By Jumah Kakomo/ Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has reported steady progress on the Koboko–Yumbe–Moyo road, noting that construction has surpassed the 20% completion mark. He described the road as a vital economic artery, aimed at linking Yumbe district to regional business hubs, a strategic development priority of the NRM dating back to the 1960s.
Addressing supporters at a campaign rally at Geya Primary School in Nebbi district, President Museveni assured the people of Yumbe of continued government investment in road infrastructure to unlock further economic potential.
Museveni also emphasized his commitment to eradicating poverty through direct public empowerment programs. Referencing past initiatives such as Entandikwa, NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation, Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Program, the Women Empowerment Scheme, and the GROW Fund, he reiterated that the Parish Development Model (PDM) is the latest step in the NRM’s long-term plan to enable citizens to generate income and build sustainable livelihoods.
He explained that these schemes are rooted in the core values of the NRM revolution ensuring every Ugandan actively participates in income-generating activities. At the Yumbe rally, Museveni pledged to expand these initiatives further in his next term.
On a religious note, President Museveni addressed concerns raised by the Muslim community regarding the 6% annual interest on PDM funds, assuring them that the rate does not constitute ribah (usury), a concept prohibited in Islamic finance.
Additionally, the president warned against what he described as the “suicidal politics of sectarianism,” urging voters to remain united and focused on development.
Joining the campaign trail, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robina Nabbanja highlighted Yumbe’s comparative advantage in development and called on voters to support President Museveni for continued progress.
NRM district chairperson Majid Aniku presented the party’s development scorecard for Yumbe, including:
- 49% piped water coverage,
- UGX 60.3 billion disbursed to over 19,000 households under PDM,
- Population growth to 1.17 million.
He also requested greater development interventions in the coming term.
To support agriculture, Museveni pledged to scale up free distribution of commercial seedlings including coffee, cocoa, and other fruits to all homesteads in the district. He also promised to establish a new agricultural demonstration farm on land donated to him by the people of Yumbe, aimed at boosting commercial farming practices.
