RAKAI District: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, has reaffirmed his commitment to peace, stability and inclusive development, warning that any attempts to disrupt Uganda’s hard-won unity through post-election violence would be self-destructive.
Speaking during his first campaign rally in Greater Masaka held at Kibale Playground in Rakai District, President Museveni said Uganda’s security agencies are fully prepared to decisively deal with anyone seeking to undermine peace. He cautioned opposition politicians against reckless actions, stressing that Uganda must not follow the path of countries torn apart by selfish politics.
The President called on residents of Rakai to continue trusting the NRM by re-electing him and all party flag bearers in the forthcoming general elections, noting that NRM development plans are well-designed and only require committed leaders to implement them effectively.
Infrastructure and Roads
Museveni announced plans to tarmac key roads in his next term, including Kabingo–Lugaaga–Magabi–Ntantamuki–Rakai and Lyantonde–Lumbugu–Lwamaggwa–Rakai, to further improve the movement of goods and services. He noted that the NRM government has already upgraded major highways serving the district, such as Mutukula–Masaka–Kyotera and Mbarara–Kabingo–Kikagate to the Tanzania border.
He also warned Members of Parliament against misallocation of public funds, urging them to prioritize infrastructure and other critical development areas.
Wealth Creation and Agriculture
Commending the people of Rakai for embracing coffee farming, Museveni said earlier government efforts to distribute coffee seedlings are now yielding visible results across the district. He pledged to scale up coffee initiatives and establish irrigation schemes to boost productivity, urging residents to protect wetlands to support sustainable irrigation.
The President cautioned against subsistence living, describing it as a barrier to prosperity, and emphasized that the NRM government continues to guide Ugandans into the money economy through programs such as Entandikwa, Operation Wealth Creation, NAADS, Emyooga, the Parish Development Model, Youth Livelihood Program and women empowerment schemes.
Water, Education and Health
Museveni announced plans for a major piped water project from River Kagera to serve the entire Rakai District, addressing chronic water shortages, especially in hilly areas. He also committed to increasing the number of government primary and secondary schools beyond the current 122 primary and 15 secondary schools.
In the health sector, the President outlined plans to construct new health centers and upgrade existing ones, particularly Health Centre IIIs to Health Centre IVs, to improve access to quality healthcare.
Oil, Jobs and the Future
Museveni expressed optimism that Uganda’s oil production, expected to commence next year, will be a game changer for national infrastructure development, while cautioning against wastage of the resource. He also promised to expand job creation opportunities across sectors, including skills training for youth.
Rakai NRM District Chairperson Gyaviira Ssemwanga praised Museveni’s early and open leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, saying it saved countless lives.
Local Leaders Confident
NRM Kooki County flag bearer Tayebwa Didas Kabumbuza hailed the massive turnout at the rally, describing it as a sign of unity and strong support for the NRM. He said Rakai District is mobilising to deliver 120,000 votes for Museveni, citing renewed confidence following the President’s assurances on roads, water, health and wealth creation.
Tayebwa pledged continued grassroots mobilisation and committed to following up on government pledges to ensure they are fulfilled, saying the focus remains on eradicating poverty through modernised agriculture, job creation and effective representation in Parliament.
Rakai District has 19 Sub-Counties/Town Councils, 73 Parishes and 446 Villages.
The population of Rakai is 346,885 according to the census 2024.
In the 2021 Presidential Elections, Rakai had 135,169 registered voters. Out of these, 84,961 (62.9%) voted.
His Excellency polled 47,288 (57.8%) while NUP polled 33,267 (40.7%), Amuriat (FDC) polled 219 (0.27%). The others polled 992 (1.2%).
In 2025, Rakai District has a total of 158,094 voters. The Polling Stations are 372 up from 226 in 2021.
