Masindi, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured residents of Masindi District that the government will fast-track long-delayed urban development projects—particularly roads and a modern market—under the forthcoming Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) program.
The initiative, now in final planning stages and expected to begin in 2026, will be implemented by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
The President, accompanied by First Daughter Natasha Museveni Karugire, delivered the pledge on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, while addressing thousands of supporters at a campaign rally in Masindi Municipality. He acknowledged that Masindi had been unfairly excluded from earlier phases of the USMID program despite its historical contribution to the liberation struggle.
“Masindi supported us during the struggle, and I recognise you were left out of USMID. Masindi will be considered,” President Museveni said in response to concerns raised by District NRM Chairperson Hon. Kabakumba Masiko, who cited stalled development due to poor roads and lack of a modern market.
Directives on Land Grabbing, Sugar Sector Disputes
During the rally, the President instructed Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja to urgently address widespread land-grabbing cases in the district. He also ordered swift enforcement of the Sugar Act to protect out-growers from exploitation by millers.
The President announced additional government interventions, including more tractors for agricultural mechanisation and a new ferry on Lake Albert to stimulate trade and ease connectivity with surrounding districts.
NRM’s Track Record and 2026 Election Appeal
Calling on residents to support him and all NRM flag bearers in 2026, the President said the ruling party had delivered lasting peace, which he described as the bedrock of development.
“Uganda had wars, but we now have peace. Without peace, nothing can be done,” he said, adding that his next term would focus on completing key infrastructure and expanding wealth-creation programmes.
Infrastructure, Power, Education and Health Commitments
The President highlighted ongoing and planned improvements in Masindi’s infrastructure: Government will rehabilitate all major roads raised by local leaders. Electricity access now covers 15 of the district’s 18 sub-counties and the entire municipality. The next term will extend power to Katugo I, Bukooba II, and Katikara, followed by the surrounding villages.
On education, Masindi currently has 98 government primary schools and 11 government secondary schools, nine of which offer USE/UPOLET. President Museveni reiterated the goal of one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county.
In the health sector, he announced upgrades for four Health Centre IIs—Bulima, Alimugonza, Labongo, and Nyabyeya—to Health Centre III, plus new HCIIIs in Kabango, Kigulya, and Kijunjubwa. Seven sub-counties still lack any health facility.
Water coverage remains a major concern, with only 47% of the district’s rural villages accessing safe water.
On Wealth Creation and Oil Revenue
President Museveni cautioned residents against assuming that oil revenues—expected from 2026—would solve all development challenges. “Petroleum is an exhaustible resource. Commercial farming will be here forever,” he said.
He urged households to adopt profitable enterprises under the four-acre model, citing success stories such as poultry and dairy farmers George Matongo, Johnson Basangwa, and Hon. Fred Byamukama, who earn millions monthly through intensive farming.
PDM Funds: ‘My New War’
The President expressed concern over the reported mismanagement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds. Masindi District and Municipality have received Shs 20.35 billion, with 85.9% disbursed to 17,609 households.
He declared that his “new war” is ensuring every beneficiary receives their full entitlement.
Leaders Rally Behind NRM
Speaker of Parliament and NRM 2nd National Vice Chairperson Rt. Hon. Anita Among urged residents to return Masindi to the NRM fold, saying government-led resource allocation benefits compliant districts.
Prime Minister Nabbanja and NRM Western Region Vice Chairperson Hon. Asiimwe Jonard assured the President of overwhelming Bunyoro support in the 2026 elections.
The rally was attended by several ministers, senior party officials—including NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, NRM Electoral Commission Chair, Dr Tanga Odoi, along with MPs and former leaders.