President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the National Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has unveiled an ambitious development roadmap for Kalangala district, including new ferry services, electricity expansion, improved road infrastructure, a district hospital and additional secondary schools, as he rallied residents to support Idah Nabayiga in the forthcoming Kalangala District Woman MP by-election.

The Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament seat fell vacant following the death of the area legislator, Hellen Nakimuli, in April 2026. The Electoral Commission subsequently organised the by-election process to fill the vacant seat.

Addressing a grand campaign rally at Kibanga Primary School playground on June 22nd, 2026, President Museveni said government interventions would focus on addressing long-standing challenges in transport, electricity, health and education across the Ssese Islands.

He noted that the government had already made progress on key transport infrastructure, including the Masaka–Bukakata road and ferry services linking the islands to the mainland.

“I greet you all the people of Ssese Islands. I told you long ago that for a place like Kalangala, the issue of transport is very important. We worked on the Masaka–Bukakata road. After that, the remaining issue is these other roads which we shall work on and the ferry,” President Museveni said.

The President acknowledged concerns about ferry operations and pledged to improve scheduling and reliability.

“We have MV Kalangala from Nakiwogo to Bukakata. I will look into the issue of timing. These ferries should have time; they cannot move whenever they feel like. They should have a known schedule,” he noted.

He further announced plans to expand ferry services to enhance connectivity and support trade and tourism across the islands.

“We are going to add new ferries. One will come from Entebbe to Mwena. It will start from Kasenyi, Jana, Bubeke, Lwanabatya to Lulindi. That will be the third ferry. The second one we shall purchase will make the fourth ferry. It will go from Entebbe to Kyamuswa, passing through Nakiwogo, Kachanga, Luvu to Litoboka,” Museveni said.

Museveni added that ferry operations would be reorganised once the additional vessels are introduced.

“After increasing the number of ferries, the one at Nakiwogo will be transferred here. That is the plan we have for ferries,” he added.

President Museveni also pledged to address electricity shortages affecting several island communities.

“Kyamuswa, Bufumira and some areas still do not have electricity. Mazinga, Mugoye and others, I will sit down with your leaders and we shall work on that,” he said.

On education, the President announced plans to extend access to secondary education in underserved areas.

“On education, the three parishes that do not have secondary schools will get them,” he noted.

He also responded to calls for improved healthcare services, pledging government support for the establishment of a district hospital.

“On health, you are demanding a district hospital. We shall work on it because the people of Ssese need a hospital, and even tourists need it. We are going to ensure we get it,” he said.

Alongside the development commitments, President Museveni urged residents to support NRM candidate Idah Nabayiga, arguing that stronger coordination between local and national leadership would accelerate service delivery.

“Whatever you have said, I have heard, but it seems there is a problem; you voted for the opposition. I have never talked to any opposition leader from here,” he stated.

He added that although progress had been registered in the district, improved coordination would enhance implementation of government programmes.

“We have been trying to help with the issues but have had no clear leadership here. Now that NRM is here and Jajja is here, let us organize ourselves and send Nabayiga to Parliament,” President Museveni added.

The President also reiterated the importance of household wealth creation through the Four-Acre Model, encouraging residents to embrace palm oil growing, intensive agriculture and fishing to boost incomes and improve food security.

Reflecting on the fisheries sector, he highlighted efforts undertaken by the NRM government to revive fish processing and pledged further consultations with leaders from Kalangala to address concerns affecting fishing communities and strengthen the sector.

On his part, Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Central Region (Buganda) and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Cooperation), welcomed the President and credited him for strengthening the party’s support in Kalangala.

“We welcome you here in Kalangala. The last time you came here, you led us well, and the people of Kalangala heard your message and supported you with votes,” he said.

The NRM Deputy Secretary General, Rose Namayanja, thanked the President for his leadership and said the party had regained strong political ground in Kalangala.

“Thank you President for your wise leadership. We congratulate you on your victory in the presidential elections. The people of Kalangala received your message and supported the NRM,” she noted.

She added that government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) had contributed to improving household incomes in the district.

Kalangala District LCV Chairperson Agnes Lunkuse commended government interventions, citing increased funding under the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, expanded electricity connectivity, improved water supply and the operationalisation of Mulabana Seed Secondary School.

She, however, called for the upgrading of Kalangala Health Centre IV into a hospital, a dedicated electricity line for the islands, rehabilitation of Kalangala Central Market and improved ferry scheduling.

“We still need better timing for ferries, as was promised, and improved roads because Kalangala is a tourism district,” Lunkuse said.

The rally was also attended by Judith Nabakooba, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development; Gen. Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Public Service; Hajji Shafik Mwanje, CEC Member representing Persons with Disabilities, among others.