President Yoweri Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, has pledged major developments for Buvuma Island, including the creation of a second parliamentary constituency to improve representation for the district.

The commitments were made during his campaign rally on the island on Saturday, where he tackled key concerns in infrastructure, health, education, and wealth creation.

Recognizing the district’s population growth to 110,000 residents, Museveni supported the establishment of an additional constituency. “It’s true that Buvuma should get a second constituency because one MP is not sufficient for the entire district,” he stated, highlighting the need for stronger political voice.

On economic growth, the President emphasized palm oil cultivation and processing as central to the island’s prosperity. He encouraged residents to persist with palm oil farming and assured them that the government would address ongoing challenges in the sector.

“Once the palm oil processing mill is set up, it will create jobs for the youth,” Museveni said, pointing out that a local mill would eliminate the costly transportation of palm oil to Kalangala for processing.

He also tackled delays in land compensation for bibanja holders who surrendered land for palm oil projects. “The funds are available, and what remains is to agree on how to compensate the landowners,” he reassured attendees, promising a swift resolution.

Turning to fishing—a cornerstone of the island’s economy—Museveni highlighted problems such as overfishing and the destruction of breeding grounds. “We shall put up fish ponds to offer alternative livelihoods,” he announced, while urging the community to safeguard breeding areas for tilapia and other species.

He stressed the need for tough action against those damaging these sites to ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability.

Museveni reaffirmed plans to close infrastructure gaps, including tarmac roads, solar-powered water systems, and eventual connection to the national electricity grid through a marine cable from Kalangala.

“We are going to connect this island to the national electricity grid through a marine cable from Kalangala,” he declared. “We will also begin with solar power for trading centres and mini-grids, which will be up and running within six months.”

The grid connection will proceed in two phases: the first providing solar power and mini-grids to smaller islands, and the second delivering a marine cable from Mayuge to Buvuma’s main areas within the next year.

Additionally, the President promised to upgrade existing health centres to district hospital status and build at least two boarding schools to support children of fishing families. His broader vision centres on transforming Buvuma’s economy through palm oil, sustainable fishing, and agriculture, while encouraging diversification into coffee, fruits, and tourism—taking cues from Kalangala’s success.

First Lady Janet Museveni, who joined the President, thanked Buvuma residents for their support and urged them to vote for the NRM.

“We must not assume victory because of the large rallies. We need to show up and vote when the time comes,” she said.

Haruna Kasolo, NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda, expressed residents’ gratitude for the President’s visit and focus on their needs. He highlighted appreciation for new marine boats and reiterated the urgency of resolving land compensation to enable the palm oil mill.

“The landowners need to be compensated so that the investor can set up the processing mill here. At the moment, people are transporting palm oil to Kalangala, which is costly and inefficient,” Kasolo noted.

Residents also hope the contractor behind Kalangala’s power extension will handle Buvuma’s marine cable project to secure reliable electricity.With these pledges on infrastructure, jobs, and economic initiatives, Buvuma stands on the brink of substantial progress toward a prosperous, self-reliant future.