President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in the Bugisu sub-region to remain firm, reject what he described as misinformation from opposition politicians, and instead champion Uganda’s strategic direction of wealth creation, industrialization, and value addition.
Addressing 17,725 NRM leaders at Mbale Secondary School grounds on Sunday, November 16, 2025, the NRM National Chairman urged leaders not to be swayed by political rhetoric but to stay focused on the national development agenda anchored in long-term economic transformation.
Opposition “Distortions” and National Priorities
President Museveni accused the opposition of deliberately misleading the population and misunderstanding Uganda’s planning and budget priorities. He said some political actors push for salary and allowance increments while ignoring strategic investments such as power generation, industrial parks, and critical road infrastructure that create long-term jobs and expand the tax base.
“NRM has no problem. Our analysis is correct, and our strategy is correct. That’s why we were able to defeat all these groups, even in the war when we started with only 27 people,” he said.
The President cited debates around the Mbale–Namagumba–Bududa–Nalugugu road, noting that while such projects are important, national planning must balance regional demands with broader national interests.
He sharply criticized former and current opposition leaders who served in Parliament but allegedly focused on personal benefits instead of national development.
“They had the chance to plan for the country but chose salaries and allowances. They cannot now pretend to be the ones demanding for roads,” he said, urging NRM leaders to carefully scrutinize opposition messaging.
Uganda’s Economic Performance: “One of the Fastest-Growing”
President Museveni cited Uganda’s 7% GDP growth rate, with projections of surpassing 10% after oil production begins, as evidence of sustained economic progress. He highlighted the explosion of manufacturing activity across major industrial zones, crediting the government’s long-term investments in electrification and industrial infrastructure.
Key industrial achievements highlighted include:
- Sino-Mbale Industrial Park: 75 factories, 12,000 jobs
- Namanve Industrial Park: 273 factories, 44,000 jobs
- Kapeeka Industrial Zone: Fully operational export and industrial hub
- Mukono and Matugga clusters: Rapidly expanding manufacturing zones
- Matugga: Now home to one of the largest pharmaceutical plants globally
- Kiira Motors, Jinja: Assembling buses and vehicles, marking Uganda’s entry into automotive manufacturing
He reinforced that such industrial growth is only possible because of reliable electricity generated from major projects like the Karuma Hydropower Dam, which contributes 640MW to the national grid.
Value Addition: “Stop Exporting Raw Materials”
Revisiting Point 5 of the NRM Ten-Point Programme, the President emphasized that Uganda must end the export of raw materials especially coffee, if it is to unlock real wealth for farmers.
He explained that while global coffee earnings stand at USD 460 billion, Africa earns only USD 2.5 billion because it exports unprocessed beans. He stressed that processed coffee could raise farmer incomes from USD 4.5/kg to USD 22–40/kg, depending on the product.
“Once you all listen to our message, Uganda is so rich that we would be helping other countries, not the other way around,” he said.
Anti-Corruption and Strengthening Local Governance
The President reaffirmed the importance of the Local Council system, originally introduced to counter colonial-era corruption. He urged LC leaders to remain vigilant in supervising government programmes at the grassroots.
Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, thanked the President for elevating LC1 chairpersons now earning UGX 100,000 and described them as “presidents of their villages.” She urged leaders to consolidate NRM support in villages, where the majority of votes lie.
NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, reminded leaders of their role as “social doctors” responsible for diagnosing and addressing community challenges. He urged effective use of party structures to mobilize for the 2026 elections.
Museveni Pledges Revolving Fund for Mbale State Lodge Neighbours
Later, in a separate meeting with residents living around Mbale State Lodge in Busamaga Parish, President Museveni pledged to establish a dedicated revolving fund to support household enterprises. The facility will operate through a structured SACCO system and complement the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The President explained that Busamaga Parish has about 1,000 homesteads, and the current PDM allocation of UGX 100 million annually means 800 families would be reached within five years. The revolving fund, he said, will ensure all households eventually benefit.
“This is free money meant to rotate. If you take UGX 1 million, you pay back UGX 1.2 million in two years so another family can benefit,” he said, cautioning against mismanagement, especially seen in some Kampala SACCOs.
He outlined three immediate forms of support:
- Improvement of local roads
- Individual enterprise financing
- Group-owned assets such as taxis, tents, PA systems, and dairy cattle
President Museveni instructed the State House Comptroller to verify genuine members and prepare for disbursement of the seed capital.
Mr. Musoba Stephen, speaking for the Mbale State Lodge Neighbours Association, thanked the President for supporting youth enterprise and requested additional assistance for productive assets and improved road conditions.
Bugisu Leaders Reaffirm Support
Regional, district, parish, and village NRM leaders reaffirmed their support for President Museveni and the NRM government, with Eastern Region Vice Chairperson Hon. Calvin Echodu assuring the President that Bugisu remains “mobilized, ready, and firmly behind you.”
