BUSHENYI District: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM presidential candidate, has pledged a series of strategic interventions to boost the tea sector and improve livelihoods for farmers in Bushenyi District.
Addressing supporters during NRM campaign rally at Kizinda Playgrounds, Museveni revealed that he is in discussions with the Chinese government to secure a direct market for Ugandan tea, a move he said would increase farmers’ earnings and bring stability to the sector.
The President encouraged farmers in Bushenyi to adopt better land-use practices, explaining that both small- and large-scale farmers can increase their productivity through improved agricultural methods.
He also highlighted the four-acre model that has been successfully adopted by Minister Byamukama, noting that farmers with small landholdings can benefit greatly from mixed farming, while those with bigger chunks of land should consider expanding into tea growing.
Museveni added that he had spoken to the Chinese Ambassador, who clarified that China has not imposed taxes on Ugandan tea, contrary to circulating claims.
Turning to social services, Museveni promised to upgrade Kyabugimbi Health Centre IV into a District General Hospital and announced additional health centre upgrades across Bushenyi. He furthernoted that plans are underway to elevate Kajunju HC II and Kashenyi HC II to HC III status, construct three new HC IIIs.
Museveni commended Bushenyi for its progress in education, pointing out that the district has 151 government-aided primary schools, 16 public secondary schools, 155 private primary schools, and 67 private secondary schools. He said the large number of private schools demonstrates rising household incomes. He pledged increased funding to improve school infrastructure and quality across the district.
The President also outlined key infrastructure projects planned for his next term. These include the tarmacking of the Bwizibwera–Nyakambu–Nsiika–Nyakashaka–Nyakabirizi road, the Kabwohe–Bugonji–Kitagata road, and the reconstruction of the Mbarara–Bushenyi highway. He assured residents that funds were already secured for the renovation of the Mbarara–Bushenyi section and that contractors had been appointed.
Reflecting on the NRM’s four decades in leadership, Museveni said the government has built the country on seven foundational pillars, including security and development. Museveni said the NRM managed to restore peace in Uganda through the creation of a strong army and police force, adding that the country must continue prioritizing key projects rather than taking on too many initiatives at once. He also promised to follow up on the issue of unstable electricity supply in the district.
Museveni explained that while Uganda has made significant strides in development, development alone does not automatically translate into wealth. He urged citizens to embrace commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT as key pathways to prosperity. He noted that Uganda now has only about 30 percent of the population still engaged in subsistence farming. He also highlighted the employment opportunities created by industrial parks, such as the Mbale Industrial Park, which currently employs 12,000 people. He revealed that government is searching for land on which to establish another industrial park.
First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, who accompanied the President, praised the people of Bushenyi for maintaining well-constructed homes, tidy farms, and well-managed government projects. She reminded residents that Uganda’s peace was achieved through a difficult struggle and urged all eligible voters to turn up on voting day to protect and consolidate that peace.
The NRM Chairperson for Bushenyi District, Hajji Hassan Basajjabalaba appealed to President Museveni to sign the National Insurance Scheme, saying it would revolutionize healthcare access for vulnerable groups such as older persons. He also reiterated the district’s need for a fully fledged district hospital and requested a skilling hub to help young people acquire practical skills that would reduce unemployment.
Hajji Iddi Basajjabalaba, the NRM flag bearer for the Ishaka–Bushenyi Municipality parliamentary seat, encouraged residents to vote overwhelmingly for President Museveni and all NRM candidates. He praised Museveni for championing wealth creation and national development and urged young people to take advantage of government initiatives aimed at transforming livelihoods.
Igara West NRM flag bearer Amanya Cohen Champene reaffirmed the district’s strong support for Museveni, attributing it to what he described as the President’s good leadership. Meanwhile, the Minister for Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, said that government is reviewing the funding formula for the Parish Development Model so that larger parishes receive more funding. He said allocating the same amount of money to both large and small parishes is not equitable and must be revised.
