As the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer, Yoweri Museveni, begins his campaign trail in the Busoga Sub-region ahead of the 2026 General Election, voters in Bugiri District have asked him to honour his 2021 pledges.

During his visit to Bugiri District on Saturday, residents appealed to Mr Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, to fulfil the pledges he made during his 2021 campaign trail. They included the construction of Bugiri Central Market and the Bugiri–Namutumba road.

They also asked his government to facilitate the development of cultural sites in Bukooli Chiefdom to boost tourism, create youth employment, and increase local revenue, among others.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli Woman MP, Ms Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, stressed that the absence of an industrial park in the area remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the Busoga Sub-region.
She said establishing such a facility would significantly boost economic growth by attracting investors, creating industries, and generating thousands of employment opportunities for the youth.

According to Ms Kadaga, an industrial park would not only help contain the rising unemployment levels but also play a major role in the fight against poverty, which continues to affect many households in the Sub-region.
Ms Kadaga further appealed for the expansion of Busoga University, arguing that strengthening the institution would improve access to higher education and produce skilled graduates ready to contribute to regional development.

She also urged NRM members to embrace unity, forgive past disagreements, and work together for the progress of both the party and the entire Busoga community.

President Museveni, however, stressed that relying on the government to directly create jobs is a “colonial idea,” arguing that sustainable employment is generated through strengthened agriculture and other productive ventures.

He emphasised that when households invest in modern farming and engage in income-generating activities, they not only uplift themselves but also create opportunities for others within their communities.

The President called on residents to fully embrace and support government programmes designed to boost productivity, especially now that Uganda’s population has grown to about 50 million people, increasing the need for expanded economic opportunities.

Mr Museveni, 81, also revealed government plans to extend piped water from Lake Victoria to Bugiri District in order to curb persistent water shortages, particularly in areas located near the lake shores.

He further noted that the peace and infrastructure the country enjoys today, including roads, electricity, and a communication network, are the result of strong leadership and a clear guiding ideology that has shaped national development over the years.

The national vice-chairperson of the NRM party, Mr Moses Kigongo, urged party members to vote in big numbers.

"We know that NRM has support in Busoga, but let us mobilise each other as party members to maintain this support,’’ Mr Kigongo said.

Mr Kigongo urged people of Busoga to vote for all the NRM party flag bearers to ensure their pledges are fulfilled.

The Bishop of East Busoga Diocese, Rt Rev Paul Hanington Suubi, urged Ugandans to maintain peace in the country during this campaign period and on Election Day.

The Bishop also appealed to the government for financial support towards the construction of the East Busoga Cathedral.

"Mr President, as the East Busoga Diocese, we are still young, and we need some financial support to develop this diocese because we are just two years old," the Bishop said.

Mr Museveni is expected to end his tour in the Busoga Sub-region in Jinja City on November 21.