three. He described this as a remarkable improvement compared to the past: “When I was at Ntare School, many boys from Busoga came because there were only three boys’ A-Level schools and three girls’ A-Level schools in all of Uganda. So, when I come here and find that Kaliro has nine secondary schools today, some with A-Level, I feel very happy,” he said. Sabotaging Free Education: The President used the rally to criticize head teachers and local school administrators who continue sending children away for fees, including USE and UPE beneficiaries. He reminded the crowd that he introduced Universal Primary Education in 1996, followed by USE, to ensure that every Ugandan child studies free of charge in government schools. Yet, he said, many schools continue to charge illegal fees, leading to massive dropout numbers, especially among rural children. “Up to now, many children are sent away for school fees, and many end up dropping out,” President Museveni said. “That is why I started 19 skilling hubs across the country, to demonstrate peacefully that free education is possible, and that even those who dropped out can acquire skills and start earning.” The Presidential Skilling Hub, located in Jinja, offers free six-month hands-on courses in carpentry, tailoring, welding, construction, automotive mechanics, weaving, baking, plumbing, and electrical installation. President Museveni said some of the products being made by trainees—such as shoes, clothes, chairs, and liquid soap—are of competitive quality and reduce the need for imports. “I’m tired of unnecessary conflicts because of the issue of free education,” he said, pledging to push for full enforcement of free education in the next term. “In the next kisanja, we must all agree that all children should study for free in government schools,” H.E. Museveni said. The President spent part of his speech outlining the NRM’s seven major contributions to Uganda, as highlighted in the 2026–2031 manifesto. He said Uganda’s transformation began with the restoration of peace, unity, and security after decades of conflict and sectarian divisions. “NRM has been able to bring peace where there was war and conflict and also bring about unity in Uganda instead of sectarianism,” Gen. Museveni stated. He listed improvements in roads, water systems, electricity, health centres, and schools as evidence of continued government investment. In Busoga, he said the government has repaired the Iganga–Kaliro road twice and now plans to construct additional routes. “But now we need to build a road from Kamuli-Kaliro up to Pallisa, described as Kamuli-Kagulu-Lyingo-ilundu-Kaliro (90km), and also tarmac the road from Kamuli-Kaliro- Namwiwa- Buyuge up to Pallisa. Those are the roads we need to do,” President Museveni assured. Regarding electricity, President Museveni learnt that out of Kaliro’s 15 sub-counties, 10 are currently connected to electricity. He promised that in the next term, the government will extend power to Namwiwa, Bulumba Town Council, Buyinda, Kisinda, and Nawaikoke. On health infrastructure, President Museveni observed that out of 15 Sub-Counties in Kaliro, 1 has an HCIV in Bulamogi Constituency with 3 Doctors. He said 9 sub-counties have HCIIIs, meaning 5 Sub-Counties do not have any Health Facility of either an HCIII, HCIV, or a hospital. He announced plans to upgrade Kaliro HCII in Kaliro Town Council to an HCIII, and construct New HCIIIs in Bulumba Town Council, Nansololo, Namwiwa, and Nawaikoke Sub-Counties. “We need to upgrade one of the health centers to a district hospital and also build health center IV in the other constituency, which doesn’t have one,” President Museveni said Shifting to household income and wealth creation, the President drew a sharp contrast between development and wealth, explaining that while development projects are government-led and benefit all Ugandans, wealth creation is personal, as is poverty. “There are tarmac roads from Kaliro to Iganga for a long time but do the people who are on that road sleep on it at night? You can’t say that because the road is good, let me sleep here. You sleep at your home like me at Kityerera in Mayuge. Development is ours, but wealth is yours,” he said. He urged families to pursue the four-acre model, which he introduced in 1996, as the most practical pathway to rural prosperity. “We told you to allocate one acre to coffee, another to pasture for zero-grazing cows, a third to fruits, and a fourth to food crops, with pigs and poultry in the backyard and fish farming for those near the swampy areas,” President Museveni said adding that a few Ugandans who picked this message are doing well such as a one Basangwa in Kamuli who started a poultry farm on his 100 by 50 piece of land. Basangwa collects 1000 trays of eggs per day, and sells them 20,000 shillings each, approximately 20 million shillings per day. He also illustrated this using success stories such as George Matongo of Ngoma, Nakaseke, who earns Shs 21 million monthly from milk sales. “This man is not educated, but when we sensitized them, they changed. He is now selling 900 liters of milk per day and gets 21 million shillings a month. He has built a good house and educated his children yet is very far- about 70 miles from a tarmac road,” President Museveni said. He also cited his own Barlege Model Farm in Lira, where a single fishpond measuring 20×50 metres brings in Shs 100 million annually, with Shs 70 million profit. President Museveni was happy to see that, apart from sugarcane growing for sugar processing, the Basoga have stepped up efforts to cultivate food crops such as cassava. “I want to congratulate the people of Busoga. When I’m traveling in these areas, I see a lot of cassava. Cassava is good for food but also a raw material for industrial growth and is used to make starch,” he said. President Museveni