Kadaga pushes Museveni re-election, Busoga development agenda in Namutumba
“Namutumba district has 152,236 voters, and I urge all of them to rally behind President Museveni and tick him on the ballot on January 15, 2026,” Kadaga stated.
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga (2nd right atop a vehicle) addressing residents at a rally at Ivukula sub county play ground in Namutumba district on Sunday after the heavy down pour. Left is Persis Namuganza, the Minister of State for Lands and Housing. (Photos by Donald Kiirya)
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First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has successfully mobilised a massive crowd on Sunday, November 9, 2025, in the first major campaign rally for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the Busoga region.
The high-energy event in Namutumba district's Ivukula, Bukono Constituency, was organised by Lands state minister Persis Namuganza and drew thousands of residents who braved the heavy rains.
Dubbed "Mama Kadaga" by enthusiastic supporters, the staunch National Resistance Movement (NRM) politician delivered a fiery address that resonated deeply with the gathering.
Part of the mammoth crowd that turned up at Kadaga's rally in Ivukula town in Namutumba district on Sunday. 
“Namutumba district has 152,236 voters, and I urge all of them to rally behind President Museveni and tick him on the ballot on January 15, 2026,” Kadaga stated.
She reaffirmed Busoga's determination to hold the government accountable for tangible development, declaring that the sub-region would no longer settle for promises alone.
"This time, Busoga will be keen and strict on its demands," Kadaga stated amid cheers.
She spotlighted long-standing grievances, including the decades-long neglect of roads in Ivukula that remain unpaved, severely hampering transport and economic activity.
Tourism development in Bukono was another key priority she highlighted, calling for investments to unlock the area's untapped potential.
The rally marked a strategic kickoff for Museveni's re-election bid in Busoga, with Kadaga urging voters to renew the President's mandate to accelerate infrastructure and economic projects.
"We have seen progress, but much more is needed. President Museveni understands Busoga's needs – let us give him the strength to deliver," she implored.
Bukono district push
Local leaders who included former Namutumba district LC 5, Micheal Saire and residents echoed these sentiments, led by Bukono County legislator Persis Namuganza, renewing their push for Bukono to be elevated to full district status.
She requested Kadaga to remind President Museveni that it was his directive to elevate all Chiefdoms in Busoga, Bukono inclusive, to a district status and most of the chiefdoms were elevated, but Bukono was left out.
She requested her to remind President Museveni to fulfil his pledge of tarmacking the road from Busembatia via Kibaale-Ivukula-Nangonde up to Pallisa; and also work on their request to establish a mini-industrial park in Bukono so that youth get jobs. The land on which the industrial park will be built is already available.
They argued that such a move would enhance service delivery, resource allocation, and administrative efficiency.
“The heavy downpour was to remove the bad omen from this area, so let’s stay strong,” Namuganza said.
Slight delays caused by the rain did little to dampen spirits, as the crowd waited patiently under makeshift shelters and umbrellas.
During the 30-minute heavy downpour, tents were flipped over, and the main stage was brought down by the rain. A few people were injured, but Kadaga and Namuganza remained inside their vehicles.
Music, chants and NRM slogans filled the air, transforming the soggy venue into a vibrant sea of yellow – the party's signature color.
Kadaga's mobilisation efforts come amid heightened political activity in Busoga ahead of the 2026 general elections, where development and regional equity remain central themes.
As the campaign trail heats up, events like this signal strong grassroots backing for Museveni in a sub-region that has historically been a key NRM stronghold.
The rally concluded with pledges of continued loyalty to the President, as attendees dispersed with renewed optimism for accelerated road upgrades, tourism boosts, and the long-sought district status for Bukono.