KANUNGU DISTRICT: NRM presidential candidate Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged extensive infrastructure and economic development projects for Kanungu District, reaffirming his commitment during a campaign rally at Rwere Playgrounds in the Kigezi Sub-region
Gen. Museveni announced plans to tarmac key road networks in his next term, including the 149 km Hamurwa–Kerere–Kanungu–Kanyantorogo–Butogota–Buhoma–Ikumba road and the 87 km Ishasha–Katunguru road section.
He noted that upgrading these routes is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance service delivery and support socioeconomic transformation in Kanungu and the wider Kigezi region.
The NRM candidate urged residents to maintain the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the area, warning that instability similar to that in neighbouring DRC would undermine development.
Addressing agricultural concerns, Gen. Museveni unveiled plans to operationalize a fertilizer support scheme for tea, coffee, and cotton farmers. He explained that the initiative will help boost yields and profitability through government assistance, including fertilizer grants for large-scale agricultural projects.
Gen. Museveni also guided residents on the distinction between development and wealth creation, emphasizing that while the government is responsible for building infrastructure, citizens must engage in productive economic activities to improve household incomes. He encouraged farmers and landowners to adopt profitable enterprises suited to both small and large land holdings.
He further pledged to expand the four-acre model initiative, saying it has already proven effective in helping families improve productivity and incomes.
Gen. Museveni further outlined a massive job creation strategy hinged on intensified industrialisation and commercial agriculture.
He highlighted the role of industrial parks such as those in Mbale, Namanve, Kapeeka, and Mukono, which he said have already created over 1.3 million jobs for Ugandans, with more parks planned.
The NRM presidential candidate also pointed to emerging opportunities in commercial agriculture, the services sector, and ICT, which the government intends to expand further.
On education, Gen. Museveni rallied the people of Kanungu to support his plan for free universal education in all government schools, arguing that an educated population is key to long-term wealth creation and employment generation.
He cited the success of graduates from the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs, who have acquired vocational skills and are now self-employed, as evidence of how government programs are transforming livelihoods.
A major highlight of the day was the launch of the National Backbone Infrastructure Extension for the Kigezi Sub-region, a project that will provide a stable network and reliable internet connectivity. Located at Rwere Village, Kirima Subcounty, Kanungu district, the project is expected to be a game changer, according to the Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Chris Baryomunsi, who is also the NRM flagbearer for Kinkizi East.
“There is overwhelming support for President Museveni because of what he has delivered in the Kigezi region and the country at large. As you can see, his first activity here was to launch the extension of the National Backbone Infrastructure, which is the internet fibre for the Kigezi Sub-region,” he said.
The project will extend internet cable throughout the entire sub-region and establish free internet hotspots.
Before Gen. Museveni addressed his supporters, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, who spoke to the media, reminding the people of Kigezi how far the NRM has brought them. He called for the re-election of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM to continue driving development and socioeconomic transformation.
Special Presidential Advisor on Communications, Ian Jeremiah Gumisiriza, praised President Museveni’s strategies that have transformed Kanungu District and the wider Kigezi sub-region, both economically and socially. He cited the expansion of electricity to villages in Kanungu and the tarmacking of major roads. He urged the people of Kanungu to vote for President Museveni, noting that this is the only way to consolidate the progress already achieved
