Museveni Pledges Major Road Upgrades in Greater Masaka

Sembabule — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged significant investment in road infrastructure and electricity in Sembabule District as he concluded his campaign tour of the Greater Masaka sub-region.

Addressing a large rally in Sembabule on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, President Museveni, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, outlined government plans aimed at strengthening economic and social infrastructure in the district.

Focusing on roads, the President said NRM-led investments had transformed Sembabule from a once-isolated area into an increasingly connected production zone. He cited the extension of the tarmac road from Mpigi through Kibibi, Gombe, Kayenje, Mpenja, Kanoni, Kabulasoke and Maddu to Sembabule, linking the district to Villa Maria and Masaka.

“When you come to the issue of roads, Sembabule was very far. But the NRM extended the tarmac road from Mpigi–Kibibi–Gombe–Kayenje–Mpenja–Kanoni–Kabulasoke–Maddu up to Sembabule, and through to Villa Maria, connecting to Masaka,” President Museveni said.

He further announced plans to upgrade the Sembabule–Mateete–Mbiriizi road, drawing applause from the crowd. The President also confirmed ongoing works on the Lusalira–Kasambya–Kabamba–Nkongi–Makoore–Rubejere–Ntuusi–Sembabule road, noting its historical significance during the guerrilla war.

“They have started working on it. Later, we also want the road from Ntuusi to Nyabitanga and Rushere worked on, and another road from Mateete to Kyabakuza. All these are part of our road plans,” he said.

On peace and stability, President Museveni said Uganda had been deeply divided before the NRM came to power, largely due to sectarian politics based on religion and ethnicity. He said abandoning that approach enabled the building of strong national institutions that have sustained peace for four decades.

Turning to water access, the President said government plans include tapping fresh water from River Katonga to address the challenge of saline water in parts of Sembabule.

On social services, President Museveni said the district currently has 187 government primary schools but noted gaps in equitable distribution across its 65 parishes. He welcomed the presence of 10 government secondary schools and announced plans to strengthen health service delivery.

Sembabule currently has two Health Centre IVs and eight Health Centre IIIs. The President said several Health Centre IIs—including those in Kasaalu, Mutima, Burongo, Mitete and Kabundi—will be upgraded to Health Centre IIIs, while new facilities are planned for Nyabitanga and Katwe sub-counties.

President Museveni stressed that infrastructure and peace alone are not sufficient to eliminate poverty, pointing to wealth creation as a critical pillar of development. He highlighted successful farmers showcased at the rally and reiterated the four-acre model, which encourages households to allocate land for coffee, food crops, fruits and pasture, alongside intensive backyard enterprises.

He urged farmers in Sembabule to make better use of land by adopting commercial dairy farming, irrigation and modern production methods, and called on residents to monitor Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to ensure accountability.

“This PDM welcomes everyone above 18 years. You elect your own parish SACCO leaders. Stop lamenting — the system is in your hands,” he said.

On employment, the President noted that government jobs cannot absorb Uganda’s rapidly growing population, urging a stronger focus on agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT as key sources of employment.

President Museveni thanked residents for braving heavy rain to attend the rally, praising their resilience and commitment to the NRM. He described them as “the grandchildren of freedom fighters” who remained steadfast despite harsh weather.

The rally was also addressed by NRM First National Vice Chairperson Alhajji Moses Kigongo, Central Region Vice Chairperson Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, Sembabule District NRM Chairperson Gen. Phinehas Katirima, and other party leaders.