President Museveni Announces Industrial Park in Manafwa District
President Yoweri Museveni, the incumbent leader of Uganda and the presidential candidate of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, has pledged to establish an industrial park in Butiru Town Council, located in Manafwa District. This initiative is aimed at fostering economic development and creating job opportunities for the youth.
The industrial park will be situated in Namekhala village, where vermiculite mining is currently underway. It is also believed that the area contains significant deposits of iron ore. Vermiculite, a mineral known for its fire-resistant properties, is used in various industries, including construction, agriculture, horticulture, and manufacturing. Products containing vermiculite include potting soil mixes, insulation materials, and packing materials.
During a recent rally in Bugobero Town Council, President Museveni highlighted the importance of the industrial park. He stated, “I am glad that we will have Manafwa industrial park, a town of industries in Namekhala where vermiculite is being mined. Vermiculite is an important mineral. It controls fires in the process of making strong vehicles and also satellites.”
Museveni is currently campaigning in the Bugisu Sub-region to secure votes for the upcoming 2026 General Election. The vermiculite deposits in Manafwa are considered some of the richest in the world, with mining activities starting about a decade ago.
Economic Development and Youth Employment
President Museveni emphasized that his government has laid the foundation for peace, development, wealth, and jobs in Uganda. He argued that this record justifies his re-election. “I established Mbale Industrial Park, it’s a new one. It’s making many products, which we used to import… Now there are many young people working there,” he said.
The Mbale Industrial Park, commissioned in 2018 with a total investment of $600 million (Shs2.08 trillion), spans 619 acres of land. It produces a wide range of goods, including glass, textiles, household detergents, baby diapers, and clothing. The park has created numerous employment opportunities for the youth.
In addition to the industrial park, the NRM government has also established the Lukhonge Skilling Hub in Mbale District. This vocational training center is part of 18 similar hubs across Uganda, offering free hands-on skills training in areas such as carpentry and tailoring. Many Ugandans have benefited from these programs, gaining the skills needed to become self-employed.
Voter Concerns and Unfulfilled Promises
Despite these initiatives, some voters expressed disappointment with Museveni’s unfulfilled promises. They highlighted issues such as the lack of long-term solutions for natural disasters like landslides and the absence of scanners at the Lwakhakha border in Namisindwa. Agricultural producers criticized the current process of inspecting goods, which involves offloading trucks and pouring their contents onto the ground, often damaging the quality of the products.
Mr. James Walimbwa, a local resident, pointed out that the 25.8 km Bududa-Bubulo circular road, connecting Manafwa, Bududa, and Namisindwa districts, remains in poor condition. “The President has not fulfilled his pledge of tarmacking the road,” he said. The road was not included in the national budget allocation for the 2025/2026 financial year, prompting district leaders and residents to launch a “no road, no vote” campaign.
Mr. Kamoti Wilson Wasunguyi, the former chairperson of Bududa District, attributed his loss in the NRM party primaries to the government’s failure to address the road issue. “I support the people for voting me out because I promised them that the road was to be tarmacked based on the President’s manifesto for 2021/2026, and they were asking me why the road has not been tarmacked,” he said.
Conclusion
As the 2026 General Election approaches, President Museveni continues to emphasize economic growth and job creation through projects like the Manafwa Industrial Park. However, voter concerns about infrastructure and unfulfilled promises remain significant challenges for his campaign. The success of his vision will depend on addressing these issues and delivering on the commitments made to the people of Uganda.