President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the people of Bugisu Sub-region to convert government-led development projects into personal prosperity, saying the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has fulfilled its promise of infrastructure and stability — and it is now the citizens’ turn to drive household wealth creation.
Addressing a grand rally in Mbale City on Monday to close his campaign tour of Bugisu, the President said the NRM’s four-decade legacy in the region is reflected in the roads, electricity, schools, and agricultural programs that have transformed livelihoods. He challenged residents to use these achievements as a foundation for economic self-sufficiency.
“Development is ours, but wealth is yours,” President Museveni said. “We have built the infrastructure, but each family must now use it to create wealth.”
The President emphasized that peace and stability remain the backbone of Uganda’s progress. He credited the NRM’s anti-sectarian approach for uniting the country and creating an environment in which development could flourish.
“The NRM brought peace to Uganda because of the way we look at things,” he said. “We don’t believe in sectarianism—religion, tribe, or gender. Because of that, we have been able to build a strong party and create stability in our politics.”
Museveni noted that Bugisu’s transformation has been powered by massive investments in infrastructure. Key road projects such as the Mbale–Soroti, Mbale–Budaka, and Mbale–Bubulo–Bugobero roads have boosted trade, while work has begun on the Mbale–Magale–Namisindwa road and others are in the pipeline.
“The improved road network has boosted trade between Mbale, Tororo, Budaka and neighbouring districts,” he said. “It has made it easier for our farmers to take coffee, bananas and other produce to markets.”
Rehabilitation of the Tororo–Mbale–Gulu–Pakwach railway line, he added, will further reduce transport costs and open new trade routes.
Electricity and water access have also expanded rapidly. “Rural electrification projects have reached most trading centres, supporting small-scale industries,” the President said. He added that 79 percent of villages in Mbale District now have access to safe water, with plans to cover the rest.
Museveni highlighted new investments in irrigation under the Namatala and Nakusi Solar-Powered Irrigation Schemes and the Wabukhasa Valley Tank, saying these projects are transforming subsistence farmers into commercial producers.
“We are investing in irrigation because we must stop depending only on rain-fed agriculture,” he said. “Using the mountains and valleys properly will increase productivity and prevent disasters like mudslides.”
In education, the President said the NRM’s focus on access has paid off — Mbale now has 21 government secondary schools compared to just a few before 1986. A regional skilling hub is also being established to equip young people with practical trades.
“In these skilling hubs, I train young people for just six months and they become useful to society,” Museveni said. “They produce goods we used to import from Italy and China.”
He also outlined how wealth creation initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga are empowering households to enter the money economy. “Each parish will receive an additional Shs15 million to strengthen local enterprises,” he said, noting that special funds are being set up for religious institutions, graduates, and ghetto youth.
Museveni said the ongoing expansion of the Mbale Industrial Park demonstrates the NRM’s commitment to industrialization and job creation. But he warned that these gains depend on safeguarding peace.
“Nobody can disturb our peace. Anybody who tries will be dealt with,” he cautioned. “We must protect the gains we have made and move into the future with confidence.”
The President called on the people of Bugisu to reject divisive politics and remain united behind the NRM’s development agenda. “Discipline, hard work, and unity are key to sustained transformation,” he said.
NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, Mr. Calvin Echodu, commended the President for his consistency in driving Bugisu’s progress and urged residents to stay focused on unity and development.
Mbale District NRM Chairperson, Mr. Moses Wambogo, echoed the message, praising the infrastructure investments that have opened up new opportunities for farmers and traders.
“Mbale is on the move because of NRM’s deliberate investment,” Wambogo said. “We must now use what we have to create wealth.”
