The National Resistance Movement Presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni has pledged to expand irrigation systems in Rwampara, warning that the district’s agricultural future hinges on the protection of its wetlands.
Addressing a large crowd at Bujaga Playground, President Museveni said swamps must be preserved if Rwampara is to benefit from government irrigation projects. “Stop destroying the swamps so we can take water to the hills and improve yields,” Museveni said, arguing that wetlands are the district’s “future lifeline for farming.”
First Lady Janet Museveni, who accompanied him, praised residents for their warm reception but urged them not to assume that high rally attendance translates into automatic victory. She said, “elections are won by those who turn up to vote. Go to homes and remind people to vote when the time comes.”
She also said Uganda’s stability continues to attract refugees from the region. “Uganda is peaceful, and that is why refugees choose it as their next home,” she told the gathering.
Museveni Stresses Peace and Development
The President highlighted peace as the cornerstone of the NRM’s legacy, recalling passing through the area during the 1985 conflict. “I passed here in 1985 when we were fighting, but now there are no more wars and the country is peaceful,” he said.
He listed improvements in roads and electricity as evidence of steady development. “Rwampara has a good road network. What you did not have was electricity, but we brought it, every sub-county is connected,” he said, adding that roads such as Buteraniro–Bugamba–Rwoho-Rukoni-Kitwe road and Ruti–Mwizi–Kitagate are under consideration for future upgrades.
With water coverage at about 71 percent, he said irrigation will be the next major push, particularly for farmers in hilly areas.
Social Services and Wealth Creation
Museveni said Rwampara’s two Health Centre IVs and six Health Centre IIIs will be strengthened, announcing that one HCIV will be elevated to district hospital level. He also expressed satisfaction with the district’s seven government-aided secondary schools. “That makes me very happy,” he remarked.
Turning to wealth creation, he revisited the 4-acre model and cautioned leaders against blocking youth from accessing Parish Development Model (PDM) funds. “Telling youth without land that they cannot get money is wrong. I don’t want to hear that again,” he said. “Decisions should be based on whether the project is viable.”
He also pointed to factories and entrepreneurship as key job creation avenues the government will continue to support.
Political Discipline and Party Unity
On political disputes, the President advised independent candidates to follow party procedures. He said those with evidence of malpractice should first go to party tribunals and, if ignored, bring it to him. “If someone cheated and they refuse to act, bring the evidence to me. I will use the police to arrest such candidates,” Museveni told supporters.
He publicly requested independent District Woman MP Molly Asiimwe to step down for NRM flagbearer Annah Kansiime. “Since you are a Mulokole, help us and step down. God will intervene for you,” he said.