We will develop Obongi's tourism base, support beekeeping farmers, Muntu tells residents

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Presidential candidate Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu has promised to boost tourism in Obongi district and support local beekeeping farmers, aiming to transform the West Nile region's economy.

Speaking on the campaign trail at Ndiri-ndiri trading centre, Palorinya sub-county in Obongi, Muntu, who is the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) flag-bearer, highlighted Moyo's potential for tourism, citing its scenic landscapes, cultural heritage, and wildlife.

“We will develop Obongi's tourism base, creating jobs and generating revenue for local communities. We shall develop waterside sceneries with artificial fish ponds, construct hotels, build bridges to connect areas district separated by River Nile in your region and stop relying on ferries,” he pledged.

External forces are waiting for President Yoweri Museveni to retire and they destabilise Uganda, but I guarantee you that I will restore peace and security, he said.

“I will set up fish feed factories in the West Nile to boost the fishing industry because buying fish feed in Kampala does not make sense,” he insisted.

Muntu also pledged to support beekeeping farmers, recognising the importance of apiculture in the region.

“Beekeeping is a lucrative venture, and we will provide training, equipment, and market access to our farmers,” he added.

Uganda's beekeeping industry has significant potential, with the country producing about 11,000 metric tonnes of honey annually. However, challenges persist, including limited access to modern equipment, pests, and diseases.

Muntu's proposal aligns with government initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture and tourism, citing neighbouring Kenya, which he said has invested in beekeeping projects, providing training and equipment to farmers.

“In Malawi, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is promoting commercial beekeeping, distributing beehives and equipment to smallholder farmers,” he said.

The initiative aims to increase honey production and improve livelihoods, and this shall be generating employment opportunities to the redundant youth, Muntu emphasised.

Muntu's pledges have sparked hope among Moyo residents, who see opportunities for economic growth and development. “We need investment in our tourism sector and support for our farmers,” said a local resident.

We shall construct you a tarmac road

Muntu pledged to construct a tarmac road connecting Moyo district and Obongi district, which he said was delayed due to red-tape bureaucracy and corruption in the system.

“Every year we lose over shillings 10 trillion in corruption, and that’s why the Government cannot construct tarmac roads connecting all the districts in the country.”

Uplift education standards in government school 

Muntu promised to uplift the standard of government schools in Uganda, which he claims have deteriorated under President Museveni's 40-year rule.

Muntu lamented that government schools, once the pride of the nation, now lag behind private institutions. 

"The standard of government schools is very low under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni," he said. 

"In the 1980s, private school standards were low compared to government schools, but today, the opposite is true."

Addressing a campaign rally at Central ward, Pakile town council in Adjumani district, Muntu was challenged when one of the parents, Robert Melio, asked why the Government changed the school curriculum without helping government schools to access the required learning materials to benefit the poor man’s child.

“The new education curriculum is causing our children to drop out of school because poor people cannot afford to buy the required learning aids to sustain the same level of research and updated learning,” Melio asked what assistance Muntu had in his manifesto to help the poor man’s child study.

As parents in Adjumani district struggle to pay school fees for their children, despite the government's Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs, many are forced to withdraw their children from school due to poverty, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage.

“The situation is dire,” said Godfrey Isovu Dragu, a local parent.

“We can't afford school fees, and even when our children complete school, they can't get government jobs because they're being sold to the highest bidder. It's corruption, plain and simple."

Muntu vowed to tackle corruption and improve education standards if elected.

“I will ensure government schools are equipped with quality facilities and staff,” he said. “No more selling of jobs; meritocracy will be the order of the day.”

Adjumani residents are pinning their hopes on Muntu, citing the need for change.

“We need a leader who'll prioritise education and fight corruption," said Palma Azireo, another parent. “Muntu is our hope.”