President Museveni Cautions Hoima Residents on Oil Wealth, Unveils Vision for Sustainable Development

Hoima City – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for prudent management of Uganda’s oil revenues, cautioning residents of Hoima and the greater Bunyoro sub-region against expecting quick or short-term benefits from the country’s petroleum resources.

The President made the remarks while presenting the NRM Manifesto during his campaign rally in Hoima City on Wednesday, where thousands of supporters gathered to hear the party’s development plans for the region.

“Oil is Not Free Money” — Museveni Warns Against Misuse

President Museveni stressed that Uganda’s confirmed 6.5 billion barrels of recoverable oil in the Lake Albert Basin should be viewed as a catalyst for national transformation—not a source of instant gratification. He noted that while exploration continues, the resource is finite and projected to last about 20 years, making long-term planning indispensable.

“Our people should not be confused about oil money. If we misuse it on short-term demands like salaries, we shall end up like some countries which had oil and later became poor again,” Museveni cautioned.

He emphasized that oil revenues must be strategically invested in enduring development projects such as infrastructure, energy, industrialization, and human capital—sectors that ensure sustained growth even after oil production declines.

The President further reminded the public that some of the world’s wealthiest nations have no natural resources but rely on knowledge and innovation, urging Ugandans to embrace the same mindset.

Industrialization Takes Centre Stage

Museveni praised Bunyoro leaders for championing industrial development, particularly their request for an additional industrial park. Currently, the Kabalega Industrial Park in Hoima handles petroleum-related activities, a key component in the region’s emerging oil and gas economy.

However, due to safety and zoning standards, the President announced plans for a second industrial park dedicated to food processing and value addition.

“Kabalega Industrial Park handles petroleum products. We shall construct another one for food production because the two cannot be in the same place,” he explained.

The new park is expected to enhance agro-industrialization, create employment opportunities, strengthen local supply chains, and boost Hoima’s role as a strategic production hub in western Uganda.

NRM Manifesto Priorities Outlined

While presenting the party’s manifesto, President Museveni highlighted key commitments that the NRM government aims to accelerate in the next term:

Completion of oil-related infrastructure, including pipelines, roads, and the refinery.

Expansion of industrial parks to stimulate manufacturing and value addition.

Investment in education and skilling programmes, positioning youth for emerging opportunities.

Strengthening agriculture, with a focus on commercial farming, irrigation, and access to markets.

Continuation of peace and security, the cornerstone of Uganda’s economic progress.

A Call for Clarity and Patience

President Museveni urged residents not to fall for misinformation about the timelines of oil benefits. He explained that Uganda’s approach is deliberately careful to avoid resource mismanagement that has destabilized other oil-rich countries.

He reaffirmed that once the production phase fully commences, controlled investment will help catalyze lasting prosperity, particularly in Hoima, Kikuube, Buliisa, and neighbouring districts forming the oil corridor.

Residents Welcome Development Plans

The crowd responded warmly to the President’s reassurances, with local leaders praising him for consistently prioritizing Bunyoro’s development. Many noted that the region is transforming rapidly thanks to major infrastructure upgrades and the anticipation of oil production.

President Museveni’s rally in Hoima underscored a clear message: Uganda’s oil must be used wisely and strategically. The NRM’s plans emphasize long-term investment, industrial growth, and sustainable development—positioning Hoima as a key engine of Uganda’s economic transformation.