said the NRM government continues expanding manufacturing and agro-industrialization, citing Sino-Mbale Industrial Park with 75 factories, and Namanve Industrial Park in Wakiso with 273 factories employing more than 44,000 workers. He said that with a government workforce of only 480,000 against a population of 50 million, industrial growth remains the only sustainable path for mass job creation. “If people tell you that NRM has done nothing and yet those factories are there, then you are either sick or do not know what you are talking about.” He asked supporters to renew the NRM's mandate in 2026 so that the party can “finish the work already started.” “So, with these, I ask you to vote for NRM. Vote for the old man with a hat and all NRM flag bearers,” President Museveni appealed. Addressing reports of irregularities in NRM primaries in Kaliro, the President said he had assigned NRM 1st National Vice Chairperson Al-Hajj Moses Kigongo to handle the matter. He insisted that any malpractice in vote counting, voter bribery, or false declaration of results would attract criminal penalties. “The primaries were done by lining up in broad daylight. If someone counted voters and declared another person, we shall investigate. Even if the winner is already a Member of Parliament, we shall act. It is a crime,” the NRM candidate said. He urged local members to submit facts to facilitate a clear investigation. Speaking earlier, First Lady Janet Museveni said the crowds in Kaliro showed commitment to building a peaceful and united Uganda. “Standing here in this heat, but making sure that we are all here, is a price we must pay to build a strong homeland,” she said. “When voting day comes, vote for the President and vote for the NRM.” She praised residents for supporting peace and development efforts over the years. Several top NRM leaders addressed the rally, calling for unity and proposing new priorities for Busoga. Al-Hajj Kigongo warned leaders against internal bickering. “As leaders in Busoga, we should stop the infighting. We are all in the bus and must be united,” he said. First Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga thanked Kaliro residents for the warm reception, noting that the district had shown exceptional turnout for the President. Mr. Gagawala Wambuzi, Kaliro NRM Chairperson, thanked the President for government programs such as PDM and the Youth and Women Funds, which he said had benefited the district. He raised several local demands, including the establishment of a district hospital, the construction of health centres for all sub-counties without HCIIIs, a new district administration block, the creation of Kaliro Municipality, the revival of the Busoga Cooperative Union to boost cotton production, and compensation for Lakwena War victims in the district. He also called an end to the 5% deductions imposed on sugarcane farmers by millers, contrary to a presidential directive, while pledging that the Balamogi would deliver 90% of the votes for President Museveni in the 2026 elections. Thousands attended the rally, including ministers, senior NRM leaders, Members of Parliament, NRM Secretariat officials led by the Secretary-General, and former Vice President Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe.

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20 November 2025

KARAMOJA PEACE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY PROJECT

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18 November 2025

PRESS BRIEFING AHEAD OF NATIONAL HIV AIDS SYMPOSIUM AND WORLD AIDS DAY

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18 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CAMPAIGNS IN BUYENDE, REMINDS YOUTH OF NRM’S CULTURE OF DISCIPLINE AND HARD-WORK

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer, has called on the young people in the party to embrace the NRM culture of discipline, hard work and results. President Museveni noted that it is this spirit that has built Uganda over the last four decades. Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President made the remarks today during a campaign rally at Kagulu Primary School Grounds in Buyende District. He emphasized that the NRM’s strength lies in its consistency. “NRM is a serious movement. You, the young members, should copy the culture of the NRM, the party of doers and determined people. Because of that determination, we have laid seven bricks on the house of Uganda,” he said. He reminded the supporters of Buyende’s history as a refuge area for people fleeing insecurity in Teso during the turbulent years. “People ran from Teso to this area because of rebels and cattle rustlers supported by foreign groups. But NRM defeated all of them because we follow politics of interests, not politics of identity,” he said. He urged residents to reflect on why peace eluded previous governments and why many African countries still struggle with it. “Once you understand that, you will know the value of the NRM,” he added. The President outlined ongoing and planned development projects in Buyende, noting that although not everything is complete, progress is steady. He confirmed government funding for the 127km Mbulamuti–Kamuli–Bukungu road and announced that the Kamuli–Igingo–Kaliro road has now been added to the national plan. On education, he revealed that Buyende has 92 government primary schools against 73 parishes but warned leaders about poor distribution. “Some parishes have more than one school while 36 parishes have none. Be strict about this,” he said. For secondary education, the district has 6 government secondary schools across 14 sub-counties. The government is constructing one Seed Secondary School, which will reduce the sub-counties without a government secondary school from eight to seven. On health, President Museveni outlined major upgrades including