Museveni Ends Rwenzori–Tooro Trail, Rallies Citizens on Wealth Creation

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer, has wrapped up his campaign rallies in the Rwenzori and Tooro sub-regions with a major address in Kyenjojo District.
He expressed satisfaction with the strong turnout and reaffirmed the NRM’s commitment to peace, wealth creation and accountable leadership.

“I am glad to have concluded my campaign rallies in both the Rwenzori and Tooro sub-regions here in Kyenjojo today. I thank you for the massive support,” President Museveni said while addressing thousands at Katoosa Primary School playground.
He was accompanied by the First Daughter, Mrs. Natasha Karugire Museveni.

Focusing on wealth creation, the President drew from historical accounts to emphasize that Uganda has always been a wealthy nation, even before modern infrastructure.
He cited explorer Henry Morton Stanley, who passed through parts of Bunyoro-Kitara during the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition (1887–1889) and described the region’s abundant wealth despite the absence of electricity and tarmacked roads.

“He wrote that this country was rich at a time when there was no electricity and no tarmac roads. The wealth was already here,” President Museveni said, adding that these early observations reinforce the NRM’s push for household-based wealth creation.

He also referenced Stanley’s 1889 reflections on vast banana plantations whose shade “covered a multitude of huts,” noting the depiction echoed Uganda and Buganda in particular.

The President reminded residents that lasting peace remains central to development, especially in areas bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has struggled with prolonged insecurity.

“The parents of these young people know the history. They witnessed insecurity here and in the neighbouring Congo. For the last 40 years, the NRM has maintained peace, and you can see the difference,” he said, urging continued public support.

President Museveni highlighted major infrastructure developments in the region, including the Karuma–Masindi–Hoima–Kagadi–Kyenjojo road corridor.
He said ongoing works include the 68-kilometre Kyenjojo (Kihura)–Bwizi–Rwamwanja–Kahunge road and the Mpara–Bwizi road, and announced that construction on the Fort Portal–Kijura road is soon beginning.

“If you were to give marks at this point, you should give us about eight out of ten,” he remarked.

He acknowledged delays on the Mubende–Fort Portal road, attributing them to poor planning and lack of prioritisation, but said rehabilitation is now underway.

“We must always begin with basics like roads and electricity. Even God took six days to create the world,” he said.

The President said the government allocates about Shs1.2 billion annually for murram road maintenance but stressed that the funds must be properly managed.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the Parish Development Model (PDM), President Museveni warned against mismanagement of the funds.

“The PDM funds are for uplifting the poor. Anyone who diverts or mismanages this money will be held accountable,” he said.

He emphasised that PDM is critical to transitioning households from subsistence to the money economy and reminded communities that parish SACCO leaders are elected by local adults.

“If the SACCO committee is not performing well, call a general meeting and remove them,” he advised.

He also noted that widespread access to mobile phones is itself an indicator of development.
“Today, almost everyone has a phone in their pocket. That is progress,” he said.

The President later handed over NRM flags to district party candidates, including aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors and other leaders.

Ms. Cedon Kokugonza, a beneficiary of the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Kyenjojo, shared her success story.
She said she dropped out in Senior Two before joining the hub for hairdressing training, offered with free accommodation, food and instruction.

After graduation, she secured a job, earned Shs400,000, added support from her parents and raised Shs500,000 to start her own salon. She now employs three people and keeps poultry.

“My life changed forever,” she said.

Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, praised President Museveni for advancing infrastructure and service delivery.
She thanked the people of Kyenjojo for their warm reception and acknowledged the presence of religious and local leaders.

She commended government efforts on regional road upgrades and welcomed the inclusion of the Kyenjojo–Kyakatwire–Kamwenge road in the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), calling it a key milestone after years of advocacy.

On health, Rt. Hon. Among raised concerns about congestion at Kyenjojo General Hospital and appealed for support to acquire additional land for its expansion into a modern facility.
She also requested increased funding for road maintenance, noting Kyenjojo’s extensive network, comparable to Fort Portal and Kasese.

NRM Kyenjojo District Chairperson, Mr. Edward Nkonge Rwamwaro, credited President Museveni for sustaining peace, unity and steady socio-economic growth.
He said 40 years of stability have enabled residents to invest, work and plan for the future.

He cited successful wealth creation initiatives including the PDM and Emyooga programmes.
Kyenjojo has so far received Shs51.6 billion under PDM, benefiting 51,799 households — 39.5% of all households.
Under Emyooga, the district has 54 SACCOs with 25,336 members, which have received Shs2.76 billion to boost small businesses.

Mr. Rwamwaro also highlighted progress in infrastructure, agriculture, education, health and water access:

• Coffee value-addition equipment supplied
• Community access roads expanded
• 128 government primary schools with nearly 79,000 pupils
• 11 government secondary schools offering USE
• Three seed secondary schools under construction
• A district hospital, HC IV and several HC IIIs, with more planned
• Expanded safe water access via boreholes and piped systems
• Continued electricity rollout, with optimism that remaining sub-counties will be connected

“All these achievements show what peace, unity and focused leadership can deliver. As Kyenjojo, we remain grateful and committed to supporting programmes that uplift our people,” he said.

The event attracted NRM Central Executive Committee members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders and thousands of supporters.