President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM Presidential flag bearer, campaigned in Bugweri and Namutumba districts on Monday, 17th November 2025, in a trail marked by record-breaking crowds and highly energized political scenes.
The rallies sent a sharp message ahead of the 2026 elections, signaling the ruling party’s firm grip on Busoga sub-region.
By mid-morning, thousands of jubilant supporters had filled Namutumba district headquarters, waving NRM flags and dancing under the scorching sun.
Drums, vuvuzelas, and chants reverberated across the grounds as Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, and received deafening cheers.
Museveni highlighted the NRM government’s development gains in Namutumba, including over 120km of rehabilitated feeder roads, rural electrification that has expanded from 8% in 2016 to over 28% today, and significant improvements in health facilities.
He emphasized that wealth creation remains central to his agenda and urged residents to fully embrace government programs such as NAADS, Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“We have already laid the foundation. What we need now is for households to fully move into the money economy,” Museveni said.
Museveni encouraged youth to organize into productive groups to access government financing and pledged intensified support for unemployed youth, expanded road infrastructure, and interventions for communities affected by climate-related challenges.
The President also tackled governance challenges, warning against corruption, mismanagement, and slow project implementation among some local officials.
He vowed that the next term will focus on strict accountability and performance-based leadership.
Museveni directed NRM First National Vice Chairperson Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo to mediate the ongoing dispute among local NRM leaders, which had divided the district into competing camps ahead of the elections.
On development, the President announced the upgrade of nine Health Centre IIs to IIIs across Mazuba, Nangode, Nsinze, Kibaale, Bugobi, Ivukula, Kizuba, Naiwaikana, and Kiwanyi sub-counties, with new HCIIIs to be constructed in Nabweyo and Bugobi. He also urged local leaders to increase rural water coverage from the current 44.5% to over 90%, and praised the completion of major road projects including the fully tarmacked Nakalama–Busembatya–Namutumba–Tirinyi–Budaka–Mbale road.
Museveni acknowledged that only 51 of Namutumba’s 111 parishes currently host a government primary school, and seven of 20 sub-counties have a government secondary school. To address this, three Seed Secondary Schools are under construction.
He celebrated the district’s household wealth creation successes, citing farmers who have transformed incomes through dairy, coffee, cocoa, poultry, and fish farming, proving that small landholdings can generate high returns when used productively.
Mama Janet Museveni thanked the people of Busoga for their continued support of NRM, urging them to safeguard peace and stability.
Eastern Region NRM Chairperson Hon. Calvin Echodu praised the large turnout, while First Deputy Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga called for an Industrial Park in Namutumba to boost jobs and value addition.
Namutumba District NRM Chairperson Mr. Simon Menya expressed gratitude for wealth creation programs, road upgrades, and ongoing government development initiatives, affirming the district’s unwavering support for President Museveni and the NRM
