Museveni Pledges New Industrial Park, Additional Skilling Hub for Bunyoro

Kibaale — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced major new development projects for the Bunyoro Sub-region, pledging the establishment of a dedicated industrial park and an additional skilling hub to boost industrialisation, value addition and youth employment.

The President announced on Tuesday during his first campaign rally in Bunyoro at Buyanja Village, Kamurasi Ward, Kibaale Town Council, where he also outlined the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s core contributions to Uganda over the past 40 years.

Museveni said the NRM’s biggest contribution—peace—remains the bedrock of national progress, reminding residents that Bunyoro previously suffered ADF attacks in Muzizi before the government restored stability.

He commended the Church of Owobusobozi Bisakka for preaching unity and harmony, saying their message reinforces the NRM’s long-standing stance against sectarianism.

Addressing long-standing concerns that Bunyoro had been ignored in earlier development efforts, Museveni dismissed the claims and explained that the NRM prioritises projects based on national strategy rather than political excitement. He highlighted major investments already completed in the region, including the Hoima–Kyegegwa road, as well as ongoing projects in health, education, and economic infrastructure.

On the NRM’s pillar of wealth creation, the President urged households to embrace the four-acre model—combining coffee, fruits, pasture for dairy cattle, food crops and poultry or fish farming—as a proven pathway to sustainable income. He pointed to the success of farmers such as Deziranta Tumusime of Rubirizi and Johnson Basangwa of Kamuli, whose incomes have risen through guided enterprise selection and PDM financing.

For large landowners, Museveni recommended cash crops like tea and cotton, which he said continue to offer stable markets and high returns.

Turning to employment, Museveni said the private sector—particularly factories, ICT, services and commercial agriculture—remains the biggest job generator. He cited the success of existing industrial parks in Namanve, Mbale and Kapeka, noting that such hubs are transforming local economies.

Responding to appeals from leaders and residents, Museveni pledged that Kibaale District will receive its own industrial park, separate from the petroleum-focused Kabalega Industrial Park.

“Kibaale deserves an industrial park to add value to the region’s products. We need about 10 square miles for the industrial park, and we shall get it,” Museveni assured the gathering. “We shall also build another Skilling Hub to equip our young people with employable skills.”

NRM Second National Vice Chairperson and Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, thanked the President for the continued transformation of Bunyoro and rallied residents to support him in the upcoming election.

Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja applauded the President for championing women’s empowerment, saying her own rise from district leadership to premiership reflects the opportunities created under Museveni’s leadership.

NRM Western Region Vice Chairperson Hon. Jonard Asiimwe promised to follow up on the implementation of the industrial park, while Kibaale District NRM Chairperson Mr Matovu Fred expressed gratitude for the government’s ongoing projects—including Kabalega International Airport, Hoima City Stadium, a regional public university and improved road networks.

Matovu confirmed that the district has already secured 110 acres as part of the land required for the proposed industrial park and pledged that Bunyoro remains committed to fast-tracking development initiatives.