Bunyangabu — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flagbearer, has praised Uganda’s four decades of uninterrupted peace, saying it remains the cornerstone of the country’s social and economic transformation.
“Peace; I am glad to see that what Uganda has enjoyed for the past 40 years is remarkable. In the past, it was different. Today, a child is born, grows up, studies, finishes school, marries, and has children—all in peace. Even God said we shall know them by their fruits,” the President said.
Mr Museveni, who was accompanied by his daughter, Mrs Natasha Karugire Museveni, made the remarks while addressing a campaign rally at Kibiito Secondary School in Bunyangabu District.
Peace as a Catalyst for Development
The President said sustained stability has enabled the government to expand key infrastructure across the country. “The delay on the Mityana–Mubende–Fort Portal Road was because resources were scattered and priorities were not clear. Now, our young cadres have appreciated this, and the road is going to be worked on,” he noted.
He reflected on Uganda’s education journey, recalling that in 1961, the entire country had only six A-level schools. “Today, Bunyangabu alone has eight government secondary schools. I feel very happy seeing how far we have come,” he said.
Museveni also reiterated his call for practical wealth creation, highlighting the example of Mr George Matongo, a farmer in Ngoma who successfully transitioned from subsistence to commercial agriculture.
Regional Trade and Economic Integration
Turning to Uganda’s regional market opportunities, the President emphasised the importance of East African Community (EAC) integration. “Uganda produces more than five million tonnes of maize per year, yet consumes only one million tonnes. Without the East African market, the maize industry would collapse. The same applies to milk, bananas, beer, cement, and many other products,” he said. “This is why NRM emphasises regional integration for economic purposes.”
Skilling Hubs Changing Lives
At the rally, Ms Immaculate Kayesu, a graduate of the Kyenjojo Presidential Skilling Hub, shared how skills training transformed her life after she dropped out of school due to a lack of fees and early pregnancy.
“With support from the RDC and PDM funds, I bought pastries worth Shs 600,000 and later started a small chicken farm,” she said. “Today, I have savings, a bakery shop in Kibiito Town Council, and I employ one person. I make cakes for prominent schools and clients in the area.”
President Museveni said such stories illustrate how peace, skilling, and entrepreneurship are generating wealth at the household level across Uganda.
He later handed over NRM flags to Bunyangabu’s aspiring Members of Parliament, district chairperson, councillors, and other candidates ahead of the upcoming elections.
Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, thanked the President for maintaining stability in Bunyangabu, a district bordering the conflict-prone Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Your Excellency, thank you for maintaining peace. We should uphold this by supporting you in the upcoming elections. Let us also thank God for protecting our President, and we will not allow wicked people to misguide our people,” she said.
Ms Among also acknowledged government progress in health services and freedom of worship. “The upgrade of Kibiito Health Centre IV to a district hospital is underway as part of the National Development Plan. Your Excellency, we also appreciate the freedom of worship you brought to Uganda,” she added.
District Development Snapshot
NRM District Chairperson Mr Hussain Kato highlighted Bunyangabu’s development milestones: Population: 219,012 across 15 sub-counties/town councils, 55 parishes, and 338 villages. Parish Development Model: 17,639 households (32%) have benefited, with Shs 15.08 billion disbursed to 49 parishes. Emyooga: 18 SACCOs with 18,452 members have received Shs 900 million.
Education: 61 government primary schools serving 31,810 pupils. Eight government secondary schools with 5,925 students, all offering USE and UPOLET. Four Seed Secondary Schools are under construction.
Skilling Hubs: The Toro Kyenjojo hub has trained 1,169 people, with 238 trainees currently enrolled. Health: One HCIV, 12 HCIIIs; plans to upgrade Kahondo HCII and construct a HCIII in Rwimi.
Water Access: 61% of villages (205) have safe water; ongoing work includes borehole rehabilitation and piped system extensions. Irrigation: Operational schemes include Kaina (15 acres) and the ongoing Rubalika solar-powered project. Electricity: The entire district is now connected to the national grid.
The rally drew NRM Central Executive Committee members, MPs, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of supporters.