In Nakasongola, Museveni says NRM is committed to equality and inclusivity

NAKASONGOLA - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer for the 2026 general election, has urged Ugandans to support the NRM, emphasising the party’s long-standing commitment to equality and inclusivity.

“Please vote for the NRM as you have always done, because the NRM believes in equality,” he said at a campaign rally at Wabinyonyi Playground in Nakasongola district on Tuesday (December 30).

“Whenever I come to Nakasongola, I feel happy and grateful to God for the progress here. When I first came, the population was only 50,000. Today, it is over 226,000. This is because of the guided leadership of the NRM. Our children grow up and do not die from preventable diseases."

Museveni was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni.

He announced ongoing and planned infrastructure projects in Nakasongola.

On healthcare and education, Museveni noted progress while also highlighting areas that need attention. (PPU Photos)

“We shall work on the Kikusa–Kazwama–Kalungi–Nakasongola Road and the Rwampanga–Amolatar Road. The issues of land grabbing have also reduced, and I am proud of the work we have done."

On healthcare and education, Museveni noted progress while also highlighting areas that need attention.

“There are 114 government primary schools and 177 private schools, 10 government secondary schools and 37 private secondary schools. The district has a hospital, two HCIVs, and nine HCIIIs. We plan to upgrade Batuusa HCII to HCIII in Kakooge, Kazwama HCII to HCIII in Kazwama, and construct new HCIIIs in Migyera and Mayirikiti,” he said.

He outlined the key sectors expected to generate jobs in the district, highlighting the four-acre model as a tool for household wealth creation.

“Jobs will mainly come from four key sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing/artisanship, services and ICT supported by industrial hubs across the country. I again stress the importance of the four-acre model. 

"With calculation, that is how we talk of one acre of coffee, one acre of fruits, one acre of pasture, and one acre of food crops. Households can also earn from backyard poultry, piggery for non-Muslims, and fish farming near the wetlands."

The President also urged responsible resource use.

“Even at Namboole Stadium, not all spectators can fit. The same applies to our fishing sites, overcrowding must be avoided to ensure sustainability,” the President said.

President Museveni concluded by reiterating the NRM’s commitment to inclusive development.

“The Abaruuli today are able to develop themselves. We shall continue working to ensure every community across Uganda benefits from development and equality,” he said.

'Brick in building Uganda'

On her part, the First Lady applauded the people of Nakasongola for their strong support of the NRM, requesting them to vote in high numbers in the 2026 general elections, in favour of the ruling party.

“Nobody should stay at home. Your vote is your brick in building Uganda. We are shaping Uganda for the future, and every citizen – young and old, men and women, owes it to themselves and their families to vote,” she said.

Mrs Museveni called on Ugandans to embrace their civic responsibility, highlighting that the collective effort of all citizens is crucial in building a prosperous and stable nation.

The Speaker of Parliament and NRM second national vice-chairperson (Female), Anita Annet Among, thanked President Museveni for the development initiatives in Nakasongola.

She highlighted the need for improved infrastructure to boost local business, particularly the road connecting to Zengebe landing site.

 Nakasongola district NRM chairperson, Christopher Nkoyoyo, described the First Couple's presence in Nakasongola as a significant morale booster for residents.

"It shows their commitment to the people of this district."

Nakasongola at a glance

While acknowledging the government’s development strides, Nkoyoyo also raised pressing issues affecting Nakasongola, including land wrangles.

The district comprises 15 sub-counties/town councils, 68 Parishes, and 360 villages, with a population of 226,074 according to the 2024 census.

Nkoyoyo highlighted the progress of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in the district.

“Out of 68 Parish SACCOs, Nakasongola has received 24.2 billion shillings. So far, 20,589 households — representing 39.8% of our population — have benefitted."

The district has 36 SACCOs with 8,479 members under the Emyooga initiative. 

“The government has already disbursed 1.68 billion shillings to support these groups,” Nkoyoyo reported.

Access to safe water has reached 74% of the district’s 360 villages. “The ministry has completed piped water supply projects in Nakasongola, Kakooge-Katuugo, and Migyera, benefiting tens of thousands of residents."

Multiple valley tanks and solar-powered irrigation schemes have also been constructed, enhancing water availability for production.

Nkoyoyo reported that 14 out of 15 sub-counties are now connected to the national electricity grid, with plans to extend power to Lwampanga sub-county.

He urged residents to continue supporting government programmes.

“We are grateful for the progress made but we must also confront issues like land grabbing and infrastructure gaps to ensure sustainable development for all,” said the party's district chairman.