By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has pledged to apprehend individuals intimidating NRM supporters in Masaka City, assuring residents of a peaceful electoral period.
Museveni made the commitment following complaints from NRM leaders who reported cases of intimidation and threats by opposition politicians targeting NRM cadres and supporters because of their political affiliation. He said such actions are criminal and will not be tolerated.
Addressing a campaign rally at Masaka Liberation Square, Museveni assured party supporters that security agencies would deal decisively with those disrupting peace and democratic participation. He also promised to address several issues raised by NRM leaders from Masaka District and Masaka City.
Museveni cautioned voters against supporting what he described as “ideologically disoriented” opposition politicians, accusing them of blocking government development initiatives, particularly wealth creation programs. He said opposition leaders had for years frustrated development efforts in Masaka until his government firmly implemented programs that have resulted in visible progress across the district and city.
He urged residents to vote for development-oriented NRM leaders, saying this would ensure continued socioeconomic transformation and expansion of wealth creation initiatives.
The NRM flag bearer also encouraged Masaka residents to fully enroll in government socioeconomic empowerment programs, including the Parish Development Model (PDM). He confirmed that PDM funding would be increased to Shs300 million per parish in his next term to meet growing demand.
Museveni said additional groups would be included in wealth creation funding, such as fishing communities, boda boda riders, and car mechanics, among others. He emphasized that with the available government programs, there is no justification for anyone remaining poor in Masaka District and City.
He further criticized opposition politicians for what he termed deceitful politics that slow down development and wealth creation initiatives. According to Museveni, Masaka would achieve faster development and socioeconomic transformation under NRM leadership.
As part of job creation plans, Museveni confirmed that two new industrial parks would be established in the area during his next term. One park will be located in Bukakata on land donated by Vice President Emeritus Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, while another is planned for Lukaya.
The President also highlighted the success of youth skilling programs implemented through Presidential Zonal Industrial Hubs, citing testimonies from beneficiaries. He noted steady growth in Uganda’s manufacturing sector and pointed to the procurement of 450 Kiira electric buses by the government of South Africa as a strong endorsement of Uganda’s industrialization drive.
Museveni urged voters not to “gamble with leadership” by electing opposition politicians, whom he described as mediocre. He commended Masaka residents for embracing coffee growing and promised irrigation schemes, fertilizers, and improved water distribution to boost agricultural productivity.
Additionally, Museveni assured residents of Kyesiiga Sub-county that electricity would be extended to all villages, noting that it is the only remaining sub-county without power in Masaka District. He also pledged to tarmac more roads in Masaka City and District to complement existing road infrastructure.
The NRM candidate reiterated that peace and unity remain the foundation of Uganda’s development and national cohesion.
Meanwhile, NRM First National Vice Chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo outlined new campaign mobilization strategies aimed at securing victory in Masaka at all levels. Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) Anita Among highlighted NRM development interventions in the area and warned opposition leaders against claiming credit for government achievements.
NRM Vice Chairperson for the Buganda Sub-region Haruna Kasoro confirmed growing support for the party in Masaka City and District, while District Chairpersons Rogers Bulegeya (Masaka District) and Herman Muwubya (Masaka City) presented their respective district memoranda.
