Kasese, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni has urged residents of Kasese District to prioritise commercial agriculture, tourism and manufacturing as the main drivers of wealth creation and job growth, saying peace and stability have created a strong foundation for development.
Campaigning in Bukonzo East on Monday, Museveni told supporters that Kasese’s history, having experienced both insecurity and peace, and its proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo, makes its people well aware of the value of stability.
The President said Uganda’s improved security situation is a result of clear politics and the rejection of divisive, identity-based leadership, which he blamed for past instability. He assured residents that although the Allied Democratic Forces remain in eastern DRC, they no longer pose a threat to Uganda.
Museveni cited infrastructure development as a key achievement of the National Resistance Movement government, pointing to improved road networks, schools, health centres, electricity access and communication systems.
“Some areas like Kasese never had electricity before. Today, power is here. That is progress,” Museveni said.
He challenged residents to confront household poverty by engaging in productive economic activities, particularly commercial farming. Museveni emphasised the need for irrigation in Kasese to boost agricultural output, noting that national production of coffee, bananas, sugar and maize has increased significantly, though some households are yet to benefit.
On employment, Museveni said government should not be the largest employer, arguing that sustainable jobs are created through wealth-producing sectors. “Jobs come from wealth creation. Commercial agriculture alone can employ many people,” he said, citing an example of a farmer in Busoga who has created more than 300 jobs through farming.
The President also highlighted manufacturing and tourism as critical growth sectors, welcoming calls by local leaders for the establishment of an industrial park in Kasese. He noted that tourism globally earns more revenue than coffee and said the Rwenzori region holds enormous untapped potential.
“The future of Kasese lies in commercial agriculture, tourism and manufacturing,” Museveni said, urging voters to back the NRM in the January 15, 2026 elections to consolidate development gains.
Earlier, NRM Vice Chairperson for the Western Region, Eng Jonard Asiimwe, thanked residents for turning up in large numbers and congratulated the President on his nationwide campaign.
Asiimwe reminded Museveni about the proposed Kasese industrial park and invited him to return to the district to lay a memorial stone at Katebwa.
Museveni concluded by pledging continued government support to Kasese, including additional road maintenance equipment and funding, citing the district’s vast size and growing economic activity.
He also encouraged defectors from opposition parties to join parish SACCOs under the Parish Development Model, assuring residents that government funding would be increased. “We are going to increase PDM funding from Shs100 million to between Shs200 million and Shs300 million,” Museveni said.
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