President Museveni has called on the people of Busoga to reject disunity and the politics of identity, warning that such divisions undermine national progress.
He reiterated that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is founded on the core principles of Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic Transformation, and Democracy, which prioritize unity over sectarianism.
Speaking on Friday, September 26, 2025, at State Lodge Nakasero in Kampala, the President addressed a delegation of leaders, religious figures, private sector actors, and community mobilizers from the Busoga Sub-region.
The delegation was led by Faruk Kirunda, the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization, whom the President praised for serving all Ugandans without discrimination.
“This is what leaders should do—unite the people and avoid promoting sectarianism,” said President Museveni.
Development in Busoga
Museveni dismissed claims that the NRM government had neglected Busoga, citing major infrastructure developments including factories in Jinja, Njeru, and Masese, and roadworks on Jinja-Kamuli, Musita-Mayuge-Busia, and Iganga-Mbale roads.
He also confirmed that the Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli and Kimaka-Mbulamuti-Kamuli roads are set to be tarmacked.
On electrification, the President noted that many homes in Busoga have been connected to the national grid due to ongoing expansion efforts and the construction of new power dams beyond the Owen Falls Dam.
Museveni encouraged leaders to sensitize communities on effectively using government empowerment programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and SACCOs, which are intended to uplift households out of poverty.
“Government has injected substantial funds into these programs. It’s now the responsibility of leaders to ensure they are properly implemented,” he said.
During the meeting, Resty Namutamba announced her withdrawal from the Luuka Woman MP race in favor of Nabirye Annet, the NRM flag bearer.
The president commended their decisions, calling them a sign of maturity and alignment with NRM’s principles of unity and collective responsibility.
He urged voters to support leaders who promote national cohesion rather than division.
Museveni tasked religious leaders with preaching peace, unity, and national stability, especially among the youth.
He reminded the gathering that the peace currently enjoyed in Uganda was hard-won through the NRM liberation struggle—a fight in which Busoga played a part.
“This peace must be preserved. Let us guide our youth to avoid any activities that could destabilize the country,” he added.
Religious leaders present, under the Inter-religious Council of Busoga, pledged their support for national development and unity.
Speaking on behalf of the council, Bishop Paul Naimanhye Mukembo thanked President Museveni for the engagement and expressed gratitude for the peace that enables them to worship freely.
He added that clergy across the region plan to meet with rival political figures in efforts to mediate and promote reconciliation ahead of the upcoming elections.
Among the attending clergy were Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo (Tororo), Bishop Edward Munene (Born-Again Faith), Bishop Dr. Jimmy Kajura (SDA Busoga Field), Bishop Suubi Hannington (Busoga East Diocese), Vicar General Benedict Wakabi (Jinja Diocese), and Sheikh Bowa Muhammad Hussein (Regional Mufti), among others.
Faruk Kirunda also reassured the president that the delegation is committed to working together for the peace and prosperity of the Busoga region.
He emphasized that the government, through State House initiatives, will continue to support informal sector players and vendors in their fight against poverty.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for national unity, economic empowerment, and responsible leadership as Uganda heads into another election season.
