President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s commitment to peace, infrastructure development, and household wealth creation, while hailing the party’s strong support in Namutumba.
Speaking to thousands of NRM supporters at Kaiti Cell in Namutumba Town Council, Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni, emphasized the historical significance of Busoga in Uganda’s liberation.
He paid tribute to families who supported the struggle during 1971–1973 and remembered the sacrifices of those who lost their lives, including supporters executed in Jinja.
“When I am in Busoga, I am in areas where we fought. Many of my supporters were killed here. I am here to represent those who died and those still alive. The NRM is not a party of jokers,” the President said.
Museveni outlined the seven pillars of the NRM 2026–2031 manifesto, starting with peace. He noted that many lives were lost under past regimes and credited current stability to the sacrifices of previous generations, including leaders such as Mathias Ngobi.
The second pillar, development, covers both economic and social infrastructure. Museveni highlighted major road projects in the district, including the fully tarmacked Nakalama–Busembatya–Namutumba–Tirinyi–Budaka–Mbale road. Upcoming road projects include the Nabumali–Butaleja–Namutumba road, Busembatya–Nsinze–Kibale–Ivukula–Namakokola road, and the Kaliro–Ivukula–Naziba route.
On electricity, Museveni reported that all district headquarters except Naikona now have power, with efforts ongoing to supply all sub-county headquarters. Town councils in Namutumba, Bulange, and Nsinze are already connected, with plans to extend power to remaining areas.
Museveni also highlighted the district’s low safe water coverage, noting that only 280 of Namutumba’s 629 villages have access to clean water. “That means 349 villages lack safe water. Leaders must act urgently,” he said.
Education and health were also addressed. Namutumba has 109 government primary schools and 165 private schools, yet only 51 of its 111 parishes have a government-aided primary school. At the secondary level, eight government schools serve only seven of 20 sub-counties. Construction of three Seed Secondary Schools will reduce underserved sub-counties from 13 to 10.
Health infrastructure is similarly limited, with one Health Centre IV and eight Health Centre IIIs in the district, leaving 11 sub-counties without adequate health facilities. The government will upgrade nine Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs and construct new Health Centre IIIs in Nabweyo and Bugobi sub-counties.
Wealth creation was Museveni’s third focus, stressing that development alone is insufficient if households remain poor. He cited local success stories:
A farmer who started with one cow through NAADS now owns eight cows, produces 80 liters of milk daily, and earns from cocoa and coffee.
Another combines mango farming via Operation Wealth Creation with goats from the Parish Development Model (PDM).
A poultry farmer earns over UGX 100 million annually and employs 26 people.
Fish farming on half an acre can generate UGX 100 million in revenue with UGX 70 million profit.
“NRM first advised you and later supported you through Entandikwa, NAADS, Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Programme, and now PDM. There is no excuse for remaining in poverty. It is possible to get out of poverty,” Museveni said.
First Lady Janet Museveni thanked the people of Busoga for their longstanding support, urging them to safeguard peace and progress. She also announced the operationalization of Busoga University, signaling continued investment in education.
District NRM Chairperson Simon Menya expressed gratitude for government initiatives, particularly the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and improved road infrastructure, including the Nabumali–Butaleja–Namutumba road.
Museveni’s visit underscores NRM’s focus on consolidating political support while continuing national development and wealth creation initiatives ahead of the 2026 elections.
