The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu has assured the people of Busoga that if elected president, his government will not evict them from wetlands but instead help them use the resources productively while conserving the environment.
Speaking to supporters in Bugweri and Namutumba districts on Thursday, 2nd October, 2025, Kyagulanyi emphasized that Busoga’s unique geography makes wetlands central to people’s livelihoods.
“Busoga land is made up of 50% wetlands. I promise my government will not chase you from your wetlands but will support you to use them responsibly as we conserve the environment. We all know you cannot grow rice on hills and mountains, but only in wetlands,” Kyagulanyi said.
The NUP Presidential candidate further promised reforms in the sugar industry to ensure that sugarcane out-growers receive fair prices for their cane, criticizing the current system as exploitative.
“A tonne of sugarcane used to fetch between UGX 250,000 and 300,000, but now it goes for only UGX 90,000. This means Basoga are working hard for foreign factory owners who exploit farmers. My government will change this,” he emphasized.
On fisheries, the NUP Party President vowed to allow fishermen who had been chased off lakes to return and earn a living without unnecessary restrictions.
“Busoga is surrounded by lakes, yet you are no longer allowed to fish freely. That is why many have resorted to catching mud fish from wetlands. You deserve to return to your lakes and fish for your survival,” Kyagulanyi stated.
His remarks sparked excitement among voters, many of whom depend on sugarcane growing, rice farming, and fishing for survival.
Richard Waiswa, a rice farmer from Bugweri, welcomed the pledge, saying swamp-based farming is the backbone of families in the area.
“Almost all families in Bugweri depend on rice farming to educate their children. The government should not chase us from swamps but instead empower us with machines for value addition so that we can sell our rice at better prices,” Waiswa said.
As Kyagulanyi toured Busoga, President Yoweri Museveni of the NRM campaigned in the Lango sub region, while FDC’s Nandala Mafabi was also in Busoga, with a rally scheduled for Jinja City on Friday, October 3.
As NUP’s Kyagulanyi tours the Busoga sub region, President Museveni of the NRM is campaigning in Lango, while FDC’s Nandala Mafabi is also in Busoga and is expected to address supporters in Jinja City today, Friday, 3rd October, 2025.
Kyagulanyi continues his Busoga campaign trail today, 3rd October, 2025 in Mayuge and Iganga districts before concluding the tour on Saturday, 4th October, with rallies in Bugiri and Namayingo.
