Kiryandongo District — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday addressed thousands of supporters at Karagalya Grounds, using the campaign rally to reaffirm the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) achievements over the past four decades and outline priorities for the years ahead.
The President, who was accompanied by his daughter, Mrs Natasha Museveni Karugire and senior NRM leaders, expressed joy at returning to Kiryandongo. He recalled how areas such as Katulikire and Bweyale were once thick bush with only a handful of shops.
Museveni narrated how, during the Congo war, he encouraged displaced families he found in Anaka to settle in Kiryandongo. This decision has since transformed Bweyale into one of the region’s busiest towns.
Peace and National Unity
President Museveni said the NRM’s greatest contribution remains peace, attributing it to the government’s long-standing principle of non-discrimination based on religion, tribe, or identity. This inclusive approach, he said, has enabled the building of strong national institutions and lasting stability.
Infrastructure and Social Services
The President pointed to major developments in roads, schools, and infrastructure, but acknowledged concerns raised by residents regarding the health sector. He promised upgrades to Kigumba, Kiryandongo, and Panyadoli hospitals, assuring locals that improving health services remains a priority.
Museveni also expressed disappointment that parts of Kiryandongo still lack electricity despite hosting major power installations like Karuma Dam. He directed the Prime Minister to ensure the district fully benefits from electricity distribution.
Wealth Creation and Household Incomes
While celebrating national development, the President stressed that progress must translate into higher household incomes. He reiterated the importance of the four-acre model, first introduced in the 1996 NRM Manifesto, urging small landholders to adopt the seven recommended enterprises. Those with larger land, he said, should consider ventures such as tea, cotton, and ranching.
He reaffirmed that government programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, remain central to the fight against poverty.
Museveni condemned the illegal deductions reported on PDM funds, saying all beneficiaries must receive the full UGX 1 million. “We shall deal with anyone reducing PDM money. That money is for the poor,” the President warned.
Job Creation Through Key Economic Sectors
The President emphasised that employment opportunities continue to grow through commercial agriculture, industry, services, and ICT. He highlighted success stories such as Johnson Basangwa, a poultry farmer from Kamuli who employs 300 youths, describing him as an example of how enterprise can drive job creation.
He encouraged urban youth to take advantage of government skilling hubs offering training in hairdressing, bakery, welding, and other practical trades, arguing that the goal is to ensure all Ugandans join the money economy.
Leaders Praise NRM’s Impact
Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among thanked President Museveni for Uganda’s continued hospitality toward refugees, noting that Kiryandongo’s thriving refugee community is proof that Uganda is safe and stable.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja commended the President for ushering in lasting peace, which she said has unlocked development across the Bunyoro Sub-region.
Kiryandongo District NRM Chairperson, Hon. Linos Ngopek, described the district as a peaceful and cosmopolitan area shaped by NRM governance. He pledged Kiryandongo’s continued support for the party.
Ngopek also raised concerns over limited electricity access in Bweyale despite hosting the Karuma hydropower station — a gap he said is hindering business growth. He further appealed for the construction of a modern market in Bweyale and for Kiryandongo Hospital to be upgraded to a highway referral facility to meet rising demand.
The President concluded by urging residents to remain focused on wealth creation, productivity, and unity as the NRM seeks to consolidate gains made over the past 40 years.
