BUNYANGABU .President Yoweri Museveni, also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer, has hailed Uganda’s enduring peace that has enabled the country to thrive.
“Peace; I am glad to see that what Uganda has enjoyed for the past 40 years is remarkable. In the past, it was different. Today, a child is born, grows up, studies, finishes school, marries, and has children—all in peace. Even God said we shall know them by their fruits,” he said.
The President who was accompanied by the First daughter, Mrs. Natasha Karugire Museveni, made the remarks today during his campaign rally at Kibiito Secondary School in Bunyangabu District.
President Museveni highlighted how stability has created the foundation for Uganda’s social and economic growth. Development achievements, he noted, extend across roads, electricity, telecommunications, water, railways, and internet access.
“The delay on the Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal Road was because resources were scattered and priorities were not clear. Now, our young cadres have appreciated this, and the road is going to be worked on,” he said.
Reflecting on education, President Museveni recalled Uganda’s early post-independence challenges.
“In 1961, we had only six A-level schools—three for boys and three for girls. Today, Bunyangabu alone has eight government secondary schools. I feel very happy seeing how far we have come,” he said.
The President also emphasized practical wealth creation, praising individuals like Mr. George Matongo, a local farmer in Ngoma who transitioned from subsistence farming to earning income through commercial modern farming.
On regional trade, President Museveni noted: “As we speak today, Uganda produces more than five million tonnes of maize per year, yet consumes only one million tonnes, leaving a surplus of four million tonnes. If we did not have the East African market, the maize industry would collapse. The same applies to milk, bananas, beer, cement, and many other products. This is why NRM emphasizes regional integration for economic purposes.”
The President also highlighted success stories from the Presidential Skilling Hub initiative, which empower local communities.
Ms. Immaculate Kayesu, who dropped out of school due to lack of fees and early pregnancy, shared her journey.
“I studied at the Kyenjojo Presidential Skilling Hub. With support from the RDC and PDM funds, I bought pastries worth Shs 600,000, then started a small chicken farm,” she said.
“Today, I have savings, a bakery shop in Kibiito Town Council, and I employ one person. I make cakes for prominent schools and clients in the area,” Kayesu said.
President Museveni hailed such initiatives as proof that skills development, entrepreneurship, and sustained peace are transforming lives and fostering wealth creation across Uganda.
The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Bunyangabu District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections.
On her part, Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, Speaker of Parliament and NRM second National Vice Chairperson, thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for maintaining peace in Bunyangabu, a district bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has endured instability.
“Your Excellency, thank you for maintaining peace. We should uphold this by supporting you in the upcoming elections. Let us also thank God for protecting our President, and we will not allow wicked people to misguide our people,” said Rt. Hon. Among.
She further acknowledged the government’s commitment to health and freedom of worship.
“The upgrade of Kibiito Health Centre IV to a district hospital is underway as part of the National Development Plan. Your Excellency, we also appreciate the freedom of worship you brought to Uganda,” she said.
Mr. Hussain Kato, the NRM Party Chairperson for Bunyangabu District, provided key statistics on the district’s development. Bunyangabu comprises 15 sub-counties/town councils, 55 parishes, and 338 villages, with a population of 219,012 (2024 Census).
The Parish Development Model (PDM) has benefitted 17,639 households—about 32% of the district’s 48,988 households—with a total of Shs 15.08 billion disbursed to 49 of the 55 parishes. The remaining six parishes were created after the PDM started.
The district also has 18 Emyooga SACCOs with 18,452 members, which have collectively received Shs 900 million from government support.
On Education, Bunyangabu District has 61 government primary schools serving 31,810 pupils and eight government secondary schools with 5,925 students enrolled. All eight secondary schools provide Universal Secondary Education and Universal Post-Ordinary Level Education and Training.
Currently, 42 of the district’s 55 parishes host at least one government primary school, while eight sub-counties have at least one secondary school. Four Seed Secondary Schools are under construction, which will leave only three sub-counties without a government secondary school.
The President’s initiative to establish skilling hubs in each sub-region has seen 19 hubs across the country.
The Kyenjojo hub in Toro has already trained 1,169 people, with 238 currently undergoing training in skills such as welding, carpentry, building, tailoring, hairdressing, bakery, and leather design.
Of Bunyangabu’s 15 sub-counties, one has a Health Centre IV and 12 have Health Centre IIIs. Only two sub-counties currently lack a facility of HCIII level or above. Planned interventions include upgrading Kahondo HCII to HCIII in Kisomoro and constructing a new HCIII in Rwimi Sub-County.
Currently, 205 of the district’s 338 villages (61 percent ) have access to safe water, while 133 villages (39 percent ) still lack access.
Completed water projects include multiple gravity flow schemes and piped water systems serving thousands of residents in Rwimi, Kibiito, Buheesi, Kyamukube, and Rubona, among others. Ongoing interventions include rehabilitation of eight boreholes and extension of piped water systems to new communities.
In addition, small-scale irrigation schemes, such as the Kaina Small-Scale Irrigation covering 15 acres, are operational, while the Rubalika Solar-Powered Irrigation Scheme is under construction, expanding agricultural opportunities for local farmers.
Bunyangabu District is now fully connected to the national grid, a milestone that will support businesses, schools, and households.
The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.