Kabale - President Yoweri Museveni today anchored his campaign message in Kabale on wealth creation and job opportunities as he presented the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto for 2026–2031 to residents of Kabale Municipality.
Addressing a massive rally at Kigezi High School Primary Lower Playground, President Museveni, the NRM Presidential flagbearer, reiterated the core contributions of the NRM, emphasizing that wealth creation and employment remain central to transforming households and sustaining national progress.
He reminded the crowd that peace remains the foundation of all development, noting that his visit to Kisoro had reaffirmed the people’s deep appreciation for stability, especially in light of continued insecurity in neighboring DR Congo.
Turning to wealth creation, the President expressed satisfaction with ongoing efforts by religious leaders in Kigezi who had sought his guidance on resolving internal disagreements.
He said he urged them to learn from successful practitioners of the four-acre model in Fort Portal and Bugangaizi West, and he was pleased that they were now applying the recommended practices.
Museveni stressed that those with small landholdings should embrace intensive farming based on the seven activities of the four-acre model, while those with larger pieces of land should undertake extensive farming such as cotton, tobacco, or free-range livestock.
He cautioned that poverty persists when people with very small land try to practice extensive agriculture, a mismatch that undermines household incomes.
He noted that Uganda’s steadily rising coffee production—now at 12 million bags—shows that more Ugandans are waking up to commercial farming.
On job creation, the President corrected what he called a common misconception among the public.
He clarified that government jobs are only 480,000 and cannot accommodate everyone. He used the example of Mr. Basangwa from Busoga, who initially sought government employment but later embraced commercial agriculture and ended up creating 300 jobs from his enterprises.
Museveni emphasized that meaningful job creation is driven by wealth generation, supported by factories, services, and ICT. He pointed out that new factories alone now employ more than 1.3 million Ugandans.
The President also addressed land fragmentation in Kabale, revealing that government plans to establish an iron and steel factory in the district but needs 150 acres of land.
He said he already has investors willing to build, but land fragmentation has made it difficult to secure space for the industrial town.
He stressed that the planned industrial zone would focus on manufacturing and value addition rather than retail trade.
Museveni also highlighted development as another achievement of the NRM, pointing to improvements in roads, electricity, telecommunications, schools, and hospitals.
He assured residents that outstanding projects will be completed.
Several NRM leaders used the platform to rally support for the President. The Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, the Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), urged Kabale residents to back President Museveni in the 2026 elections, describing him as the country’s only reliable option.
She applauded his commitment to establishing an iron and steel industry in Kabale.
The NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, Asiimwe Jonard, thanked the President for prioritizing youth empowerment, noting that with young people making up 70% of Uganda’s population, they must be supported to enter productive sectors.
Former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda praised President Museveni for securing Uganda’s long-term peace, recalling how he defeated various insurgent groups including Kony, Lakwena, and the ADF.
He said this stability has enabled national growth and investor confidence.
Asinga Bridget Tumwesigye, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Kabale District, thanked the President for maintaining peace and for government investment in roads, seed secondary schools, and the Presidential Skilling Hub in Kigezi, which has equipped thousands of youths with practical skills.