By Kabuye Ronald and Jumah Kakomo
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has reaffirmed the party’s doctrine of unity and non-discrimination, saying it has fostered national cohesion, strong institutions and sustained development across the country.
Addressing a campaign rally at Mbirizi Seed Secondary School playgrounds in Lwengo District, Museveni said the NRM’s core principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation and democracy have underpinned his long leadership and continue to address the aspirations of all Ugandans.
On that basis, Museveni called on voters in Lwengo District to re-elect him and all NRM flag bearers to consolidate development gains and accelerate socio-economic transformation.
He outlined plans to scale up major infrastructure projects, noting that anticipated oil production is expected to boost national revenues and support further development. He urged residents to continue supporting the NRM government, describing it as a party rooted in the people.
Museveni commended farmers in Lwengo for effectively managing coffee seedlings distributed under Operation Wealth Creation and the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS). He pledged continued support for wealth creation initiatives, citing visible growth in coffee farming across the district.
He noted that household-level coffee farming in Lwengo has contributed to Uganda’s coffee export growth, which has risen from about three million to ten million bags annually. He promised additional support to farmers, including irrigation.
The president also guided residents on wealth creation principles, including sustainable land use, the four-acre model and proper enterprise selection. He said the NRM government has consistently promoted clear wealth creation strategies since 1995, pointing to successful examples that others can emulate.
On infrastructure, Museveni announced plans to tarmac several roads in Lwengo District during his next term, including the Ssembabule–Matete–Mbirizi road, Kyabakuza–Kiwangala road, and the Lyantonde–Lumbugu–Lwamaggwa–Rakai route. He highlighted ongoing and planned improvements on the Masaka–Lyantonde, Kanoni–Ssembabule and Lwengo–Mutukula roads.
Addressing water access challenges, Museveni directed NRM leaders in the district to work with technical teams to develop a water relief strategy. He noted that 320 out of 438 villages currently have access to clean and safe water, stressing the need to expand coverage.
He further promised last-mile electricity distribution to the remaining sub-counties of Malongo and Kingo, saying the decentralized electricity rollout is steadily meeting its objectives.
In the health sector, Museveni approved the elevation of one Health Centre IV to a district general hospital and pledged to establish a Health Centre III in the only sub-county still lacking one. He also outlined plans to upgrade additional health facilities.
On education, Museveni tasked district leaders to ensure equitable distribution of government schools in line with national policy, after observing that 132 government primary schools were allocated to only 37 of the district’s 45 parishes. He emphasized adherence to the policy of one government primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county.
NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Anita Among, called for unity among party leaders in Lwengo and warned against internal conflicts that could undermine electoral success. She highlighted both completed and pending NRM development interventions in the district.
NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda Sub-region, Haruna Kasoro, underscored the impact of affirmative action for youth and women, noting its role in promoting inclusive leadership and socio-economic development.
The rally concluded with Lwengo District NRM Chairperson, Cissy Namujju, presenting the district memorandum.
