RACE FOR STATE HOUSE! In NAMUTUMBA, M7 salutes Busoga for anti-Amin war efforts in 1970s

NAMUTUMBA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has saluted the people of Busoga for their historic role in Uganda’s liberation struggle, reaffirming the NRM Government’s commitment to peace, development and household wealth creation.

The President made the remarks while addressing thousands of residents at Kaiti Cell in Namutumba Town Council, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni.

He reminded the gathering that Busoga occupies a special place in Uganda’s liberation history, recalling families that supported him between 1971 and 1973.

He said many supporters lost their lives during the insurgencies, including those who were publicly executed in Jinja, and emphasized that the NRM continues to honour their sacrifice.

President Museveni outlined key priorities of the 2026–2031 NRM Manifesto, beginning with peace, noting that the stability enjoyed today followed decades of struggle and sacrifice.

On development, he highlighted progress in economic and social infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water systems, schools and health facilities.

He cited completed and upcoming road projects, including the fully tarmacked Nakalama–Busembatya–Namutumba–Tirinyi–Budaka–Mbale road, as well as ongoing preparations for the Nabumali–Butaleja–Namutumba, Busembatya–Nsinze–Kibale–Ivukula–Namakokola, and Kaliro–Ivukula–Naziba roads.

He said electricity coverage has expanded to all district headquarters except Naikona, and government is now extending power to sub-county centres.

In Namutumba, electricity has reached Bulange, Namutumba and Nsinze Town Councils, with plans to cover remaining areas.

The President expressed concern that only 280 of Namutumba’s 629 villages have access to safe water and advised leaders to act urgently.

On education, he acknowledged progress but pointed out that only 51 of 111 parishes have a government primary school, while only seven of 20 sub-counties have a government secondary school.

Construction of three new Seed Secondary Schools is underway to reduce this gap. In the health sector, Museveni announced that government will upgrade nine Health Centre IIs to IIIs and establish new HCIIIs in Nabweyo and Bugobi to improve health service delivery.

The President reaffirmed wealth creation as the NRM’s third major contribution, urging households to embrace programmes such as NAADS, Emyooga and the Parish Development Model.

He shared success stories of farmers in the district who have transformed their incomes through dairy farming, coffee, cocoa, poultry and fish farming, demonstrating that small landholdings can generate high returns when used productively.

Maama Janet Museveni thanked the people of Busoga for supporting the NRM and urged them to protect the peace that has enabled national progress.

She also reminded residents that Busoga University has now been operationalised.

NRM First National Vice Chairperson Alhajji Moses Kigongo encouraged residents to support President Museveni in the next election to safeguard the country’s peace. Eastern Region NRM Chairperson Hon. Calvin Echodu thanked residents for turning out in large numbers, while the First Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, requested that government establish an Industrial Park in Namutumba to boost job creation and value addition.

 Namutumba District NRM Chairperson Mr. Simon Menya thanked the President for wealth creation programmes and major road projects in the district.