upgrading Kagulu HCII, Nkoone HCII, and Ngandho HCII to HCIII, construction of new HCIIIs in Gumpi, Buyanja, and Kidera. He noted that the district also has two HCIVs, each with a doctor. President Museveni once again cautioned Ugandans against confusing development with wealth. “Development is for all of us, but wealth is personal. Wealth is created in four sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT,” he noted. He encouraged Buyende residents to embrace the Four-Acre Model and praised regions like Karamoja for adopting commercial agriculture. President Museveni said the government will continue supporting households through the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and new targeted funds for youth, ghetto groups, cultural leaders, boda bodas and unemployed graduates. The President further highlighted Uganda’s production boom; coffee rising from 3 million to 12 million bags, milk production growing from 200 million litres to 5.3 billion litres and similar growth in maize and other crops. “What I want is everyone to join the money economy,” he said. President Museveni also dismissed the belief that the government should employ everyone. “Government jobs are 480,000. We are 50 million Ugandans. Real jobs come from factories, commercial agriculture, services and ICT. Factories now employ 1.3 million Ugandans, three times more than the government.” He also expressed frustration with the resistance to free education. “We introduced free education in 1996, but some head teachers and PTAs blocked children because of fees. That’s why I started the Presidential Skilling Hubs,” he said. The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Buyende District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. On her part, Maama Janet called on Ugandans to take personal responsibility in protecting the peace and unity that the country has enjoyed under the NRM government. Maama Janet said Uganda’s painful history should remind citizens that peace must never be taken for granted. “My first prayer is that the people of Uganda take responsibility for protecting the unity of our country,” she said. “Uganda suffered for a long time, but by God’s grace He brought us together, gave us the NRM government, and restored peace and unity. Now it is our duty as Ugandans to preserve this peace so that our country can continue moving forward.” She appealed to voters to make a deliberate choice for stability in the upcoming elections. “Let us ensure to see that our children may have the freedom to walk in this land knowing that there is peace for every family, that is why, when voting day comes, every Ugandan of voting age must go and vote for the President of the NRM and NRM leaders,” she appealed. “Thank you Buyende for standing strong. May we continue standing as one nation under God, building a united and strong Uganda. God bless Buyende, God bless Busoga and God bless Uganda.” The NRM First National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Moses Kigongo, praised the people of Buyende for their support and commended the First Lady for her devotion to the President and the country. “Thank you Maama for staying with Mzee, supporting him and energizing him,” he said. Alhaji Kigongo emphasized that the NRM’s longevity in power has been rooted in discipline and unity. “What has kept us in leadership up to today is the discipline we carried from the bush. That discipline must be maintained. As leaders we must be exemplary and united as one movement,” he said. He urged Buyende residents to support NRM candidates at all levels, from the national chairman to the grassroots. “Whoever is carrying our flag, support them,” he added, noting that the party remains committed to protecting the peace established during the liberation struggle. Rt. Hon. Anita Among, the Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice chairperson also pledged overwhelming support from the district. “We pledge to you 98% of the votes in Buyende,” she said, praising President Museveni for promoting politics of ideology, not interests. She also thanked Maama Janet for her continued prayers for peace in Uganda. The Minister for Presidency and NRM parliamentary flag bearer for Budiope West, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda commended President Museveni for the visionary leadership and development programs in Buyende. She also requested the people of Buyende to overwhelmingly vote for President Museveni and other party flag bearers in the forthcoming elections. The Budiope East MP, Hon. Moses Magogo, thanked President Museveni for the transformation Buyende has experienced since attaining district status in 2010. “Thank you, Your Excellency, for your wise leadership. You turned Buyende into a district, and today the population stands at 403,486,” he said. Hon. Magogo noted that the extension of electricity to the district changed lives. “You reminded us about the national grid and you delivered it. What we once thought was a dream is now a reality,” he said. He added that Buyende has become a safe home for people displaced by the Teso conflicts in the past. “People have settled here, integrated and are progressing,” he said, also thanking the President for making Uganda safe enough that “one can move from one district to another at any time.” Hon. Magogo appealed for inclusion in the livestock restocking programme following years of cattle rustling and thanked the President for acting on his request to upgrade Kamuli–Kaliro Road. “You wrote to the Ministry of Transport, and we are hopeful because the road is already planned for works,” he said. Buyende's progress: Buyende, a district of 14 sub-counties and 73 parishes, is one of the areas heavily impacted by government development programmes especially the Parish Development Model, education investments, water infrastructure