NRM lists plans for Masaka

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday held scientific campaigns in Greater Masaka on his third day of campaigns in central Uganda.

Greater Masaka comprises of nine districts, namely: Bukomansimbi, Kalangala, Kalungu, Kyotera, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Masaka, Rakai and Sembabule.

His campaign in the region comes against a backdrop of socio-economic changes, including an expansion of tarmac road network, agriculture, education and access to health services.

Roads

A number of roads have been tarmacked in the region in recent years, including Kanoni-Sembabule and Sembabule-Villa Maria (110km) and Masaka-Bukakata Road (41km). 

The procurement process for several other roads is underway, including for Lusalira-Nkonge-Lumegere and Lumegere-Ssembabule. Other roads earmarked for upgrade include: Ntusi-Lyantonde-Rakai (105km), Luku-Kalangala-Mulabana (66 Km), Kalangala-Lutoboka (3.5km) and Kalangala town roads (7.5km), among others.

Education

A total of 604,957 pupils are enrolled in 2,335 primary schools in the region and of all the nine districts, only Lyantonde has parishes (four) without a primary school.

At least 118,953 students are enrolled in 160 secondary schools in the region and out of 73 sub-counties, only 10 do not have government secondary schools in the area

Access to safe water has also been expanded with the construction of 527 water collection points in the nine districts, benefitting 158,100 people in the region.

Similarly, seven solar-powered piped water supply systems are being developed in Greater Masaka region with the capacity to serve an average of 1,500 people.

Installation of 5,000 additional connections through piped water extensions over the next five years is underway in several operation areas to serve over 30,000 people.

Electricity

At least 76 sub-counties in the region have been connected to power in recent years and connections are currently underway in 14 sub-counties across the nine districts.

To improve agriculture, the Uganda Development Corporation is exploring the possibility of partnering with KIKA Global Outreach Company Limited to set up a coffee processing facility in Lyantonde and partnership with the NAADS to establish a fruit processing facility in Masaka.

Since 2015, a total of 1,225 projects worth sh9b have been funded under the Youth Livelihood Programme in Masaka region, benefiting 13,989 youth.

Similarly, a total of 605 projects worth sh3.5b have been financed in the sub-region under the Women Empowerment Fund, benefiting 7,417 women.