Hon. Aggrey Bagiire, Member of Parliament for Bunya County West, has commended the government’s socio-economic programmes and highlighted key challenges facing the sub-region.
The MP thanked the government for revitalising Busoga University, calling it “a new ray of hope for transformation in the region.”
The MP applauded the government for the redevelopment of the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Institute in the Busoga sub-region, noting that this will boost employment opportunities.
He was speaking during President Museveni’s meeting with leaders in the Busoga sub-region at Mayuge District Playground, Mayuge District on Thursday, 23rd January 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the region’s leaders and residents, Hon. Bagiire informed the President, “Your visit is timely as we seek to advance the development agenda of the Busoga sub-region. The memorandum of understanding we prepared captures the aspirations and views of our people.”
Hon. Bagiire lauded the government for transformative programmes such as the Parish Development Model and the Four-Acre Model.
“Your efforts to empower households economically through these initiatives inspire hope for a future free of poverty, as outlined in the NRM manifesto,” he said.
He added that PDM funding reaching beneficiaries silenced doubters who had dismissed the programme as a political gimmick.
He also highlighted the establishment of the Jinja Presidential Skilling Industrial Hub and Nkoko Technical Memorial Institute, which are providing practical skills to the youth.
“These initiatives are giving our young people tools to secure jobs and create opportunities,” he noted.
Hon. Bagiire also acknowledged significant road improvements, such as the Kampala-Jinja-Iganga-Malaba highway, but raised concerns over increasing road accidents due to heavy cargo transport.
He proposed shifting bulk transportation to Lake Victoria to reduce accidents and road wear.
He also expressed gratitude for investments in health, including the salary enhancements at Jinja Referral Hospital. However, he appealed for more support for overwhelmed hospitals in Iganga and Bugiri, emphasising their proximity to highways and the influx of accident victims.
He further emphasised the need for the government to regulate wetland usage.
“We urge the government to create alternative income-generating projects for those who depend on wetlands for a living while promoting sustainable use,” he stated.
Hon. Bagiire also raised concerns over low sugarcane prices and appealed for government intervention to ensure fair pricing.
He concluded by praising the government’s efforts in ensuring peace and security in the region.
“Your commitment to protecting lives and property has restored stability and focus to Busoga,” he affirmed.
The meeting was also attended by Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, the Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, the State Minister for Investment and Privatisation, Hon Evelyn Anite, Ms. Jane Barekye, the State House Comptroller, Hon. Richard Todwong, the Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement, NRM CEC members, Members of Parliament, Resident District Commissioners, religious leaders, among others.
