President Yoweri Museveni’s recent visit to Busoga has injected fresh political energy into the region, solidifying the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) foothold as the 2026 general elections draw near.
During his stay, the President engaged in strategic meetings with sugarcane outgrowers, the fishing community, and Muslim leaders, leading to resolutions that promise tangible development for the sub-region.
David Kenyi, a renowned NRM mobilizer popularly known as Cadre David, has called on the people of Busoga to rally behind both elected and appointed leaders to ensure that the party’s manifesto is implemented successfully.
“…there is no way the opposition should make inroads in this region, which has been a political bedrock for NRM and President Yoweri Museveni,” Cadre David Kenyi stated from Jinja City.
He hailed the exceptional efforts of key NRM figures in Busoga, such as Hajji Faruk Kirunda, Minister for the Presidency Hon Milly Babirye Babalanda, and Jinja Resident City Commissioner Richard Gulume for their tireless mobilization.
“…these leaders have been instrumental in driving NRM’s agenda in Busoga, and we must support them to achieve our goals…,” Cadre David said.
Speaking with passion, Kenyi described Hajji Kirunda and Hon Babalanda as dynamic leaders whose service has directly improved the lives of the people.
He praised Hajji Kirunda’s unique leadership style, noting his openness to the community and his commitment to addressing people’s real challenges.
“…he is a true champion of the NRM’s principles and pillars and his dedication to the party’s ideology is unwavering, plus his approachability and willingness to engage with people have earned him immense respect and admiration in Busoga…” Kenyi commended.
Similarly, Kenyi lauded Hon Babalanda for her consistent people-first approach, citing her efforts in improving infrastructure, boosting economic opportunities, and ensuring inclusive development in the region.
“…I want to commend Hon Babalanda for her people-centric approach which has made her a beloved figure not only in Busoga but the whole country…,” Kenyi remarked.
Both leaders, he said, deeply understand the NRM’s core principles and have been at the forefront of championing party programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and other wealth creation initiatives.
During his Busoga tour, President Museveni announced plans to acquire the Mayuge sugar factory owned by businessman Magan Patel, a move aimed at empowering sugarcane farmers who have long decried exploitation by private millers.
This acquisition, the President noted, will boost the local economy, create jobs, and ensure fairer returns for farmers.
Nicknamed the “Old Man with a Hat,” Museveni also shared his expertise on sustainable farming practices and wealth creation, stressing that household incomes must be prioritized to transform lives.
The President’s talks with the fishing community addressed key issues such as the protection of fish breeding grounds to maintain healthy populations and safeguard Uganda’s position in the global fish market.
He pledged to introduce legislation criminalizing the importation and use of illegal fishing nets, which have caused severe damage to aquatic ecosystems.
Museveni also outlined plans to improve enforcement against illegal fishing through radar systems—already installed on Lake Albert and soon to be deployed on Lake Victoria and other major water bodies.
Recognizing the unique needs of fishing communities, the President announced the creation of a separate development fund tailored to them, beyond the existing PDM allocations.
He urged greater involvement of indigenous leaders in lake management, suggesting that local elders should guide fishing activities and safeguard the waters.
In his message to NRM leaders, Museveni warned against factionalism, urging adherence to principle-based politics over self-serving interests.
He stressed unity as essential for the party’s stability and Uganda’s progress, reminding citizens to engage in wealth creation across agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT.
Busoga’s historical loyalty to the NRM has been a cornerstone of past victories, although the 2021 elections saw emerging competition from the National Unity Platform (NUP).
With 2026 approaching, the President’s visit signaled a renewed commitment to securing Busoga’s political support while driving socio-economic growth.
As Cadre David Kenyi put it, Busoga remains “a political bedrock for NRM,” and unity will be key to retaining that status.
With the President’s guidance and the party’s momentum, optimism is high that Busoga will continue to thrive both politically and economically in the years ahead.