and electricity extension. The district has so far received Shs 22.38 billion under the PDM, with 99.92% already disbursed to 22,461 beneficiary households. Buyende has 83,497 households, meaning 26.9% have already received PDM funds. Under Emyooga, the district has 36 SACCOs with 10,705 members, which have collectively received Shs 1.39bn to boost enterprise growth. Out of the 14 sub-counties, Buyende currently has 2 HCIVs and 6 HCIIIs, leaving 6 sub-counties without any health facility. The government plans to upgrade Kagulu, Nkoone and Ngandho HCIIs to HCIII status and construct new HCIIIs in Gumpi, Buyanja and Kidera. On water, safe water access stands at 54.9%, with 300 out of 546 villages having a reliable source. Key achievements include 72 boreholes drilled, multiple piped-water systems completed in Buyende TC, Irundu, Bukungu and Lyingo, solar-powered water system in Magogo Village and ongoing drilling of 12 new boreholes and construction of more piped systems. Plans are underway to build water systems in Iringo, Bugaya and Kidera, plus medium-scale irrigation schemes in Nakawa A and Ngole. It is also important to note that Buyende District is now fully connected to the national electricity grid, enabling business growth and improving living standards. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

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17 November 2025

OPENING OF THE AFRICA INDUSTRIALISATION WEEK

THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA REMARKS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND COOPERATIVES AT THE OPENING OF THE AFRICA INDUSTRIALISATION WEEK Theme: “Transforming Africa’s Economy Through Sustainable Industrialization, Reginal Integration and Innovation” 17th NOVEMBER, 2025 SPEKE RESORT, MUNYONYO. Hon. Ministers Present; Commissioners from the African Union Commission; Development Partners; Government officials present, Delegates and Representatives from across Africa; Our Industrialists and other private sector entrepreneurs; Our colleagues from the Academia; Members from Civil Society; Our friends from the press; All Invited guests; Ladies and Gentlemen Good morning. I am deeply honoured to welcome you to the Africa Industrialisation Week 2025. Your presence here is a testament to our shared commitment to Africa's economic transformation. As you know, the Africa Industrialisation Day, conceived by the OAU and ratified by the UN in 1989, is a moment to highlight our progress, confront our challenges, and chart a decisive path forward The theme for this year is clear: “Transforming Africa’s Economy Through Sustainable Industrialization, Regional Integration and Innovation.” This is not just a theme; it is a mandate for action. Sustainable industrialization demands a concerted and determined effort to remove the bottlenecks that hold us back. This means: •Improving infrastructure. •Enhancing access to finance. •Promoting innovation. •Creating a truly enabling regulatory environment. Industrial facilitation—through policy reforms, public-private partnerships, technology transfer, and investment—is not optional; it is paramount to industrializing our continent. This week is designed to be a dynamic platform for tangible progress. I urge you to actively engage in the diverse and critical events we have organized: Event Focus and Impact African Women in Processing Forum Highlighting the achievements of women entrepreneurs and connecting them directly with investors, buyers, and financial institutions. African Youth Start-ups Forum Accelerating youth-led industrialization by focusing on deal-making, investor readiness, and B2B/B2G matchmaking across strategic sectors like healthcare, green-tech, and digital technologies. Innovation Industry Enterprise Convention Connecting MSMEs and Cooperatives to the growing African industry and the continental market, culminating in a technical position paper on industrial innovation. Africa Manufacturing Investment Forum (AMIF) A flagship event dedicated to stimulating investment in manufacturing by focusing on Physical Infrastructure, Workforce Skills Enhancement, and Investment Financing. These are not just meetings; they are the engines of our industrial future. Network, share your experiences, and forge the partnerships that will drive our continent forward. Please allow me to express our sincere gratitude to the partners who have made this week possible, The African Union Commission (AUC), Office of the President, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of ICT, Pan-African Women’s Organization (PAWO), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), The UHURU Institute, African Women in Processing (AWIP), United Nations Association - Uganda (UNAU), Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotion Authority (UFZEPA), Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), The Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Manufacturers Association, Uganda Media Centre; among others. Finally, I have two urgent calls to action: First, to the Delegates: Please take time to visit the exhibition in the tent outside. It is a showcase of Africa-made industrial products and innovations. Engage with our entrepreneurs—you may find the next key contact to enhance your supply chain. Second, to the AU Secretariat: I urge you to ensure that the outcome of this week is not just a summary, but a report with concrete proposals, clear pathways, and actionable roadmaps for synergistic industrial growth. African governments need this guidance to prioritize policies that attract investment, increase manufacturing value addition, and create jobs, especially for our growing youth population. Let us network, collaborate, and learn from each other. Let us make this week a turning point for Africa's industrial future. Thank you. FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY

