President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed government’s commitment to prioritizing infrastructure development as the foundation for Uganda’s continued socio-economic transformation.
Addressing NRM supporters in Bududa District, the President said that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government remains focused on building key economic and social infrastructure to support the country’s long-term growth.
He explained that development must rest on two main pillars — peace and infrastructure — adding that these form the backbone of Uganda’s transformation.
Economic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, telecommunication, water, and railways, he said, lays the groundwork for production and investment, while social infrastructure like schools and health centers ensures the well-being and productivity of citizens.
The President noted that the government has made significant progress in extending tarmac roads to Bududa and the wider Bugisu region and has now secured funding to complete remaining sections.
“The road from Mbale to Bududa has taken time, but now we have secured the funds and we are going to finish it. Prioritization works,” Museveni said.
“Infrastructure alone is not enough. People must also work hard to improve their households. That is why these programs exist — to help you get out of poverty,” he said.
He said that some projects take time due to competing priorities, but emphasized that the NRM government’s approach is to focus on what is most critical first — infrastructure that directly supports economic activity and public service delivery.
Museveni pointed to past achievements such as the Bujagali Hydropower Project and the establishment of industrial parks, including the one in Mbale, as examples of what prioritization can achieve. Increased electricity generation, he said, has enabled industries to thrive and created employment for many Ugandans.
“If we had not focused on electricity first, the factories in Mbale Industrial Park would not exist. These factories are employing many people and transforming the region,” he noted.
He also highlighted the NRM government’s ongoing investment in education and health services. The national policy ensures at least one government primary school in every parish and a Health Centre III in every sub-county.
Museveni observed that Uganda now has far more schools and health facilities compared to the early years after independence — clear evidence of progress under NRM leadership.
The President reiterated that while the government focuses on infrastructure and social services, citizens are encouraged to take advantage of programs like Operation Wealth Creation, Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM) to improve household incomes.
“Development depends on strong foundations. Roads, electricity, water, telecommunication, and railways are essential for economic growth, while schools and health centers ensure the wellbeing of our people,” he said.
He cautioned against corruption in the implementation of the PDM, directing authorities to act against individuals misusing public funds intended to uplift communities from poverty.
“Our method has always been to identify what is crucial and do it well. That discipline has enabled Uganda to progress,” he said.