By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has reaffirmed his commitment to expanding social and economic infrastructure in Bugweri District in his next term of office to enhance service delivery.
Speaking during the NRM Presidential Campaign rally at Kyabazinga Grounds in Bugweri District, President Museveni announced plans to elevate Busesa Health Centre IV to a General Hospital, upgrade several Health Centre IIs and IIIs, and install new incinerators in facilities at Busembatya, Nani, and other areas.
Museveni highlighted key achievements already realized under the NRM government, including the expansion of water and electricity coverage, improved telecommunication services, and ongoing railway maintenance works across the district.
He also pledged to deliver the remaining road maintenance equipment for Bugweri District. The commitment followed concerns raised by the District NRM Chairperson, Alhaji Sadick Nkuutu, who noted that the district had only received part of the expected machinery. Museveni assured district leaders that the remaining equipment would be delivered, as has been done for other new districts.
The NRM candidate emphasized wealth creation initiatives, urging residents to take full advantage of government programmes designed to eradicate poverty. He cited success stories from Bugweri and the wider Busoga Sub-Region where individuals have utilised government interventions such as the 4-Acre Model, the Parish Development Model (PDM), the Youth Livelihood Programme, and Women Empowerment Schemes to improve their livelihoods.
Museveni cautioned voters against electing “misleaders” who lack understanding of leadership principles and socioeconomic transformation. He highlighted commercial agriculture, manufacturing, and the services sector as key drivers of job creation, noting that these sectors hold immense opportunities as demonstrated by success stories across the region.
The President also commended the people of Bugweri for their historic contribution to Uganda’s liberation and peace-building efforts, noting that the district remains a strategic player in sustaining development anchored on peace.
Addressing education challenges, Museveni expressed dismay over illegal fees in government schools, blaming foundation bodies, PTAs, and school administrators for contributing to high dropout rates. He promised to eliminate these charges in his next term and urged Bugweri residents to support his efforts to achieve completely free education.
He also highlighted success stories from the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs, demonstrating the benefits of tuition-free skilling.
Museveni further cautioned district leaders about the uneven distribution of government schools, revealing that 54 government primary schools were allocated to only 26 out of the 37 parishes, leaving others underserved.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni, urged residents to reflect on the progress brought by the NRM government and to renew its mandate in the forthcoming general elections. She encouraged massive voter turnout to elect President Museveni and all NRM flag bearers.
NRM leaders at various levels added their voices:
- Alhaji Moses Kigongo, NRM 1st National Vice Chairperson, called for unity among party supporters in Bugweri and Busoga.
- Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, commended Bugweri and Busoga residents for their continued support.
- Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, 1st Deputy Prime Minister, rallied voters to support President Museveni and highlighted key concerns from the region that need urgent government attention.
The Bugweri District NRM Chairperson, Alhaji Shaban Sadick Nkuutu, presented the district status report, outlining past progress and ongoing needs.
