By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting industrialization, commercial agriculture, and service sector expansion in Budaka District as part of broader efforts to create more employment opportunities across the country.
Speaking during an NRM presidential campaign rally held at Budaka Saza Grounds, President Museveni emphasized that the district stands to benefit greatly from the ongoing national industrialization plan, which aims to boost production and generate millions of jobs.
Museveni cited successful examples of commercial farmers and job creators such as Joseph Ijara in Serere District and Minister of State for Transport Fred Byamukama in Kakumiro District. He challenged the people of Budaka to re-elect the NRM government to continue implementing wealth creation interventions that have already transformed other regions.
Highlighting Budaka’s potential, Museveni urged residents to embrace income-generating ventures such as fish farming, coffee and fruit growing, and dairy production. He pointed to success stories like the Limoto Wetland Fish Farming Demonstration Scheme and the Lira Presidential Demonstration Farm as models for sustainable agricultural practices and wealth creation.
The NRM presidential candidate also announced plans to upgrade Budaka Health Centre IV to a General Hospital, as part of the government’s broader initiative to improve healthcare services through the construction and upgrading of health facilities across the district.
On education, Museveni reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding access to free universal education, pledging to increase the number of both primary and secondary schools in Budaka. He noted that the district already has 59 government primary schools and 12 government secondary schools, and called on residents to safeguard the universal education program to ensure its continued success.
Museveni further outlined plans to enhance transport infrastructure, confirming ongoing and upcoming works on major road networks including the Nabumali–Butaleja Road, Mbale–Nakalama Road, Pallisa–Tirinyi Road, and Pallisa–Kamonkoli Road. He also mentioned progress on railway maintenance projects to facilitate trade and mobility.
He encouraged residents to make full use of socio-economic empowerment programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Youth Livelihood Program, and Women Empowerment Fund, all aimed at boosting household incomes and reducing poverty.
Other NRM leaders, including Ambassador Barbara Nekesa and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson Anita Among, also addressed the gathering, expressing optimism about Budaka’s future under continued NRM leadership.
