On nostalgic return to Kiryandongo, Museveni hails district's growth

_________________

Back in the day, President Yoweri Museveni encouraged the displaced people he had found in Anaka during the Congo war to settle in Kiryandongo district, forming what is now the busy town of Bweyale.

Once bushy with only a handful of shops, areas such as Bweyale and Katulikire are now bustling with life and business activity.

President Yoweri Museveni welcomed by Kiryandongo leaders during the campaign rally. (PPU)

Museveni, who is seeking to extend his leadership at the helm of Uganda on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, said he was delighted to be back in Kiryandongo.

He had returned to rally the residents to re-elect him at a large campaign gathering at Karagalya grounds.

In his company was his daughter, Natasha Museveni Karugire, and NRM leaders.

Just like at other campaign rallies, Museveni restated the NRM's key contributions to Uganda over the past four decades, including peace and infrastructural development.

Nonetheless, he was keen to acknowledge concerns from locals about the state of the health sector and promised improvements to Kigumba, Kiryandongo, and Panyadoli hospitals. 

The President also expressed disappointment that some parts of Kiryandongo still lack electricity despite hosting major power installations. He directed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to ensure the area fully benefits from electricity distribution.

Regarding wealth creation, he reiterated the importance of the four-acre model introduced in the 1996 Manifesto, urging small landholders to adopt the seven recommended enterprises. Those with larger land can venture into tea, cotton, ranching, and other activities. 

He said programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga are designed to lift citizens out of poverty.

President Yoweri Museveni addressing the NRM supporters in Kiryandongo during the campaign rally. (PPU)

In his delivery, Museveni condemned the illegal deduction of PDM funds, insisting that every beneficiary must receive the full one million shillings. “We shall deal with anyone reducing PDM money. That money is for the poor."

On jobs, he encouraged urban dwellers to utilise skilling hubs offering training in areas such as hairdressing, bakery and welding, noting that the goal is to ensure every Ugandan joins the money economy.

The Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) and Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, thanked the President for hosting refugees in Kiryandongo, saying it demonstrates that Uganda is a safe country.

Premier Nabbanja also praised him for bringing lasting peace, which she said has spurred development in the Bunyoro sub-region.

Kiryandongo district NRM chairperson, Linos Ngopek, described the district as cosmopolitan and united by the peace ushered in by the NRM government, and pledged Kiryandongo's continued support for the party.

While Ngopek was thankful that the Karuma power station is within Kiryandongo, he decried the limited access to electricity in the district, which affects businesses, especially in the busy Bweyale Town Council.

He requested the establishment of a modern market in Bweyale and the upgrade of Kiryandongo Hospital to a highway referral hospital to meet the district’s growing needs.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja rallying the NRM supporters in Kiryandongo. (PPU)

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among rallying the NRM supporters in Kiryandongo. (PPU)