MBALE CITY: The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has said that Uganda’s enemies are increasingly worried, particularly those outside the country.
Speaking at presidential campaign rally held at Malukhu Grounds in Mbale City, President Museveni noted that some international groups are uncomfortable with the rise of successful and powerful African nations like Uganda.
He reminded Ugandans of previous confrontations with foreign powers over issues such as homosexuality, where some countries threatened to cut aid. Museveni said he laughed off these threats, emphasizing that Uganda’s economy remains one of the fastest-growing in the world.
The President assured NRM supporters in Mbale that the country’s economic growth will continue steadily, even after certain foreign countries withdrew aid. He added that with oil production expected to begin next year, Uganda is on track to achieve high middle-income status.
Museveni reaffirmed to voters in Mbale District and Mbale City that Uganda is ready to make a qualitative leap into a higher income category, building on the solid foundation established by the NRM government.
He highlighted several achievements under the NRM’s leadership, including peace and security, major infrastructure development such as roads and telecommunications, improved water and electricity distribution, the ongoing railway expansion, and wealth and job creation initiatives.
During the rally, Museveni announced plans for the construction of additional major tarmac roads in and around Mbale District and City. These include; The 90km Nabumali–Butaleja–Namutumba Road, the 20km Mbale–Nkokonjeru Road, the 28km Bubulo–Bududa Circular Road, the Kufu–Magale–Namisindwa Road
He also pledged to consider additional road projects within the Mbale City area.
Museveni noted that these planned roads will complement the already improved network in Mbale and across the entire Elgon Sub-region, boosting the movement of goods and services.
He further explained that the NRM government has set Uganda on an irreversible path of development, anchored on the politics of unity, peace, and stability pillars upon which national institutions and consensus have been built.
The President confirmed ongoing railway maintenance work on the Tororo–Mbale–Soroti–Kampala section, noting that it is progressing well and nearing completion. He added that this improvement will enhance trade and service delivery across the Elgon region.
Museveni also highlighted broader plans for scaling up infrastructure and promoting socio-economic development across various sectors.
He elaborated on the NRM’s massive job creation agenda in the Elgon Sub-region, emphasizing wealth creation through four key sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing and artisanship, services, and ICT.
According to Museveni, commercial agriculture and manufacturing are immediate sources of job opportunities, and he urged Ugandans to take advantage of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Programme, and the Women Empowerment Fund to lift themselves out of poverty.
He cited several success stories, including that of Joseph Ijara from Serere District and Minister Fred Byamukama, who embraced the NRM’s wealth creation ideology and are now earning millions of shillings.
