Rukungiri - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM Presidential flag bearer, has reaffirmed that the party remains the only political force with a proven record of moving Uganda from instability to peace and development.
At the beginning of his address, he outlined the NRM government’s development philosophy, explaining that national spending is guided by clear prioritization—starting with security, then investing in roads, electricity, schools, and health facilities.
He also announced a major intervention for the region: a new irrigation scheme capable of lifting water uphill, intended to support year-round farming in Kigezi’s difficult terrain and to help households escape seasonal poverty.
Addressing thousands of supporters in Rukungiri, the President said the people of Kigezi understand the value of security more than most, recalling how communities in areas such as Kanungu–Kihihi once lived under fear due to insecurity spilling over from the DR Congo border. He emphasized that peace is the foundation of all national progress, saying, “We are a tested force. We have walked Uganda through every challenge and delivered stability.”
President Museveni highlighted completed road projects such as the Ntungamo–Rukungiri–Kihihi–Ishasha–Kanungu Road and announced new works including the Muhanga–Kisiizi–Rwamucucu–Kebisoni Road and the Kabwohe–Kitagata–Kabira–Rukungiri Road.
He stressed that the NRM invests steadily and realistically within available resources, remarking, “NRM prioritises what matters. We don’t lie, and we don’t promise miracles—we are not Jesus.” He praised significant gains in rural electrification, noting that districts once without power—Bushenyi, Rwashamaire, Rukungiri, Kabale, and Kisoro—are now fully connected, and said the government is working to ensure every sub-county is electrified.
While celebrating regional development, he reminded residents that prosperity ultimately begins at the household level. He encouraged families to engage actively in wealth creation through government programmes such as Entandikwa, NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation, Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM). He noted that government jobs are limited—only 480,000 for a population of 50 million—while industrial parks already employ 1.3 million Ugandans, demonstrating the need for households to focus on income-generating enterprises.
During the event, the President handed over NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, district leaders, councillors, and other party candidates in Rukungiri, and welcomed new converts from the opposition, including long-time FDC supporters.
Minister of Security and Rukungiri District NRM Chairman, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, presented detailed achievements recorded in the district and municipality. He reported that the Parish Development Model has disbursed Shs 23.20 billion to 23,611 households in the district and Shs 4.93 billion to 4,951 households in the municipality.
The district has 54 Emyooga SACCOs with 22,334 members supported with Shs 2.56 billion. Education infrastructure continues to grow, with 178 government primary schools, 30 government secondary schools—most offering USE and UPOLET—and two new Seed Secondary Schools under construction. Health services include 4 HCIVs and 13 HCIIIs, with plans to upgrade Rwerere HCII and strengthen essential health interventions.
Safe water access has reached 85%, supported by numerous piped water systems, borehole rehabilitations, and ongoing expansions. Irrigation initiatives such as the Garuka Solar Irrigation Scheme (15 acres) and the Rwengyero Scheme (6 acres) have significantly boosted crop yields and household incomes. Gen. Muhwezi also noted that the entire district is now connected to the national electricity grid.
The rally was attended by NRM CEC members, Members of Parliament, cultural and religious leaders, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters.