KYENJOJO District: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, has concluded his campaign trail in the Rwenzori and Tooro sub-regions with a major rally at Katoosa Primary School playgrounds in Kyenjojo District.
Addressing thousands of supporters, Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to wealth creation, job opportunities, improved infrastructure and strict action against corruption in government programmes.
Museveni said his next term would prioritize expanding industrialization in Kyenjojo and the wider region. He revealed plans to establish a milk processing plant to support dairy farmers, saying the facility would “add value to the milk produced here and increase household incomes.” He also pledged to secure land for a proposed industrial park, rejecting suggestions to set it up on forest land. “Get me suitable land that is not a forest, and I will buy it. Investors will come, and jobs will follow,” he said.
The President urged residents to protect the peace and stability that he said the NRM government has ensured for the last four decades, stressing that development can only flourish in a stable environment. “The entire Tooro Kingdom can attest that for 40 years, NRM has maintained peace. As long as you continue supporting NRM, peace will be guaranteed,” he said.
Museveni cautioned the people of Kyenjojo against what he called an obsession with political positions. He encouraged them to focus first on building wealth at household level before seeking leadership roles. He cited examples of individuals who followed his guidance on wealth creation and have since become successful, including Joseph Basangwa of Kamuli and State Minister for Transport Fred Byamukama. “Enter positions only when you have something meaningful to contribute,” he advised.
Turning to infrastructure, Museveni outlined several road projects lined up for Kyenjojo, including the Kyenjojo–Kyegegwa–Mpara–Bwizi road and the Fort Portal–Kijura road.
He said government had already paid the contractor for the Mubende–Fort Portal road and explained that delays in upgrading the Kampala route were caused by delays in parliamentary approval of funds. “Even God took six days to create the world. Some people want everything done instantly, but we now have the money and the work will be completed,” he said.
He added that only a few sub-counties in the district remain without electricity and promised increased investment in water distribution, telecommunication services, health facilities and education in the coming term. Museveni also urged residents to take advantage of these infrastructure improvements to engage in productive work. He reminded them of the four-acre model promoted since 1996, saying many households that embraced it were now thriving.
Museveni issued a strong warning to corrupt officials managing the Parish Development Model (PDM), directing their immediate prosecution for soliciting kickbacks. “For those demanding Shs 200,000 when giving out Shs 1 million, they are committing a crime and will be arrested,” he said.
He instructed the Minister for Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, to intervene and told residents to hold parish meetings and dismiss all corrupt committee members. “These PDM funds are yours. Don’t let anyone take your share,” he emphasized.
The President further highlighted Uganda’s progress in resource development, noting that proceeds from oil expected in 2026 would finance major projects. “Soon we will begin reaping substantial revenues from oil. Support NRM, and we will ensure all tarmacked roads are well maintained,” he said. He added that the road from Kyenjojo to Kamwenge would also be improved.
Kyenjojo District NRM chairperson Nkonge Edward Rwamwaro applauded government efforts, revealing that Shs 51 billion in PDM funds had already been disbursed across all parishes. He said the funds were transforming livelihoods and that youth, women and persons with disabilities were benefiting significantly. “We also thank government for the skilling hub where over 170 youth have graduated,” he said.
Museveni concluded his address by promising to return after the elections to discuss community needs such as the completion of Katoosa Catholic Church. He reiterated that wealth creation remained central to the NRM’s mission. “We need our people in productive work. That is how households, communities and the nation grow,” he said.
