In Butaleja, NPP's Kasibante promises agricultural revolution

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National Peasants Party (NPP) presidential candidate Robert Kasibante received a rousing reception in Uganda's eastern district of Butaleja on Friday (November 7) as he kicked off his campaign trail in Bukedi sub-region.

The first-time presidential candidate promised to focus on agriculture, fiscal responsibility, and improved infrastructure if elected president of Uganda in 2026.

He started off by addressing a crowd in Butaleja town council early afternoon, before proceeding to Busolwe town council for his second rally of the day.

A supporter of NPP's Robert Kasibante holds a giant dummy pen, the party's symbol, in Butaleja district on November 7, 2025. (Credit: George Ofwono)

Supporters in both locations greeted Kasibante with joyous dancing and display of NPP paraphernalia, including a giant dummy pen to represent the party symbol.

'Only two presidential advisers'

His core message revolved around streamlining government operations and boosting key sectors. He vowed to tackle wasteful spending, specifically targeting offices of resident district commissioners (RDCs) and presidential advisors, citing them as a drain on vital resources.

"It is poor planning that has crippled this government. We wouldn't see health facilities lacking medicine, or teachers striking over pay if resources were being allocated effectively," said the NPP presidential candidate.

"We will not allow our government to be burdened with the excessive salaries of three million for RDCs. I will need no more than two presidential advisors!" he declared to a cheering crowd.

Recognising Butaleja's agricultural significance as a major rice-growing hub, Kasibante also visited some farmers in the rice gardens to get acquainted with their plight.

He found Nassanali Higenyi busy in his rice garden in Nakwaga cell in Busolwe town council. Higenyi complained that most farmers were being cheated by middlemen due to poor road connectivity and a lack of proper agro-processing and storage facilities.

Kasibante appealed to the local farmers to support him, speaking of the need to improve the agricultural value chain, including the establishment of processing and packaging facilities.

He also underscored the importance of improved market access, which would be facilitated by investments in road infrastructure and flood control measures, a persistent challenge in the district.

"I have listened to the farmers' cries. We will ensure you are no longer cheated by middlemen. The time has come to benefit from your hard work," said the NPP candidate.

His proposed focus on infrastructure and agriculture appeared to resonate with the crowd.

"This man is saying what we need to hear. We have struggled for years with bad roads and no markets. This could be our chance to finally thrive," said Ismail Were, a resident of Busolwe town council.

Voters believe the proposed improvements by Kasibante would unlock the district's economic potential and empower farmers, who are currently struggling to overcome the exploitative practices of intermediaries.

Following the rallies in Butaleja, Kasibante is expected to proceed to Butebo and Kibuku districts on Saturday as he continues his Bukedi campaign trail, aiming to galvanise support and outline his vision for Uganda.