By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate, has pledged extensive infrastructural and socioeconomic developments for Mitooma District in his next term of office.
Speaking during the NRM Presidential campaign rally at Kirambi–Ruhinda Market Grounds, Museveni committed to extending the Ishaka–Kashenshero tarmac road through Mitooma District to Rukungiri District, as well as the Bwizibwera–Nyakambu–Rukungiri road, as part of a wider plan to boost connectivity and economic activity in the region.
Museveni further confirmed the last-mile electricity extension to the remaining three subcounties of the district, saying the NRM government has already delivered significant development milestones for the people of Mitooma.
The President outlined the NRM plans to widen access to education and health services, noting that Mitooma District currently hosts 109 government primary schools, 16 government secondary schools, a general hospital, and several Health Centre III and IV facilities spread across parishes and subcounties.
He also highlighted the government’s Shs 360 billion fund earmarked for revamping the tea sector, assuring farmers that the facility will be accessible to all tea growers. Museveni encouraged residents to take full advantage of the initiative to improve tea production and incomes.
He added that support will also be extended to other major cash-crop producers, and advised residents on sustainable land use for long-term prosperity.
Museveni emphasized that involving all citizens in wealth-creation initiatives is key to accelerating national development. He urged households still living in subsistence conditions to transition to commercial agriculture and enterprise.
He listed several job-creating sectors and emphasized opportunities in skills, artisanship, and other trades, urging the electorate to defend the gains of free universal education in government schools.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to poverty-alleviation initiatives, encouraging adoption of viable models such as the 4-acre enterprise approach, which includes dairy farming, poultry, fish farming, fruit growing, coffee, cocoa, and other enterprises.
He cited examples of successful wealth creators across the country as models to emulate.
Museveni also stressed the importance of peace and security as the foundation of development, warning against sectarian politics based on identity or gender chauvinism. He credited the NRM’s mass-line ideology—anchored on unity—for delivering peace and stability, and called on the people of Mitooma to preserve these gains.
First Lady Maama Janet Kataha Museveni urged the youth to champion NRM achievements and spearhead grassroots mobilization for the re-election of President Museveni and all NRM candidates in the upcoming general elections.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa commended ongoing efforts in coffee farming and enterprise diversification in Mitooma. He appealed to President Museveni to support the completion of the Queen Elizabeth National Park fencing project to mitigate human–wildlife conflict.
Tayebwa also highlighted the impact of government socioeconomic programs such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Program, and Women Empowerment Fund on local communities.
The Internal Affairs Minister and NRM flagbearer for Ruhinda County reaffirmed the need to safeguard NRM achievements and urged residents to turn out in large numbers to vote for President Museveni and all NRM flagbearers.
Mitooma District NRM Chairperson Moses Tumwekwase presented the district status report, outlining progress and ongoing needs as the district looks forward to further government support.