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17 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HAILS NRM GAINS, PLEDGES MORE INVESTMENT IN WEALTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN NAMUTUMBA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, today addressed thousands of residents at Kaiti Cell in Namutumba Town Council, reaffirming the NRM government’s commitment to peace, infrastructure development and household wealth creation. The President said Busoga occupies a special place in Uganda’s liberation history and saluted the families that supported him during the 1971–1973 period. “When I am in Busoga, I am in the areas where we fought. Many of my supporters were killed here during the insurgencies, including those executed publicly in Jinja. I am here to represent those who died and those still alive. The NRM is not a party of jokers,” he said. President Museveni outlined the seven contributions forming the 2026–2031 NRM Manifesto, beginning with peace. He reminded the gathering that many people in Busoga perished due to political violence, including leaders such as Mathias Ngobi, and noted that the peace enjoyed today is a result of NRM’s sacrifice. He said the second contribution, development, includes both economic infrastructure—roads, electricity, telephones, the railway and water—and social infrastructure such as schools and health centres. The President cited completed and upcoming road works and assured residents that Namutumba’s connectivity will continue improving. He noted that the Nakalama–Busembatya–Namutumba–Tirinyi–Budaka–Mbale road, which once was murram, has been fully tarmacked. He added that the government is set to work on the Nabumali–Butaleja –Namutumba road, the Busembatya– Nsinze–Kibale–Ivukula–Namakokola road and the Kaliro–Ivukula–Naziba route. On electricity, he said NRM has extended power to all district headquarters across Uganda except Naikona and is now pushing power to sub-county headquarters. “In Namutumba, there is electricity in Bulange, Namutumba and Nsinze Town Councils. We shall extend power to the remaining areas,” he assured. The President expressed concern over Namutumba’s low safe water coverage, noting that out of 629 villages, only 280 have access to clean water. “That means 349 villages lack safe water. Leaders must do something urgently,” he said. Turning to education, he said Namutumba has made progress but the distribution of government schools is still imbalanced. The district has 109 government primary schools and 165 private ones, but only 51 out of 111 parishes have a government-aided primary school. The target, he emphasized, is one government primary school per parish. At secondary level, the district has eight government schools, but only seven out of the 20 sub-counties have one. Construction of three Seed Secondary Schools is underway and will reduce the sub-counties without a government secondary school from 13 to 10. “In 1961, these schools were not here. So, I am happy to see this transformation,” he said. On health, President Museveni explained that Namutumba has one HCIV and eight HCIIIs, 11 sub-counties without a HCIII, HCIV or hospital. He announced that the government will upgrade nine Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs in Irimbi, Kikaru, Buwonge, Kiranga, Bugobi, Namusita, Kisimu, Bukonte and Mulama. He also said the government will construct new HCIIIs in Nabweyo and Bugobi sub-counties to improve access to maternal and outpatient services. The President said wealth creation remains the NRM’s third major contribution after peace and development. “You have good roads, but you do not sleep on the tarmac. When you return home, you find the poverty you left in the morning. Development is for everyone, but wealth is for individuals and families,” he said. President Museveni highlighted success stories in the district, including Kazibwe, who started with one cow from NAADS and now has eight cows, 80 litres of daily milk production, income from cocoa and coffee, and biogas; a farmer from Karamoja who combined mangoes from Operation Wealth Creation with goats from PDM; and Hon. Fred Byamukama, who earns 108 million shillings from eggs alone and retains 55 million shillings after costs while creating 26 jobs. The President also demonstrated how fish farming on half an acre can generate 100 million shillings in revenue and still leave 70 million shillings in profit. “NRM first advised you (okuwabura) and later supported you through Entandikwa, NAADS, Emyooga, Youth Livelihood and now PDM. There is no excuse for remaining in poverty. It is possible to get out of poverty,” he emphasized. Maama Janet praised the people of Busoga for supporting NRM and urged them to protect the peace and progress achieved under the movement. “We thank God for using the President and the NRM to bring peace and maintain it. Our manifesto says we must protect these gains to take a qualitative leap into the Middle Income. Please support NRM so that we remain united and strong,” she said. She also reminded the public that Busoga University has been operationalised. NRM First National Vice Chairperson Alhajji Moses Kigongo encouraged residents to support President Museveni in the coming election to ensure peace continues. “It is peace that took the NRA to the bush. We must preserve it,” he said. The Eastern Region NRM Chairperson Hon. Calvin Echodu thanked the people for turning up in large numbers. The First Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga requested the establishment of an Industrial Park in Namutumba to create jobs and promote value addition. The Namutumba District NRM Chairperson, Mr. Simon Menya thanked the President for wealth creation programmes such as PDM and Emyooga and for major road improvements including the Nabumali–Butaleja –Namutumba road.

