In Mitooma, Museveni highlights NRM's key contributions to Uganda

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Presidential candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) continued his campaign trail in the Ankole sub-region on Wednesday by holding a rally at Kirambe Market in Ijumo parish, Mitooma sub-county, Mitooma district.

He was accompanied by his wife, Janet, who is also the Minister of Education and Sports.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, welcomed by district leaders, with the deputy speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa. (PPU)

Museveni reiterated the major contributions of the NRM to Uganda, including peace. He has repeatedly said the NRM ushered in peace because it rejected sectarian politics.

He also highlighted development, which comprises economic and social infrastructure.

On social infrastructure, the President noted that Mitooma is performing well, with 109 government primary schools and 16 government secondary schools.

He said the government will continue strengthening the health sector.

President Museveni addressing the campaign rally as First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, looks on. (PPU)

NRM supporters listening to president Museveni's address at the campaign rally on Wednesday (Dec. 3). (PPU)

On the third NRM contribution of NRM, that is wealth creation, Museveni explained that while development benefits all, wealth creation benefits an individual and their family, and poverty remains a personal burden.

He reminded those with small landholdings to use the four-acre model to maximise productivity. He noted that some people in the cattle corridor have already transformed their lives by abandoning subsistence farming.

Those with large pieces of land, he said, can engage in crops such as cotton and tobacco. He announced that the government will create a revolving fund for tea farmers to help them buy fertilisers and boost production.

The fourth contribution is job creation, which arises from wealth creation — whether through commercial agriculture, factories, services or ICT.

The NRM presidential flagbearer clarified that jobs do not come from the government as many assume. For those without land or those living in towns, he encouraged the use of skilling centres to acquire skills needed to start income-generating activities.

He promised to expand skilling centres so that more young people can be trained.

Responding to local concerns, Museveni promised to direct the Uganda Wildlife Authority to install an electric fence around the gazetted area to stop wild animals from destroying crops.

On her part, First Lady Janet thanked the people of Mitooma for their massive turnout and support to NRM.

She thanked God for protecting the President and for guiding the NRM, which she said has led Uganda from difficult times to progress. She also called for continued prayers for the country.

Mrs Museveni also appreciated the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, for reconciling NRM candidates after the party primaries, thus helping to maintain party stability, and internal affairs minister Gen. Kahinda Otafiire for offering wise counsel to the youth, noting that many have grown up under the current government and do not know the hardships of the past.

The First Lady further appealed to the people of Mitooma to vote for Museveni and other NRM flagbearers.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa waving the NRM flag as president Museveni looks on. (PPU)

Tayebwa said one of the key gains Mitooma is protecting is the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he said has transformed lives.

He thanked the President for granting Mitooma district status, which has brought services closer to the people. He also requested fertilisers to boost coffee production.

Internal affairs minister Gen. Kahinda Otafiire receiving the NRM flag from president Museveni. (PPU)

Otafiire thanked the President for offering himself again, saying the NRM spent 20 years organising and stabilising Uganda, and the country is now witnessing enormous development from its 40 years in power.

He cautioned the public not to be diverted from supporting the NRM, reminding them that many young people do not know what war means or what Uganda went through.

Mitooma district NRM chairperson, Moses Tumwekwese, promised the President 98% support in the forthcoming elections, attributing this to the development the NRM government has delivered, including PDM funds, youth support programmes and improved road network in the district.