Ibanda District Gets Development Boost as President Museveni Unveils New Transport Plans

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has continued his campaign trail in Western Uganda, making a significant stop in Ibanda District where he addressed thousands of residents on the region’s historical journey from insecurity to stability and the government’s ongoing development agenda.

Coming straight from Buhweju, the President reminded the people of Ibanda of the days when Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels operating from the Kamwenge forests posed a serious threat to communities across the sub-region. He commended the residents for their cooperation with security forces during those turbulent times, noting that their solidarity and vigilance helped the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) defeat the insurgency and restore peace.

“The people of Ibanda know very well how the ADF rebels from the Kamwenge forests once disturbed the peace. Working together with the community, our army defeated them and restored security. This peace is the foundation for all development,” he said, emphasizing that security remains the cornerstone of Uganda’s progress.

In his address, President Museveni outlined major infrastructure projects aimed at improving mobility and facilitating trade within Ibanda and beyond. He announced that government will reconstruct the Ibanda–Kagongo–Kabujogera–Kamwenge road, an important transport corridor that links the district to neighboring communities and markets.

He further revealed that the government intends to study possible improvements on the Nyamarebe–Kyegegwa route, which will strengthen connections between Ibanda and the greater Tooro sub-region.

According to the President, upgrading these vital roads aligns with the NRM’s broader strategy of reducing transport costs, easing access to services, and opening up rural areas for agricultural and business expansion.

In a major announcement welcomed by farmers, President Museveni disclosed plans to install a ferry on Lake George to support the movement of livestock between Ibanda and Kasese. The new water transport route is expected to simplify the movement of cattle and agricultural goods, which currently depend heavily on long road journeys.

The President emphasized that this intervention will not only reduce transportation burdens but also stimulate greater agricultural productivity, especially among livestock farmers who contribute significantly to the local economy.

President Museveni used the rally to reaffirm the NRM’s commitment to transforming rural livelihoods through a combination of peace, infrastructure, and wealth creation programs. He encouraged residents to make full use of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and other enterprise support programs to raise household incomes.

“We cannot talk about development without peace. And now that peace is permanent, let us focus on building wealth in every household,” he said.

The President’s visit attracted a massive turnout, with local leaders, NRM mobilizers, businesspeople, farmers, and youth groups attending in high spirits. Leaders from the area thanked the President for prioritizing road improvements and for considering the ferry project, noting that these interventions would fast-track Ibanda’s economic transformation.

As the campaign season intensifies, President Museveni continues to highlight the NRM’s historical achievements and future plans centred on peace, infrastructure, and socio-economic empowerment. His message in Ibanda underscores the government’s long-term commitment to ensuring that the gains made in security translate into tangible development outcomes for all Ugandans.