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17 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RALLIES BUGWERI AS BUSOGA PLEDGES RENEWED SUPPORT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the Presidential flag bearer of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) today held a massive rally at Kyabazinga Grounds in Bugweri District, marking his second stop in the Busoga region as the NRM campaigns intensify ahead of the 2026 general elections. Accompanied by the First Lady and the Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, President Museveni revisited his early days of resistance against Idi Amin to achieve peace, which is NRM’s first and most prized achievement. “I was here in 1973, fighting Idi Amin with Engineer Kasadha. We went to Mayuge and later to Jinja. I salute the families in Busoga who worked with us in fighting Idi Amin,” he said, drawing applause as he recognized historical figures and victims from the region. He invoked the memories of Busoga sons who suffered during the dark political years, including Hajji Balunywa, Shaban Nkuutu, Nkooto, Ntale, and others who were killed or forced into exile, such as Waluma, Kasadha, Kibedi, and Mbigiti. “In the last 40 years, we have had seven contributions to Uganda, and the first one is peace. You know what lack of peace means and how many people died,” he said. “Therefore, the NRM in the last 40 years has been able to bring peace to Uganda.” Development in Bugweri: The NRM candidate reassured residents that he is aware of the gaps in Bugweri, especially its lack of adequate road equipment due to its status as a relatively new district. “Your district does not have enough road equipment. I’m going to sort that one out. I got a lot of equipment from Japan to ensure every district has what it takes to maintain its roads,” President Museveni said. He cited ongoing and completed road works such as Nawangisa–Buseesa–Nakivumbi–Ndongwe–Iganga and promised to personally follow up on the less familiar routes presented to him. District leaders later reinforced this demand, including calls for the tarmacking of Nawangisa–Nakivumbi with a spur to Iganga and Mayuge. In the water sector, Bugweri District, according to President Museveni, now boasts 84% safe water coverage, with 124 out of 147 villages having access to clean water. “These investments have strengthened water security and sanitation, especially in schools and trading centers,” he said, highlighting that the district is nearing full water coverage. Regarding electricity, President Museveni highlighted the NRM’s electricity rollout plan, where power first reaches district headquarters, then sub-counties, and finally villages. He noted that more sub-counties in Bugweri are now connected to power, signaling progress. “If you see power in the sub-counties, know that everything is going on well,” he said. On education, President Museveni noted that Bugweri District has 54 government primary schools serving 46,876 pupils and 193 private primary schools, along with 7 government secondary schools enrolling 6,784 students and 50 private secondary schools. President Museveni, however, expressed concern that despite having 37 parishes, 11 have no government primary school, while others have multiple. “This one, please sort it out as leaders,” he warned, reminding them that national policy requires one government primary school per parish and one government secondary school per sub-county. Bugweri’s 8 sub-counties currently have 5 government secondary schools, but the ongoing construction of 2 Seed Secondary Schools will ensure each sub-county has one. President Museveni strongly criticized school administrators, PTAs, and foundation bodies for charging illegal fees in government schools, which he said was the leading cause of dropouts. “That’s why I started skilling hubs where I give free education to my children.” For Bugweri, the Presidential Skilling Hub is located in Jinja City, offering hands-on skilling in carpentry, tailoring, welding, baking, construction, plumbing, electrical work, automotive mechanics, and weaving. So far, 961 youth from Busoga have been trained, with the current intake of 240 undergoing training. Namukwaya Salima, from Bugombe, narrated how she dropped out after Senior Four due to the inability to pay fees. After enrolling in tailoring at the skilling hub, she borrowed 80,000 shillings and started making children’s dresses. “Now I’m not on the streets begging or doing prostitution,” she said, drawing applause and emotional reactions across the crowd. Subiri Saleh, from Makuutu in Kasozi Parish, said bakery skills from the hub transformed his life. He earns about 20,000 shillings a day in profit, approximately 600,000 shillings monthly. “I have also taught others how to do what I’m doing,” he proudly said. President Museveni commended the young people and used their testimonies to challenge leaders. “When God gives you the chance to lead, you should be very careful,” he said. “If you’re leaders and you deny education to these children, you are denying God.” President Museveni also emphasized that the skilling hubs have enabled youth to produce items previously imported from China, India, and Dubai, including beds, chairs, metallic doors, and clothing. He noted that Bugweri District has one HCIV in Bugweri Constituency with two doctors and an ambulance, six HCIIIs, ten HCIIs, and two sub-counties that still lack any health facility. “We plan to upgrade Busesa HCIV to a general hospital. We shall upgrade Idudi HCII to HCIII in Idudi Town Council and upgrade Nsale HCII to HCIII in Ibulanku Sub-County,” he said. Ongoing works include the expansion of the Busesa HCIV maternity ward and the construction of incinerators at Busembatia HCIII, Nawangisa HCIII, and Minani HCIII. Wealth creation and jobs: President Museveni cautioned residents against relying solely on physical infrastructure to escape poverty. “I passed here in 1965, going to Teso College and Gulu to play games there. This road was already tarmacked from Kabale all the way to Soroti, and we have been repairing it several times. But even if you go today, you will find poor people near that tarmac road, yet development was there 60 years ago,” President Museveni said. He reiterated the NRM’s 4-acre model, allocating one acre to coffee, another to pasture for zero-grazing cows, a third to fruits, and a fourth to food crops, with pigs and poultry in the backyard and fish farming for swamp-adjacent areas. President Museveni highlighted success stories, such as a farmer in Abim earning 36 million shillings annually from mangoes. He said his Barlege farm in Lira, where he has a 20 m × 50 m fishpond, generates 100 million shillings per year, and MP Fred Byamukama’s 