President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, has officially launched his 2025 campaign trail in the Bukedi Sub-region with a vibrant rally at Kameke Primary School playgrounds in Pallisa District.
The launch marked the beginning of an intensive regional campaign focusing on wealth creation, job opportunities, environmental restoration, and infrastructure development—pillars that the NRM government continues to prioritize under its Vision 2040 framework.
Addressing thousands of enthusiastic supporters, President Museveni unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform wetland rice farming into organized and profitable fish farming enterprises.
He explained that many residents of Pallisa and neighboring districts have been cultivating rice in wetlands, a practice that has not only undermined environmental conservation efforts but also led to diminishing soil productivity and recurrent flooding.
Museveni said the government will now support affected farmers to establish standard fish ponds as a sustainable and income-generating alternative that also helps restore the degraded ecosystems.
He cited the Limoto Wetland Fishing Scheme in Pallisa District as a successful local model demonstrating the viability of aquaculture as both an economic and conservation initiative.
“Government will assist rice growers in wetlands to convert into fish farmers through construction of standard ponds and provision of technical support,” the President said, emphasizing that the approach will preserve wetlands while creating employment.
Turning to industrialization, President Museveni urged local leaders to identify and allocate more land for the establishment of the Bukedi Industrial Park, building on the 100 acres already secured.
He noted that industrialization, combined with commercial agriculture, ICT, and the service sector, forms the backbone of Uganda’s long-term strategy for job creation and economic transformation.
Museveni pointed to examples of Ugandans who have prospered through these sectors, including Joseph Ijara and Minister Fred Byamukama, saying their success stories exemplify how government initiatives can uplift communities when fully embraced.
The President also addressed concerns about the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he described as a cornerstone of rural economic empowerment.
He issued a stern warning to Parish Chiefs and other local officials who mishandle or unfairly distribute PDM funds, saying that any individual found violating the operational guidelines will face arrest and prosecution.
Museveni reiterated the official PDM allocation formula—30% for youth, 30% for women, and 10% for persons with disabilities—and called for transparency, community monitoring, and accountability at every stage of the program.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding social infrastructure in Pallisa District, announcing plans to upgrade health centers and expand the education network to complement the existing 76 primary and 9 secondary schools.
The President revealed that new initiatives were underway to enhance water supply systems and rehabilitate feeder roads to boost agricultural productivity and market access.
He cautioned the Ministry of Works and district authorities against neglecting road maintenance, reminding them that government provides one billion shillings annually for that purpose.
Museveni reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to free universal education, stressing that it remains a central pillar of Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation.
He particularly highlighted the impact of Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs, which are equipping young Ugandans with practical skills for self-reliance and job creation.
“Education and skills development are the foundation of modern economic growth. Parents and communities must support these programs because they are key to ending poverty,” he emphasized.
The President further reflected on the NRM government’s major achievements, including restoring peace and security, sustaining economic growth, expanding healthcare access, and strengthening education at all levels.
Other leaders who addressed the gathering included the NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, and the Pallisa District NRM Chairperson and Gogonyo County MP, Hon. Derrick Orone, who presented the district’s development status report.
Museveni’s launch of the Bukedi Sub-region campaign reaffirmed his government’s focus on transforming rural livelihoods through innovation, industrialization, and community-centered development—key themes that continue to define the NRM’s national agenda.
