By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate, has unveiled plans to establish a Food Value Chain Industrial Park in Hoima District/City, complementing the already planned industrial park for petroleum-related products.
Addressing supporters during the NRM presidential campaign rally in Hoima City, Gen. Museveni said the new industrial park will integrate more Ugandans into wealth creation by linking agriculture to modern industrial production. He noted that similar parks in Namanve, Mbale, Mukono, and Kapeeka have already demonstrated the effectiveness of industrialization in boosting household incomes.
Museveni guided residents on the vast job opportunities created through ongoing and upcoming government programs. He revealed that current oil operations in the Albertine Graben account for only 40% of Uganda’s oil reserves, with additional fields in Lake George, Lake Edward, Karamoja, and Kyankwanzi yet to be developed.
The NRM candidate emphasized that Uganda’s oil program is focused on long-term infrastructure and skills development to ensure durable national transformation—an approach he said has already delivered visible progress in Hoima and the wider Albertine region.
Gen. Museveni also encouraged residents to adopt proper commercial enterprise selection for sustainable wealth creation. He showcased viable ventures such as poultry, fruit growing, fish farming, piggery, and dairy farming, along with success stories from structured land-use management.
He urged Hoima voters to evaluate the NRM government based on its achievements, including tarmacked roads, expanded electricity coverage, telecommunication improvements, enhanced health and education services, and various wealth-creation initiatives.
During the rally, Museveni announced plans to elevate Kigolobya Health Centre IV to a General Hospital, upgrade Buseruka Health Centre III to IV, and implement several other health facility improvements. He also confirmed ongoing and future expansions in the education sector, citing the current 97 government primary schools and 11 government secondary schools in Hoima.
In a major political development, Tugume Allan Clefford, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer for Bugahya County, defected to the NRM and withdrew from the parliamentary race in favor of the NRM’s Pius Wakabi. Tugume was accompanied by several supporters from NUP and other opposition groups, a move announced by NRM Second National Vice Chairperson Anita Among.
Among also highlighted government interventions planned for Hoima, including a regional coffee analytical laboratory, an operational regional medical laboratory, major road projects, Hoima City Stadium, Bunyoro University, and Kabalega International Airport.
NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda Jornad Asiimwe raised key concerns from the region for government consideration, while NRM Hoima District Chairperson Savanah Vicent Muhumuza presented the district memorandum.
