By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has announced plans to establish an industrial park in Manafwa District to exploit and add value to the area’s vast vermiculite and iron ore deposits.
Vermiculite is a mineral used in manufacturing insulators, fire-resistant materials, industrial packaging, and anti-caking agents, while iron ore is a key raw material for construction and steel production. Museveni confirmed that both minerals are abundant in Manafwa District and assured residents that the NRM government will establish industries to process and add value to them locally.
Speaking during an NRM Presidential campaign rally at Bugobero High School in Bugobero Town Council, Manafwa District, the President highlighted the importance of industrialization and value addition as a means to create jobs and boost the local economy.
Museveni also urged the people of Manafwa to embrace commercial agriculture and the Four-Acre Model as part of his government’s broader job creation strategy. He cited several success stories of farmers who have transformed their livelihoods through commercial agriculture and reiterated government’s commitment to increase funding for socioeconomic empowerment programs.
He called on residents to emulate local success stories and utilize initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Programme, and the Women Empowerment Fund to improve household incomes.
The NRM Presidential candidate further encouraged locals to take advantage of the district’s growing road infrastructure to expand trade and create wealth. He announced new road projects including; 90km Nabumali–Butaleja–Namutumba Road, 28km Bubulo–Bududa Circular Road, 20km Mbale–Nkokonjeru Road, 92km Muyembe–Nakapiripirit Road and Mbale–Budadiri Road
These, he noted, will complement already completed roads such as the Mbale–Rwakaka, Tirinyi–Iganga, and Soroti–Tororo roads, improving connectivity across the Bugisu Sub-region.
In addition, Museveni revealed plans to extend electricity distribution to more sub-counties, construct and upgrade health centers, and build additional primary and secondary schools in the district.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to free universal education, noting that the Presidential Skilling Hubs have already produced highly skilled youth capable of manufacturing goods that Uganda previously imported.
Museveni also emphasized that peace and stability have been the foundation for the region’s continued progress under the NRM government.
During the rally, NRM National Vice Chairperson (Female) Rt. Hon. Anita Among praised Manafwa’s development gains under the NRM and urged residents to safeguard them. The NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, Calvin Echodu, assured voters that the NRM manifesto directly addresses their priorities and development needs.
Museveni also took time to honor Charles Peke Walimbwa, the NRM District Chairperson for Manafwa, for his bravery and contribution during the liberation struggle.
