Museveni points to Namayingo’s progress as proof of long-term NRM agenda

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni returned to Namayingo on Wednesday with a message centred on peace, development and the transformation of a region once marked by conflict.

Addressing thousands at Namayingo Primary School Grounds, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer said the improved Musita to Mayuge to Namayingo to Lumino to Busia road symbolised how far Uganda had progressed from its turbulent past.

President Museveni welcomed by government and district officials. (PPU)

President Yoweri Museveni addressing the rally. (PPU)

Reflecting on the liberation struggle, the President told supporters about a confrontation near Musita that had remained vivid in his mind for decades.

“That road was once a battlefield, I remember being stopped by Amin’s soldiers. When they tried to cause trouble, my colleague acted quickly and the whole group fled,” he said, according to a release from the Presidential Press Unit  (PPU).

NRM supporters listening to the president's campaign address. (PPU)

He added that returning to the area to find a smooth road brought him satisfaction, describing it as one of the NRM’s notable achievements.

The President used the rally to emphasise stability as the foundation of development in Namayingo and the wider region.

(PPU)

“This area has seen hard times,” he said, recalling battles with Alice Lakwena in Muterere and FOBA rebels who crossed from Kenya. “Today, all that is history. Whatever you are doing, keep the peace, because it is peace that allows us to build and progress.”

Health service expansion was one of the sectors he highlighted. Out of Namayingo’s 11 sub-counties, eight have HCIIIs and one has a HCIV, leaving only two without a government health facility.

The President commended the district for its progress and said government would close the remaining gaps by upgrading Mutumba HCIII, Sigulu HCIII, Lugala HCII and Mulombi HCII.

Education indicators were also referenced. Namayingo has 84 government primary schools and 129 private primary schools, although 19 of the district’s 50 parishes still lack a government primary school. Seven government secondary schools currently offer USE and UPOLET to 4,958 students.

President Museveni. (PPU)

Turning to wealth creation, President Museveni renewed his appeal for household enterprise development through the Four Acre Model.

“One acre for coffee, one for fruits, one for food crops, and one for pasture and livestock. Even backyard spaces can support poultry, piggery, or fish farming. This model is not just theory; it is the key to transforming households from subsistence to prosperity,” he said.

He later presided over the handover of NRM flags to party candidates contesting various positions in the upcoming elections.

First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Kataaha Museveni, joined him at the rally and urged the community to safeguard Uganda’s stability.

President Museveni and the First Lady and minister of education and sports, Janet Museveni.

“We thank the Lord for a day like this, when we come to remember what the NRM means to Uganda. It is a national organisation that unites all Ugandans to do what is good and to resist what is wrong,” she said.

She also encouraged continued support for the party. “When I see you in such big numbers, I thank God, He has given you the wisdom to hear what the President has for you. Continue supporting the NRM because it is building a strong, united and developed Uganda for families, for children and for all adults,” she noted.

NRM leaders echoed the call for unity. The party's first national vice chairman Al-Haji Moses Kigongo encouraged discipline in political mobilisation.

“Let us be united and not divided for the good of this country. A movement person behaves well, is disciplined, and does not look for cheap popularity,” he said.

First Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, also thanked Namayingo residents for their loyalty to the ruling party.

“Please continue contributing so that the party can deliver more services closer to the people,” she said.

(PPU)

District statistics presented at the event highlighted progress in public investment. Namayingo’s population stands at 266,716 across 306 villages. The district has received sh15.3 billion in government funds, with 99.96 percent reaching 15,409 households under wealth creation programmes. Additionally, 54 Emyooga SACCOS with 2,161 members have benefited from sh1.3 billion.

Access to safe water currently stands at 71 percent, with 218 of 306 villages served. Completed projects include spring protection, 24 boreholes, 105 rehabilitated water sources and piped systems in Namayingo Town Council, Sigulu and Bumalenge.

Energy access continues to expand, with seven sub-counties connected to the national grid and more scheduled for connection in the coming term. Modern farming is receiving a boost through new solar-powered irrigation schemes in Dohwe and Mulwanda.