President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced a series of major development projects for Kamwenge and Kyegegwa districts, including a new UPDF barracks, industrial parks, upgraded road networks, and expanded education and health facilities, as he campaigned in the two areas.
Addressing thousands of supporters at Kyabenda Primary School in Kamwenge, the NRM presidential flag bearer revealed that a UPDF battalion and permanent barracks will soon be established in the district to strengthen security in a region that once faced ADF rebel threats.
He praised the strong turnout and assured residents that government will continue safeguarding peace, describing it as the bedrock of social and economic transformation.
Museveni explained that after restoring stability, government shifted its focus to fighting poverty by promoting commercial agriculture and agro-industrialisation. He applauded farmers who have embraced coffee, fruits and bananas instead of low-return subsistence crops, calling this the “Ekibaaro” model that helps small landholders enter the money economy.
The President also announced plans to acquire land for an industrial park in Kamwenge, set up a presidential slaughter hub for livestock farmers, and establish new SACCOs and seed nurseries across constituencies.
In Kyegegwa, Museveni revealed that 10 square miles of land in Kyaka have been secured for a large industrial park, where an avocado processing factory is among the developments slated. He emphasised that factories already employ more than 1.3 million Ugandans and are crucial for job creation, value addition and raising household incomes.
On infrastructure, Museveni detailed ongoing and upcoming road projects such as the Lyantonde–Ibanda–Kamwenge–Fort Portal corridor, the Kyenjojo–Kihura road, and upgrades around Rwimi. He confirmed construction plans for the Kazo–Kabogore–Kyegegwa–Kapuyo road and noted that all sub-counties in Kyegegwa are now connected to the national electricity grid.
While acknowledging severe water shortages in Kyegegwa, he pledged to extend water from River Muzizi to underserved villages. He also encouraged preservation of wetlands as the government intensifies irrigation—its “new battle”—to enhance agricultural productivity.
On education, Museveni admitted there are gaps in the free education system but said government is expanding skilling hubs to empower youth with practical abilities. He cited Racheal Natukunda, a skilling graduate who now runs a successful salon with support from microfinance services. He confirmed that new seed secondary schools are being built to widen access to public education.
Responding to local appeals on health, Museveni promised upgrades and new health facilities, including plans to elevate Kamwenge Health Centre III to Health Centre IV and deploy additional medical workers.
Kamwenge NRM Chairperson and Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze said the district’s development is driven by improved security and targeted government programs. He noted that farmers have rapidly shifted from maize to coffee, while over Ugx 19 billion under the Parish Development Model has reached 18,000 households. He added that 36 SACCOs have been strengthened under Emyooga.
In Kyegegwa, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and other leaders pledged full backing for Museveni’s agenda, commending progress in infrastructure, electrification and social services.
Museveni also handed NRM flags to the party’s parliamentary, district and local council aspirants, marking their official endorsement for the forthcoming elections. He unveiled the NRM 2026–2031 manifesto, which focuses on peace, infrastructure expansion, wealth creation and industrialisation. He also cautioned leaders against mismanaging Parish Development Model funds.
Closing his address, the President reaffirmed government’s commitment to sustaining peace, improving infrastructure, empowering youth and boosting household incomes to drive inclusive growth in western Uganda.