In preparation for President Yoweri Museveni’s visit to the Busoga subregion, regional leaders, led by the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, gathered to discuss the region’s concerns and development needs.
Members of Parliament, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), district chairpersons, law enforcement agencies, and ministers met at Jinja City Hall on Thursday, January 16, 2025, to urge the long-serving president to fulfill the numerous pledges he has made to the region.
These leaders pointed out that several promises made by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government remain unfulfilled. “If these commitments are implemented, they would significantly improve the socio-economic well-being of the people of Busoga,” said Hon. Isabirye David Aga, the Jinja North legislator.
According to Hon. Isabirye, in 2001, while in Kamuli District, President Museveni pledged that the government would upgrade the Ambercourt – Mbulamuti – Bukungu Road from a murram to a tarmac road. However, more than 20 years later, this promise remains unfulfilled.
He emphasized that, “This road is vital for the transportation of goods and services, yet its poor state continues to hinder trade and mobility.”
The leaders also expressed frustration over the unfulfilled Jinja-Kampala Expressway project, which was pledged more than a decade ago. This infrastructure is critical for enhancing connectivity between Jinja, a key economic hub, and Kampala. The refurbishment of the Trans-African Highway would boost trade, tourism, and regional development by easing the transportation of goods and services across East Africa.
The President was also reminded of the Busoga Sugar Cane Factory, which he promised during a meeting with sugarcane farmers at Bugembe Stadium in 2017. Despite funds being allocated for the factory in the 2021-2022 financial year by the Parliamentary Committee on Trade, Tourism, Cooperatives, and Industry, the factory has not been realized.
“The absence of this factory has left farmers without a stable market for their produce. Its establishment would not only improve the livelihoods of sugarcane farmers but also create direct and indirect jobs in the region,” said Hon. Isabirye.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) MP also noted that despite promises to distribute electricity to rural areas in Busoga, particularly in Jinja North, which houses the Bujagali Dam, many villages remain without power. Local leaders have submitted repeated reminders and letters to the president’s office, but all efforts have been ignored. Access to electricity is vital for economic activities, education, and improved living standards, and accelerating rural electrification would be transformative for the community, the leaders emphasized.
Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Isanga Nakadama, who also serves as the Mayuge District Woman MP, expressed concern over the state of roads in Busoga, which are critical for promoting regional trade but remain in poor condition.
Nakadama said, “It is time for the people of Busoga to take advantage of this opportunity to have their issues addressed.”
Jinja City’s roads also remain in poor condition, affecting businesses, transportation, and tourism. The tarmacking of these roads is crucial for improving the city’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness.
During his 2020 political campaigns ahead of the 2021 general elections, President Museveni launched the construction of the Walugogo-Bulopa-Kamuli Road. However, construction work stalled after the presidential launch, leading to mixed reactions in Luuka District and across the region. Residents questioned the president’s commitment to developing Busoga, alleging that he undermines the region’s progress.
Highlighting unemployment among the youth, the Jinja North MP stated that the President had consistently promised to intensify skills training, but little progress has been made. The Nakabango Skills Center in Jinja City has not yet provided substantial benefits to the community.
“Many young people struggle to find meaningful work despite their potential and willingness to contribute to the region’s development,” he said.
Similarly, farmers in Busoga face significant challenges due to unstable markets for their produce, including maize, beans, and sugarcane. This has resulted in financial instability and reduced agricultural productivity. The leaders are calling for the establishment of sustainable market structures to alleviate these issues and encourage agricultural growth, particularly among rural youth.
Despite these concerns, the people of Busoga are eagerly awaiting President Yoweri Museveni’s upcoming visit to the region, scheduled for January 22 to 25, 2025. The four-day tour is expected to bring new opportunities and development to the area.
During his visit, President Museveni is set to commission several key projects, including the Presidential Skilling Hub, the Abyssinia Steel Factory, and the new Tembo Steel Factory in Iganga. These initiatives are expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the lives of residents in the region.
Presidency Minister Milly Babalanda urged the people of Busoga to take full advantage of government projects and initiatives aimed at improving their livelihoods. She also acknowledged the region’s concerns, including unfulfilled government promises, and assured that these would be addressed.
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, during the meeting, called for improvements to hospitals in Kaliro and Buyende districts. Kadaga also raised concerns about fisheries and swamp rights, noting that Busoga is surrounded by water bodies. She urged the government to find alternatives for farmers in wetlands, instead of displacing them.
“We are excited to welcome President Museveni to Busoga and look forward to working with him to address our concerns and develop our region,” said Kadaga.
The meeting at City Hall resulted in a joint statement outlining the concerns of the people of Busoga, which will be presented to President Museveni during his visit.
President Museveni’s visit is seen as a significant opportunity for the development of the Busoga region, with residents hopeful for the new opportunities that will emerge from the initiatives launched during his visit.
