Sironko — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Presidential flagbearer of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has officially launched his campaign trail in the Bugisu Sub-region, beginning with a grand rally in Sironko District.
The rally, which drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters, marked the start of the Bugisu leg of his nationwide campaign following the conclusion of his Teso Sub-region tour in Bukedea District. The campaign is running under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, As We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”
Addressing the jubilant crowd, President Museveni thanked the people of Sironko for their unwavering support for the NRM and urged them to vote for all party flagbearers to consolidate the achievements made under the movement’s leadership.
“Peace was not easy to achieve. The NRM worked tirelessly for many years, guided by our correct ideology and our commitment to avoid sectarianism. All the development you see in Sironko today has been brought by the NRM,” the President said.
Infrastructure Development and Connectivity
President Museveni outlined key infrastructure milestones realised in Bugisu under the NRM government, including major roads that have strengthened trade and connectivity.
“We have built roads linking Mbale to Kapchorwa and Karamoja, as well as the Bumbobi–Lwakhakha road,” he said.
He also announced plans to work on the Namagumba–Budadiri–Nalugugu road, a critical route that will enhance mobility and economic activity in the region.
Water and Sanitation
On water access, President Museveni reported that 89% of Sironko’s 1,543 rural villages (1,374 villages) now have access to safe water.
“We have 24 operational piped water supply and sanitation systems across the district, including Mutufu, Buteza, Pato, Buwalasi, and Buginyanya, serving tens of thousands of residents,” he noted.
The President revealed plans to construct the Nasumati Piped Water Supply and Sanitation System, which will further expand access to clean water across the remaining 169 villages.
Education
President Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to universal education and equal access to learning facilities.
“Sironko has 224 parishes, and 98 already have at least one government primary school. Our plan is for each parish to have a primary school and every sub-county to have a secondary school,” he said.
Currently, Sironko District has 111 government primary schools serving 98,962 pupils and 12 government secondary schools with 10,660 students. The President announced plans to construct three new secondary seed schools under the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP).
Health
The President acknowledged the progress in the health sector while committing to bridging existing gaps.
“Out of 42 sub-counties, two have Health Centre IVs and 18 have Health Centre IIIs. We plan to upgrade more health units, including Bubbeza, Buyaya, Kyesha, Bugusege, and Nampanga,” he said.
He added that new HCIIIs will be built in Buhungu, Bukyabo, and Bumalimba, and the government will continue efforts to improve immunisation, equip facilities, and eliminate malaria.
Agricultural Transformation
President Museveni lauded farmers in Bugisu for embracing commercial agriculture, especially in coffee, banana, and dairy production.
“The NRM has modernised coffee farming through research at Kawanda, improving both quality and productivity. Coffee prices have gone up due to global market forces — not individuals claiming credit — but because of the solid foundation we laid,” he said.
Wealth Creation and Job Opportunities
Under the Parish Development Model (PDM), Sironko’s 224 parishes have received Shs 68.99 billion, with 98.63% disbursed to 66,809 households. The district also has 36 Emyooga SACCOs with 18,821 members, who have received Shs 1.54 billion to support enterprise development.
“These programs are meant to transition households from subsistence farming to the money economy. When families create wealth, jobs follow,” the President emphasised.
He further highlighted the success of the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Mbale, which has so far trained 1,167 youth in welding, carpentry, tailoring, hairdressing, and bakery, positioning them for self-employment and job creation.
NRM Flagbearers Endorsed
President Museveni also handed over NRM party flags to aspirants for Member of Parliament, LC V Chairperson, district councillors, and other elective positions, formally endorsing their candidature ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Hon. Calvin Echodu, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, and Mr Lumolo Mafabi, the NRM Chairperson for Sironko District, welcomed the President, commending the progress achieved in health, education, and infrastructure. They also appealed for the upgrade of Sironko District Hospital to meet the growing population’s needs.
The rally was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of supporters from across Bugisu.
“We have come a long way under your leadership, and the people of Sironko are ready to protect the gains of the NRM as we march toward middle-income status,” Hon. Echodu said.
President Museveni concluded by urging the people of Bugisu to remain united and focused on wealth creation and development, pledging continued government investment in key sectors.