President Museveni Commits to Tarmac Road and Development in Bududa
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer, has made a significant pledge during a campaign rally in Bududa District. He announced that the long-awaited 25.8km Bududa–Bubulo circular road, which connects the districts of Manafwa, Bududa, and Namisindwa, will be tarmacked. This commitment was made on November 08 during a rally at Bukigai Primary School playground in Nangako Town Council.
The President was accompanied by his daughter, Mrs. Natasha Karugire Museveni, as he addressed local leaders and supporters. In response to concerns raised about the delayed progress of the circular road, President Museveni emphasized that the government has now secured funds to complete the project. “We have been pushing for the Bubulo–Namisindwa–Bududa circular road. It was delayed, yes, but now we have the money and we are going to work on it,” he said.
Ongoing Progress and Economic Infrastructure
President Museveni highlighted the ongoing progress in Bududa, including the completed tarmac road from Mbale along the Bumbobi–Bubulo–Lwakhakha section. He described this as part of the broader economic infrastructure the NRM has been building over the past 40 years. “I have come here to ask you to continue supporting the NRM because we do not just talk. We show results,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.
He also reflected on Uganda’s transformation, recalling the electricity shortages the country faced in 2005 before decisive investments were made. “Because of that electricity, you can now see the industrial park in Mbale,” he remarked.
Prioritizing Long-Term Development
The President stressed the importance of prioritizing long-term development over short-term demands. He mentioned recent teacher strikes for higher salaries but emphasized that the first priority should be investing in what grows the economy. “Some things take time. You must guide your Members of Parliament on priorities. We recently had teachers striking for higher salaries, but we must first invest in what grows the economy,” he said.
President Museveni also drew on history to illustrate Uganda’s transformation. He recalled that in 1961, when he was at Ntare School, boys from Bugisu came there because the whole country had only six A-Level schools. Today, Bududa alone has more than 10 secondary schools. “This is the steady progress of the NRM,” he said.
Development vs. Wealth Creation
He cautioned the public not to confuse development with wealth creation, emphasizing that prosperity lies in engaging in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT. “Government jobs are only 480,000, yet we are 50 million people. Where will everyone work? Jobs come from factories, farms, hotels, transport and ICT,” he explained.
Free Education and Skilling Hubs
President Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to quality free education. He introduced UPE in 1996 to ensure every child could study, though some did not implement it as intended. “Fees in government schools remain the real enemy, pushing children out of school,” he said. To bridge the skills gap, he pointed to the Presidential Skilling Hubs.
He celebrated success stories such as Cathy from the Bugisu Zonal Industrial Hub, who trained in tailoring and used her start-up capital to open a workshop in Bududa. “She said the programme gave her life meaning. These are the gains we must protect,” he said.
NRM Manifesto and Election Endorsements
At the rally, Museveni summarized the core pillars of the NRM manifesto. “In our seven-point programme, I have reminded you of four today: peace, development, wealth and jobs. These are the foundations that will secure the future of our people,” he said. He then handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairpersons, councillors, and other party candidates in Bududa District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections.
Government Achievements and Future Plans
The NRM Chairperson for Bududa, Mr. Mukwana Wekhola Kolota, welcomed the President and praised his visionary leadership. He outlined government achievements under the PDM programme, stating that Bududa District has received Shs 48.8 billion since 2020/21, with 97.5 percent allocated directly to beneficiary households. “PDM has changed the lives of our people. We are now supplying cows and beef to eastern Uganda and even Kampala. That is because of your support, Your Excellency.”
NRM Impact in Bududa
Bududa District currently has 89 government primary schools and 8 government secondary schools, with an enrollment of 10,507 students. The construction of three seed secondary schools is underway. In the health sector, the district has one hospital, one HCIV, and ten HCIIIs. Plans include upgrading Nabweya HCII to HCIII and constructing new HCIIIs in several town councils and sub-counties.
Water access stands at an impressive 99 percent coverage across villages, with several piped water systems completed in Bududa Town Council, Bududa Hospital, and other communities. Additional systems are planned for Nangako Town Council and Shokholo. The district is also benefiting from irrigation schemes such as the Namaistu Irrigation Project, with expansions underway to boost agricultural productivity.
Bududa is fully connected to the national electricity grid. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.