4-acre enterprise, which employs 26 people, makes 108 million shillings per month from poultry alone. He criticized political actors who demand government jobs for everyone. “Those who tell you to wait for government jobs are enemies of Uganda,” he said, citing the Sino-Mbale Industrial Park’s 75 factories employing 12,000 people as evidence of the NRM’s job creation strategy. On the other hand, Maama Janet delivered a passionate message, acknowledging NRM’s track record and urging Bugweri to protect past achievements while embracing future transformation. “Please remember on that day of voting, you need to go in person to vote for your own—President Museveni and the whole lineup of NRM flag bearers—so that you allow NRM to continue to protect this peace in our country and the freedom to work hard so that our country becomes better than it has been,” Maama Janet said, emphasizing that unity within the NRM is essential for Uganda’s progress. Several key NRM figures delivered remarks reaffirming support for President Museveni and outlining regional demands. Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, NRM First National Vice Chairman, urged Busoga to back President Museveni for continued peace and asked leaders to avoid internal fights during the election season. Hon. Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, welcomed President Museveni “back home” to Busoga and hailed Bugweri leaders for strong mobilization. “And these people are here because they are rallying and uniting around you. Busoga is very excited, and we thank you for being a uniting point for Busoga,” Hon. Echodu said. The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, also welcomed President Museveni to Bugweri and presented several demands from the district. She highlighted the need for a second constituency and noted that many sub-counties still lack essential services. Hon. Kadaga further appealed to the President to prioritize the construction of the Nondwe–Busembatya road. She also informed President Museveni that the current PDM allocation is insufficient for Bugweri due to the high population in its parishes. According to available statistics, Bugweri District has 36 PDM SACCOs and has so far received a total of Shs 11.106 billion, all of which has been disbursed to 11,387 beneficiary households. Out of the district’s 46,584 households, only 11,387, equivalent to 24.44%, have benefited from the PDM. This leaves 35,197 households, or 75.6%, yet to benefit, including some that are already participating in the money economy. Alhajji Shaban Sadiki Nkutu, the NRM District Chairperson for Bugweri, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for granting the Bugweri district status. He also emphasized the community’s aspirations, including the establishment of an industrial park and the tarmacking of the Nawangisa–Nakivumbi road. NRM's Support in Bugweri: Bugweri District is made up of 8 sub-counties and town councils, 37 parishes, and 147 villages, with a total population of 211,511 according to the 2024 census. In the 2021 elections, the district had 84,953 registered voters, of whom 47,064 cast their ballots, representing a voter turnout of 55.4%. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, President Museveni, received 17,428 votes (38.7%), while the National Unity Platform (NUP) secured 25,939 votes (57.6%). Ahead of the 2025 elections, the number of registered voters in Bugweri has risen to 96,437, and the number of polling stations has increased from 154 to 230. The rally drew a notable lineup of NRM heavyweights, highlighting its significance in the lead-up to the 2026 elections. Among those in attendance were Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, the Third Deputy Prime Minister; Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency; and Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe, former Vice President; Shafic Mwanje, CEC member responsible for People with Disabilities; Arinaitwe Rwakajara Chairperson of the Workers’ League in the CEC.

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16 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RALLIES BUGISU NRM LEADERS TO GUARD AGAINST OPPOSITION LIES, PRIORITIZE WEALTH CREATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in Bugisu sub-region to remain steadfast, reject what he described as lies and distortions from opposition politicians, and instead champion government priorities of wealth creation, industrialization, and value addition. Speaking to 17,725 NRM leaders gathered at Mbale Secondary School grounds on Sunday, November 16, 2025, President Museveni, who is also the NRM national chairman, accused the opposition of spreading misinformation, misunderstanding national planning frameworks, and prioritizing issues such as salaries and allowances at the expense of strategic investments that stimulate long-term economic transformation. “NRM has no problem. Our analysis is correct, and our strategy is correct. That’s why we were able to defeat all these groups, even in the war, even when we started with 27 people,” President Museveni said. He emphasized that while the NRM attempts to work harmoniously with all Ugandans, the opposition continues to mislead the population and push agendas that do not align with national development priorities. President Museveni also listed power generation, industrial parks, and strategic road projects as critical investments that unlock employment, stimulate industrial growth, and expand the tax base. He cited the recurrent debate around the Mbale– Namagumba– Bududa–Nalugugu road, noting that while such projects are important, Uganda’s development plan must account for broader national interests. “Sometimes the priorities are not correct. The other day in Bududa and Namisindwa, we were talking about the circular road. We would have done these roads long ago, but the priorities of our partners are not always the same,” he explained. President Museveni had no kind words for other presidential candidates in the 2026 presidential race, some of whom were in parliament but prioritized salaries and allowances over national development and wealth creation. “But what I don’t like are people who make mistakes but later go and tell lies. Like when my son Nandala Mafabi goes to Namisindwa and says the road is bad. Yes, but you are the one who delayed it because you were the one who was in parliament, prioritizing salaries and allowances for yourself,” he said. “Maybe if it is Robert Kasibante, and those who have never been to parliament, I can forgive. But the ones who were in parliament, like Nadala Mafabi, Mugisha Muntu, Robert Kyagulanyi, Mubarak Munyagwa, they have no right to speak about anything, because they had a chance in parliament to think but never