NUP’s president, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, has vowed to transform the livelihoods of coffee farmers in Manafwa and Namisindwa districts by establishing a local coffee processing factory to add value to their produce.
While addressing supporters, Bobi Wine said the factory would eliminate the burden of transporting coffee over long distances in search of processing facilities.
“I’m going to set up a coffee factory here, such that when you grow coffee here, they process it from here—not driving it kilometers looking for a coffee factory,” he said.
“Imagine if you are to sell your coffee in Kenya, from here in Mbale you need to drive hundreds of kilometers. That will change if I’m voted into power.”
He pledged to ensure farmers benefit directly from their produce by keeping value addition within the region.
Bobi Wine also criticized fellow opposition leaders, accusing some of focusing on internal fights instead of challenging the ruling government.
“We say we want to end the 40-year rule, but sadly in opposition, one hand has to fight the enemy and another has to fight fellow opposition leaders, it’s a shame,” he remarked, before declaring, “I will return here as the president of this country.”
While commissioning new NUP offices in Namisindwa, Bobi Wine urged residents to rally behind him, promising to address their pressing needs once elected.
In Magale Town, he promised to elevate Lwakhakha to an international border to boost trade and economic activity in the region.
“If you vote for me, that Lwakhakha can also be made an international border and that is possible,” he said.
Bobi Wine further promised to improve healthcare services in Namisindwa, ensuring hospitals are stocked with drugs and medical workers are well facilitated.
“There won’t be hiked taxes, hospitals will have drugs and doctors well paid. We are going to do all that, all is going to be alright,” he assured the crowd.
In the 2021 elections, President Museveni won Manafwa District with 32,999 votes against Bobi Wine’s 13,740. In Namisindwa, Museveni secured 40,563 votes while Bobi Wine got 12,780.
Kyagulanyi continues his mobilization trail and is expected to head to Tororo District today.
