The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has cautioned voters in Butambala District against electing what he described as “inexperienced gambler politicians,” whom he accused of frustrating development initiatives.
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Addressing an NRM presidential campaign rally at Nkokoma Playground Bulo Subcounty in Butambala District, President Museveni emphasized the importance of electing leaders who are ideologically aligned with the NRM to ensure continuity of development programmes.
He blamed the opposition for previously hindering development efforts in the district.President Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to infrastructure development, pledging to oversee the tarmacking of the Mitala Maria–Kanoni Road.
He noted that the project would complement existing tarmac roads in the district, including the Mpigi–Kibibi–Gombe–Mpenja–Kanoni–Kabulasoke–Maddu–Masaka highway. He also pledged to finalize plans to tarmac the Mitala Maria–Bulo–Kinoni road.
The President highlighted several development achievements under the NRM government in Butambala District, including improved road networks, electricity distribution to all sub-county headquarters, expanded telecommunication services, and access to safe and clean water. He further committed to extending water services to the remaining 12 villages out of the district’s 141 villages that are yet to be served.
In the health sector, President Museveni underscored what he termed “last-mile achievements,” noting that all sub-counties now have designated health centres, complemented by a district general hospital at Gombe, which provides timely healthcare services to residents.
On skills development, President Museveni announced plans to establish a Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in the Greater Mpigi area to serve youth, building on the success of the Kayunga Presidential Zonal Industrial Skilling Hub. He noted that graduates from Kayunga have demonstrated the effectiveness of vocational training across various trades.
The President also guided residents on wealth creation, encouraging sustainable land use and engagement in viable economic enterprises at household and individual levels. He cited the growth of coffee production in Butambala and neighbouring districts such as Masaka, Ssembabule, and Rakai as a result of deliberate NRM government interventions, and promised additional support in his next term.
In the education sector, President Museveni directed district leaders to ensure equitable distribution of government schools in line with policy—one government primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county. He observed that out of 25 parishes, only 22 currently have government primary schools and pledged to establish the remaining three during his next term.
Based on these achievements, President Museveni urged the electorate to renew the NRM government’s mandate by re-electing him and all NRM flag bearers in the forthcoming general elections to sustain effective service delivery.
The First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, who accompanied the President, expressed confidence in the district’s support for the NRM, setting a target of 70 percent in favour of the party. She credited the NRM government for fostering unity, peace, and development, and urged voters to protect these gains by re-electing President Museveni and NRM candidates.
She cautioned voters against supporting opposition politicians, warning that doing so would undermine development. “If you vote for the opposition, you vote for disunity and conflict. Voting for President Museveni and NRM flag bearers is a vote for development,” she said.
Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among used the rally to criticize Butambala County Member of Parliament, Muwanga Kivumbi, over what she described as a lack of visible development in the constituency. Speaking at Nkokoma Primary School grounds in Bulo Sub-county, Speaker Among alleged that the MP does not own property or invest in development within Butambala.
She questioned how an MP earning approximately 60 million Uganda shillings monthly could fail to invest in their constituency.
“Do not vote for leaders who do not think about you. If you want development, you must choose leaders who invest in their people,” Speaker Among said.
She further alleged that MP Kivumbi had instead invested in a hotel in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, reportedly located in a wetland.