did,” President Museveni stated, further reminding the NRM leaders to be careful when listening to opposition politicians, saying “they are working to malign and suppress government achievements.” He insisted that opposition politicians should not attack the government over incomplete road works when they themselves allegedly frustrated earlier attempts to fund such projects. Uganda’s Growth: “One of the fastest in the world” President Museveni praised Uganda’s economic progress, citing a growth rate of 7%, with projections of surpassing 10% once oil production comes on board. He pointed to industrial output, hotel investments, and the expansion of the manufacturing sector as tangible evidence of Uganda’s transformation. President Museveni reinforced his point by highlighting Uganda’s rapidly expanding industrial landscape, pointing to major industrial parks and their growing employment capacity. He cited the Sino-Mbale Industrial Park, which now hosts 75 factories employing 12,000 people, as a prime example of the region’s rising manufacturing potential. President Museveni also noted that the Namanve Industrial Park has grown into a national industrial hub with 273 factories employing 44,000 workers, and the fully established Kapeeka Industrial Zone, as well as expanding manufacturing clusters in Mukono, Matugga, which together signal Uganda’s strengthening industrial capabilities. Matugga, he said, now houses one of the largest pharmaceutical plants in the world, while Kiira Motors in Jinja is assembling vehicles, marking Uganda’s strategic entry into the automotive manufacturing sector. “When I met the Japanese, I told them we’re buying a lot of vehicles from you. Come and assemble them in Uganda. They refused, but when I started making my own vehicles, they came running. I said sorry, it’s too late.” President Museveni showcased the Karuma Hydropower Dam, which generates 640 megawatts, surpassing the old Jinja dam that once produced 150 megawatts but later declined to 60 megawatts due to outdated equipment. He reminded the audience that industrialization and value addition would be impossible without such large-scale energy investments. “Without that power, we would not have these factories here. The factories you see are coming because electricity is available.” He also celebrated the economic success of Kalangala’s palm oil project, which has enabled Uganda to reduce dependence on imported soap-making oil from Malaysia. “I recall during the 1996 election, there was some pressure from Mbale, Kabale, and even Kasese, where people complained that URA was overly strict with smugglers from Kenya and the Congo. But this is because everything here was coming from outside. Now everything is coming from here,” President Museveni said. He accused certain local actors and organizations of working against Uganda’s development agenda. He warned leaders to be cautious of individuals who, according to him, seek to undermine Uganda’s progress either for foreign interests or for personal gain. Value Addition: “Stop Exporting Raw Materials” President Museveni reiterated point number five of the NRM’s Ten-Point Programme -value addition, arguing that Uganda loses billions by exporting raw coffee instead of processing it locally. He highlighted global statistics to illustrate how much value Uganda is currently missing out in the coffee sector. “The coffee, which you depend quite a bit on, they don’t give us enough money from it because the global value of coffee is USD 460 billion, but Africa gets only USD 2.5 billion. Why? Because we sell unprocessed coffee,” President Museveni noted, adding that in Uganda, farmers currently earn between USD 4.2 and USD 4.5 per kilogram of robusta coffee, but this could rise to USD 8–9 per kilogram if the coffee was processed locally. Furthermore, exported processed robusta could fetch between USD 22 and USD 25 per kilogram, while processed Arabica could bring in as much as USD 30–40 per kilogram. He told Bugisu coffee farmers that full cooperation with the government would help transform their incomes and the national economy. “But once you all listen to our message, Uganda is so rich that we would be helping other countries, not the other way around,” he said. Discussing corruption, President Museveni explained that he introduced the Local Council (LC) system to counteract corruption inherited from colonial-era administrative structures. He insisted that LCs must remain vigilant and supervise civil servants whose misconduct undermines service delivery. “Those chiefs were corrupt. I said; let’s get our leaders, the local council leaders, elected by us, the money they’re stealing is your money,” he said. The Speaker of Parliament and NRM's Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among praised President Museveni for empowering local governance systems through the LC structure. She described LC 1 chairpersons as “presidents of their villages,” whose authority is central to community management. Rt. Hon. Among thanked the President for increasing LC chairperson salaries from UGX 10,000 to UGX 100,000, arguing that the increment reflects the importance of grassroots leadership. “You are the ones supposed to know everybody in your village. There is nothing that takes place without the authorization of an LC 1.” She urged leaders to capitalize on their influence to secure an overwhelming NRM victory in the upcoming elections, noting that the party’s support base already exists within villages. “The votes are within our members, not outside,” she said. Rt. Hon. Among revealed that PDM funds had been expanded to include UGX 15 million specifically for parish-level leaders and their SACCOs. The NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong emphasized that leadership begins at home and at the LC 1 level. He reminded leaders of their responsibilities as “social doctors” who diagnose and address community challenges. “Every LC 1 here must be aware of the number of households in this area, the social and economic issues, and the level of production.” He urged them to use party structures effectively to deliver votes for President Museveni and all NRM flag bearers. Hon. Calvin Echodu, the NRM Vice Chairperson, Eastern Region, reassured the President that Bugisu remains firmly behind him. “Your people are mobilized, the structures are ready, and thank you for being our rallying point,” he said. The Mbale meeting attracted an extensive delegation consisting of NRM Central Executive Committee members, District chairpersons, LCV flag bearers, Member of Parliament flag bearers, District chief secretaries, Sub-County NRM chairpersons, Parish and village NRM chairpersons, and LC 1 NRM flag bearers.

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