By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has concluded his campaign trail in the Bugisu Sub-region with a reaffirmation of Uganda’s readiness to make a qualitative leap into a high middle-income status. He emphasized that this goal will be achieved through the strong foundation already established by the NRM government.
Speaking to thousands of supporters at Makulu Grounds in Mbale City, President Museveni highlighted key achievements of the NRM administration, including peace and security, major infrastructural developments such as roads, telecommunications, water distribution, electricity expansion, and the ongoing railway rehabilitation. He urged the electorate to continue entrusting the NRM with leadership to consolidate these gains and advance national prosperity.
General Museveni also dismissed what he called “foreign enemies of Uganda,” saying they are unsettled by the country’s rapid development trajectory and growing self-reliance.
During his address, Museveni announced plans for the construction of several major tarmac roads in and around Mbale District and City. These include the 90km Nabumali–Butaleja–Namutumba Road, the 20km Mbale–Nkokonjeru Road, the 28km Bubulo–Bududa Circular Road, and the Kufu–Magale–Namisindwa Road. He added that more road projects will be considered for the Mbale City area to enhance connectivity and spur trade.
The President noted that these planned road works will complement the already improved network across the Elgon Sub-region, easing movement of goods and services and stimulating local economic growth.
He further confirmed ongoing railway maintenance works on the Tororo–Mbale–Soroti–Kampala section, which he said are progressing well and nearing completion. The upgraded railway, he added, will foster trade and ease transportation across the region.
General Museveni reiterated that Uganda’s irreversible path toward socio-economic transformation is anchored on the NRM’s core principles of unity, peace, and stability, which have provided the foundation for strong national institutions and broad-based development.
The NRM presidential candidate also elaborated on his government’s massive job creation agenda through the four key sectors of wealth creation — commercial agriculture, manufacturing and artisanship, services, and ICT. He cited commercial agriculture and manufacturing as immediate engines of job growth, with practical demonstrations already underway.
Museveni urged residents of Mbale and the entire Elgon Sub-region to take full advantage of government empowerment programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Program, and the Women Empowerment Fund to improve household incomes and eradicate poverty. He cited examples of Ugandans who have prospered by embracing the NRM wealth creation ideology, including Serere’s Joseph Ijara and Minister Fred Byamukama.
In his remarks, the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, commended President Museveni and the NRM government for establishing a stable foundation for national unity and development.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, represented by the party’s Director of Information Emmanuel Dombo, reaffirmed the party’s unwavering commitment to steering Uganda toward total transformation.
