President Museveni Tells Tooro Residents: Public Development Alone Won’t End Poverty

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the people of Kabarole District and Fort Portal City to safeguard the peace that has enabled Uganda’s progress, while taking personal responsibility for improving household incomes through the government’s wealth-creation programmes.

The President delivered this message during his campaign rallies in the Tooro sub-region, where he reiterated that peace remains the foundation of all national achievements under the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Peace as the Cornerstone of Development

Museveni reminded supporters that Uganda’s stability did not emerge by chance, but by the NRM’s firm rejection of divisive politics and its decision to prioritise security from the very beginning.

He noted that the peace enjoyed today is what made it possible to build a strong national army, expand key road networks, attract investors and grow the economy.

“We have progressed because we emphasised unity and security. Without peace, nothing moves,” he told the crowds.

Road Infrastructure: Repairs and Expansion to Continue

Addressing the region’s infrastructure concerns, the President pointed to major highways such as the Mityana–Mubende–Fort Portal road, which was expanded under the NRM. He assured residents that government would now undertake repairs on sections that require restoration.

He said maintaining such strategic corridors is crucial because roads connect farmers to markets, reduce transport costs and stimulate regional trade.

Development vs. Wealth: A Call for Personal Initiative

A major part of Museveni’s address focused on the distinction between public development and private wealth. He explained that while government provides public goods such as roads, electricity, schools and hospitals, personal prosperity depends on individuals making use of available opportunities.

“Some people live next to tarmac but remain poor because they ignore wealth creation. We have given you the tools—commercial agriculture, skills, factories, PDM and Emyooga. Use them to lift your households,” he said.

The President encouraged families to shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, acquire practical skills, join government programmes and embrace value addition.

Fort Portal’s Industrial Park Request: Factories to Come Once Land is Secured

Responding to local leaders’ long-standing request for an industrial park in Fort Portal, Museveni said government is ready to support the project as soon as suitable land is secured.

He noted that industrial parks are a key pillar of the NRM’s job-creation strategy because they attract factories, stimulate processing of local raw materials, and create employment for the youth. 

“Once we have land, we shall bring the factories,” the President affirmed. Museveni urged the people of Tooro to continue protecting the peace, embrace the wealth-creation agenda, and ensure that every household participates in the economic transformation journey.

He concluded his rallies by thanking residents for their steady support and encouraging them to remain focused on practical steps that lift living standards.