Kizinda, Ishaka — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, addressed thousands of NRM supporters at Kizinda Market in Bushenyi–Ishaka Municipality, issuing a stern warning to Parish Development Model (PDM) officials who charge or steal from beneficiaries.
He vowed to take firm action against anyone sabotaging a programme designed to lift Ugandans out of poverty.
While speaking at the massive campaign rally, President Museveni revisited the seven core NRM contributions to Uganda, emphasising peace as the most vital. He warned against sectarian politics based on tribe or religion, noting that countries such as Sudan—where people are “dying like flies”—are suffering because of such divisions.
“Uganda was heading in the same direction, but when the NRM came, it stopped all that. We created a strong national party and strong institutions like the army and police. When you vote NRM, you are not helping Museveni; you are helping yourself,” he said.
On development, the President outlined major achievements in economic infrastructure. Bushenyi District—now comprising 17 sub-counties/town councils, 72 parishes and 571 villages—has benefitted from key road projects such as the Ishaka–Kasese road and the Ishaka–Kagamba road.
He also announced that the government will construct the Mbarara–Ishaka road, with funding already secured, and will upgrade the Bwizibwera–Nyakambu–Buhweju–Nyakashaka–Nyabirizi route.
Regarding electricity access, President Museveni revealed that 15 of the 17 sub-counties in Bushenyi are already connected. The government will extend power to Kyamuhunga Sub-county and Bitooma Town Council in the next term.
The President further highlighted progress in social infrastructure. Bushenyi District and Bushenyi–Ishaka Municipality now host 151 government primary schools and 155 private primary schools, alongside 16 government secondary schools and 67 private secondary schools. Thirteen of these government secondary schools offer Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Universal Post-O-Level Education and Training (UPOLET), with a combined enrolment of 9,470 students.
He urged residents to distinguish between development and personal wealth creation. “Tarmac roads and electricity do not mean you have wealth. Wealth creation is for the individual,” he said.
Museveni encouraged farmers to adopt the four-acre model, noting that although Bushenyi is known for dairy farming, many farmers have not embraced pasture planting, limiting their productivity. He cited Joseph Ijara of Serere as a successful example of a farmer who boosted output after planting pasture.
The President also noted progress in reducing the number of households outside the money economy from 68% to 30%, driven by increased production in coffee, milk, palm oil and the expansion of industrial parks.
On job creation, he explained that employment opportunities stem from commercial agriculture, factories, ICT and services. He highlighted Hon. Fred Byamukama, Minister of State for Transport, who employs 26 people after adopting the four-acre model.
Maama Janet Museveni thanked the people of Bushenyi for turning up in large numbers and supporting the NRM. “The peace you have must be protected. The only way to protect these gains is by voting for NRM and encouraging your family members and friends to vote. Do not stop at attending rallies—come and vote on polling day,” she urged.
The Bushenyi District NRM Chairperson, Hajji Hassan Basajjabalaba, expressed gratitude to the President for the tremendous development in the district, including the banana factory and an improved road network. He called for the introduction of a national medical insurance scheme and requested an industrial park for Bushenyi.