By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential candidate, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has urged the people of Butaleja District in Bunyole to embrace alternative commercial agricultural ventures beyond rice cultivation, which has long dominated the area through expansive farmlands such as the Doho Rice Scheme.
Addressing residents during the NRM Presidential Campaign rally at Boma Grounds, Gen. Museveni proposed fish farming, among other viable enterprises, as profitable alternatives. He promised to further engage the community on these ventures after the elections.
Gen. Museveni highlighted success stories from Karamoja and Lira, where farmers have benefited greatly from the four-acre model, and encouraged Butaleja residents to explore similar wealth-creation activities.
The President also reaffirmed plans to tarmac the Nabumali–Butaleja–Namutumba road, blaming the delay on poor prioritisation by some leaders who push for nonessential projects at the expense of critical infrastructure.
He emphasized that the NRM government’s development philosophy is anchored in prioritizing essential needs first, noting that proposals for less urgent projects often slow down major works such as road construction.
Gen. Museveni also pointed to notable achievements in Butaleja’s development under the NRM government, including electrification of 14 out of 15 sub-counties, expanded telecommunication services, improved road access, sustained peace, and a 94% clean and safe water coverage.
On the social sector, he outlined plans to enhance health and education services. Butaleja currently has 102 government primary schools, 13 government secondary schools, and several health facilities including a district general hospital. He listed additional health facilities planned for construction or elevation.
The NRM presidential candidate further promised to fast-track the installation of Professor Elly Wesana Chomi as leader of the Obwasehuru Bwa Bunyole Cultural Institution, directing the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to conclude the matter.
Gen. Museveni reiterated his job-creation strategy built around commercial agriculture through the four-acre model, backed by testimonies of farmers who have succeeded with it. He also underscored the importance of industrialization, citing the progress made at the Mbale Industrial Park as a major employment driver.
He urged the electorate of Butaleja to safeguard the implementation of free universal education by rejecting all forms of illegal school charges.
During the rally, NRM Butaleja District Chairperson Moses Pabire presented the district status report, followed by remarks from NRM 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female) Anita Among.
