Hon. Byamukama Highlights NRM Achievements Powering Kakumiro’s Growth and Stability

KAKUMIRO — The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has registered far-reaching achievements in Kakumiro District, with peace, infrastructure development, and wealth creation standing out as the pillars of transformation, according to the district’s NRM Chairperson and Minister of State for Works and Transport (Transport), Hon. Fred Byamukama.

Addressing residents during President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign rally, Hon. Byamukama reflected on Kakumiro’s journey from instability to sustained progress, crediting the NRM leadership for restoring peace and laying a firm foundation for development.

From Insecurity to Lasting Peace

Hon. Byamukama noted that Kakumiro and the wider Bunyoro sub-region endured years of insecurity, particularly during the turbulent period of the mid-1980s and later in 2000 when Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) insurgents threatened the area. He emphasized that the NRM government, under President Museveni, decisively overcame these challenges, ushering in enduring peace that has enabled communities to rebuild livelihoods and attract investment.

“Today, Kakumiro is peaceful. That stability is the bedrock upon which all development rests,” he said.

Road Infrastructure Driving Growth

A major highlight of the NRM’s achievements in Kakumiro and Bunyoro at large is road infrastructure. Hon. Byamukama pointed to over 655 kilometres of tarmacked roads constructed across Bunyoro, significantly improving connectivity, trade, and access to social services.

He dismissed claims that the road network was built solely because of oil discoveries, explaining that many roads were constructed as a result of presidential pledges aimed at opening up the region long before oil production commenced.

At the district level, Kakumiro has benefited from key links, including improved connections to neighboring districts, which have boosted agricultural marketing and eased movement for residents.

District Status and Public Administration

Kakumiro’s elevation to district status under the NRM government was described as a major milestone. The district now boasts a modern administration block, commissioned by President Museveni, with funding amounting to Shs3.6 billion. This investment has strengthened service delivery, brought government closer to the people, and enhanced local governance.

Electricity, Water, and Irrigation

Under the NRM, electricity coverage in Kakumiro District has risen to 66 percent, expanding opportunities for agro-processing, small industries, and household use. Clean water coverage now stands at an impressive 92 percent, improving public health outcomes.

Agriculture, the backbone of the district’s economy, has also received a boost through 80 irrigation schemes, a critical intervention against climate variability. Hon. Byamukama expressed confidence that safeguarding these gains would attract even more schemes to further raise productivity and incomes.

Wealth Creation at the Centre

Hon. Byamukama underscored that wealth creation has remained a core NRM philosophy. Programs such as Bonna Bagaggawale, Entandikwa, Operation Wealth Creation, and the Parish Development Model (PDM) have empowered households to transition from subsistence to commercial production.

The focus on calculated farming, value addition, and enterprise has enabled farmers to earn incomes, create jobs, and stimulate the local economy. Kakumiro’s growing number of private schools and businesses was cited as evidence of improved household earnings and purchasing power.

Industrialization and Job Creation

NRM policies on value addition and forest protection have attracted responsible investors, resulting in 45 factories operating in the area. These factories are providing hundreds of jobs and producing a range of goods, reinforcing Kakumiro’s role in regional industrial growth.

While manufacturers have raised concerns over competition from cheap imports, the NRM leadership reaffirmed its commitment to protecting local industry through appropriate policy interventions.

Hon. Byamukama concluded that Kakumiro’s progress is a direct result of peace, visionary leadership, and consistent investment under the NRM. With planned road upgrades, expanded irrigation, improved healthcare facilities, and continued support for wealth creation programs, the district is poised for even greater transformation.

“Kakumiro’s story under the NRM is one of stability turned into opportunity,” he said, calling on residents to protect the hard-won gains and actively participate in sustaining development for future generations.