In Bushenyi, CP's Mabirizi promises factories in rural areas to uplift farmers
“We are going to make sure that we empower agriculture because agricultural mechanization and empowerment are very important,” said Mabirizi.
Presidential candidate Elton Joseph Mabirizi campaigning in Bushenyi town yesterday (October, 08 2025). (Photo Bruno Mugizi)
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As Uganda's 2026 presidential race gathers momentum, Conservative Party (CP) flagbearer Joseph Mabirizi has pledged to transform the country's agricultural sector by setting up small-scale factories in rural areas.
This, according to him, will help add value to farmers’ produce as well as create jobs.
The two-time presidential candidate made this pledge during his campaign rally in Ishaka–Bushenyi Municipality on Wednesday (October 8).
He argued that most Ugandan farmers remain poor because they do not fully benefit from their produce.
“We are going to make sure that we empower agriculture because agricultural mechanization and empowerment are very important,” said Mabirizi, who contested in the 2016 presidential race as an independent.
“When we empower agriculture, we can become the food basket for east, central, and the whole of Africa. To achieve this, we must buy agricultural equipment and give it to farmers free of charge because without food, we can’t live.”
Mabirizi also promised to promote the establishment of small-scale industries in rural trading centres to add value to local produce and create nearby markets for farmers.
“We are going to make sure that there are small-scale industries within trading centres so that when someone harvests coffee, maize, or onions, there is a nearby market where they can process or package their products, before taking them to larger markets that offer better prices."
Citing the example of pineapple farmers, Mabirizi said the government should support the creation of small fruit-processing plants to help farmers make juice from surplus produce instead of selling it cheaply or letting it go to waste.
“We shall introduce small-scale industries that can help farmers make juice and export it to boost their incomes."
'Federalism brings back power to the people'
The CP presidential frontrunner also vowed to introduce a federal system of government, arguing that it would curb corruption and improve service delivery by empowering regional governments to manage their own resources.
“If we had a federal system, regional governments would handle their own affairs transparently. Federalism brings back power and resources to the people. Taxes collected in a region would be used there to benefit taxpayers."
He said that through the federal system, money currently lost to corruption would instead be used to fund real development, including better schools, roads, and well-equipped hospitals.
Also on Mabirizi's to-do list, if elected president next year, is reducing the number of ministers, presidential advisors, and Members of Parliament.
He explained why.
“When we reduce the number of ministers to about 17 and cut down on the number of MPs, we shall save money to empower service delivery. We shall use those resources to support teachers and medics by offering free education and better working conditions.”
Bushenyi district, where Mabirizi campaigned from, continues to face several development challenges, including poor road infrastructure, such as the Ishaka–Mbarara road, declining coffee and tea prices, limited access to markets, and inadequate health facilities.