By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has warned opposition politicians against inciting post-election violence, describing such actions as “suicidal” and a threat to Uganda’s hard-won peace and unity.
Museveni made the remarks during his first campaign rally in Greater Masaka, held at Kibale Playground in Rakai District. He said Uganda’s security agencies are fully prepared to decisively deal with anyone seeking to disrupt peace for selfish political interests.
He cautioned that Uganda must not follow the path of instability witnessed in some neighboring countries, urging residents of Rakai District to continue trusting the NRM government by re-electing him and all NRM flag bearers in the forthcoming general elections.
On infrastructure, Museveni confirmed plans to tarmac the Kabingo–Lugaaga–Magabi–Ntantamuki–Rakai road and the Lyantonde–Lumbugu–Lwamaggwa–Rakai road in his next term, to improve mobility of goods and services. He noted that the NRM government has already tarmacked key highways connecting Rakai District, including the Mutukula–Masaka–Kyotera road and the Mbarara–Kabingo–Kikagati road to the Tanzania border.
The president also warned Members of Parliament against misappropriation and misbudgeting, emphasizing that public resources must prioritize infrastructure and other key development areas. He cautioned voters against electing inexperienced opposition politicians, arguing that the NRM’s well-crafted national development plans require like-minded leaders to implement them effectively.
Museveni commended the people of Rakai District for embracing coffee farming, noting that earlier government distribution of coffee seedlings is now yielding results through expansive coffee gardens and increased household incomes. He pledged to scale up coffee farming initiatives, including the establishment of irrigation schemes, and urged residents to preserve wetlands to support sustainable irrigation.
Looking ahead, Museveni said Uganda’s anticipated oil revenues, expected to start flowing next year, will be a game changer for national infrastructure development, while warning against mismanagement and wastage of the resource.
He cautioned residents against subsistence living, describing it as a disservice to national economic growth, and highlighted government wealth-creation programs such as Entandikwa, Operation Wealth Creation, NAADS, Emyooga, the Parish Development Model, Youth Livelihood Programme, and women empowerment schemes. He said these initiatives aim to fully integrate Ugandans into the money economy.
In education, Museveni committed to increasing the number of government schools in Rakai District beyond the current 122 primary schools and 15 secondary schools. He also listed planned health centers for construction and upgrades, announced a piped water project from River Kagera to supply clean water across the district, and promised expanded job creation opportunities, including skills training.
NRM Second National Vice Chairperson Anita Among cautioned youths in Rakai District against being misled by opposition politicians bent on causing chaos, warning that instability would jeopardize their future. She outlined several development interventions already implemented and planned for Rakai District under the National Development Plan.
NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda Region Haruna Kasolo highlighted planned interventions for fishing communities and road infrastructure, while Rakai District NRM Chairperson Gyavira Ssemwanga presented the district memorandum to the president.
