President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has wrapped up his campaign tour of the Bugisu Sub-region with a grand rally in Mbale City, rallying residents to safeguard the peace and progress achieved under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) over the last four decades.
Addressing thousands of supporters, the President said the NRM’s legacy in Bugisu was visible through the transformation of the region — from roads and electricity to schools, irrigation, and small industries — all made possible by sustained peace and stability.
“The NRM brought peace to Uganda because of the way we look at things,” Museveni said. “We don’t believe in sectarianism — religion, tribe, or gender. Because of that, we have built a strong party and stability in our politics.”
Infrastructure Driving Regional Growth
Museveni said the government has invested heavily in infrastructure to connect Bugisu’s productive areas to national and regional markets.
Among the key projects completed or underway are the Mbale–Soroti, Mbale–Budaka, and Mbale–Bubulo–Bugobero roads. Construction has also begun on the Mbale–Magale–Namisindwa road, while the Mbale–Nkonkonjeru and Butaleja roads are in advanced planning stages.
“The improved road network has boosted trade between Mbale, Tororo, Budaka, and neighbouring districts. It has made it easier for our farmers to take coffee, bananas, and other produce to markets,” Museveni noted.
He also cited the ongoing rehabilitation of the Tororo–Mbale–Gulu–Pakwach railway line, which will further reduce transport costs and expand trade opportunities across the region.
Expanding Power, Water, and Communication
Electricity coverage in Bugisu has expanded significantly, with rural electrification connecting most trading centres and supporting small-scale industries.
Access to clean water has also improved, with 79 percent of Mbale District’s 613 villages now having safe water sources. The government plans to extend coverage to the remaining 21 percent, alongside piped water systems in Mbale City, Nakaloke, Nambale, and Nabumali.
The President also highlighted investments in irrigation and water-for-production projects, including the Namatala and Nakusi Solar-Powered Irrigation Schemes and the Wabukhasa Valley Tank, which are helping thousands of farmers shift from rain-fed to commercial agriculture.
“We must stop depending only on rain. If we use the mountains and valleys properly, we shall increase productivity and prevent disasters like mudslides,” he said.
Education and Skills for the Youth
Museveni noted that Bugisu now has 21 government secondary schools, up from just a few before 1986, with enrolment increasing under Universal Primary Education (UPE).
He emphasized the importance of skills training, revealing that a new regional skilling hub is being established in Mbale to train youth in carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, and metalwork.
“In these skilling hubs, I train young people for just six months and they become useful to society,” he said. “They produce goods we used to import from Italy and China.”
Household Wealth and Economic Empowerment
While commending the region’s infrastructure gains, Museveni stressed that true transformation depends on household wealth creation.
“Development is ours, but wealth is yours,” he said. “We have built the infrastructure, but each family must use it to create wealth.”
The President said programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga are helping families transition into the money economy. Each parish, he added, will receive an additional Shs 15 million to support small businesses, with special funds planned for religious institutions, unemployed graduates, and ghetto youth.
He also pointed to the Mbale Industrial Park, which continues to expand and create jobs in manufacturing and services.
Peace and Unity as the Foundation
Museveni cautioned residents that all development achievements depend on maintaining peace and security.
“Nobody can disturb our peace. Anybody who tries will be dealt with,” he warned. “We must protect the gains we have made and move into the future with confidence.”
He urged the people of Bugisu to reject divisive politics and remain united behind the NRM’s development agenda.
“Discipline, hard work, and unity are the keys to sustained transformation,” he said.
Leaders Commend NRM’s Development Agenda
The NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, Mr. Calvin Echodu, thanked the President for his long-standing commitment to Bugisu’s development and urged residents to remain vigilant against divisive ideologies.
Mbale District NRM Chairperson, Mr. Moses Wambogo, commended the government for investing in roads, power, and water infrastructure, saying the projects have opened up new opportunities for farmers and traders.
“The NRM has transformed our region. Bugisu stands firm with President Museveni and the Movement,” he said.
