Bugiri, Uganda | President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has begun his Busoga sub region campaign with a rally in Bugiri District, placing most of his message on education access and how it ties to long term wealth creation.
Speaking to supporters, Museveni asked the people of Bugiri to renew their confidence in the NRM in the coming elections. He said the party’s stand against sectarian politics and its long record in stability have created room for development, but he stressed that the next leap for Busoga must start in the classroom.
Museveni noted that while government has expanded infrastructure across the region, the bigger gap sits in basic education. Bugiri has 149 government primary schools, yet 44 of the district’s 102 parishes still do not have one. He instructed local leaders and education officials to close this gap, saying every child should have a government school within reach.
He pointed out a similar shortfall at secondary level. Only 9 of Bugiri’s 20 sub counties have government secondary schools. He announced that three new seed schools will be built under the UgIFT and USEEP programs, and reaffirmed the national target of a primary school in every parish and a secondary school in every sub county.
Museveni also touched on the challenge of delivering truly free education. He said that although government introduced free education in 1996, some school leaders blocked its implementation through extra charges. He highlighted the Presidential Skilling Hubs as a response to this problem, noting that many young people have already gained practical skills that lead directly to work.
Beyond education, Museveni linked classroom access to wealth creation. He reminded supporters that development and wealth are not the same. Roads, water projects, and factories matter, but families need practical skills and the right mindset to earn from agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT. He promised continued investment through PDM, Emyooga, and new youth targeted funds.
The President also explained that government jobs cannot absorb Uganda’s population. Factories, farms, and service enterprises hold the real potential. Education and skilling, he said, prepare young people to take these opportunities.
During the rally, he handed over NRM flags to party candidates ahead of the elections. Senior NRM leaders including Alhaji Moses Kigongo, Calvin Echodu, and Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga thanked residents for their support and encouraged continued focus on education, industrial growth, and improved services in Busoga.
