President Museveni in Lwengo: Jobs for Youth, Roads for Growth, Water for Communities

Lwengo District –

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday afternoon addressed a massive campaign rally in Lwengo District as he continued rolling out the National Resistance Movement (NRM) 2026–2031 Manifesto across the Greater Masaka sub-region, reaffirming his government’s commitment to wealth creation, infrastructure development and service delivery.

Speaking alongside senior NRM leaders, President Museveni said the manifesto builds on the foundations laid over the years, with a strong focus on transforming household incomes, modernising agriculture, expanding infrastructure and empowering young people with practical skills.

The President said he was particularly encouraged by the progress of young people—popularly referred to as Bazzukulu—who have benefited from the Masaka Presidential Skilling Hub, noting that many are now self-employed, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.

“I am happy to see our young people who went through the skilling hub now skilled, productive and creating wealth, not only for themselves but also for others. This is the kind of transformation we want—moving families from subsistence to commercial activity,” Museveni said.

On infrastructure, President Museveni announced that government will proceed with key road projects aimed at boosting trade, connectivity and access to markets in Lwengo and the wider Greater Masaka region. Among the priority roads highlighted are the Sembabule–Matete–Mbirizi road and the Kyabakuza–Kiwangala road.

He noted that improved road networks are critical for lowering transport costs, easing movement of agricultural produce and supporting private sector growth.

“Good roads are not a luxury. They are a foundation for development. When farmers can take their produce to markets easily, incomes rise and businesses grow,” he emphasized.

Addressing long-standing water challenges in the district, President Museveni acknowledged that Lwengo has historically faced water shortages, largely due to drought and limited water infrastructure. However, he said government interventions have significantly improved access to safe water.

Out of 438 villages, 320 now have access to safe water, translating to 74 percent coverage. The President pledged that government will work to extend water services to the remaining villages.

“Water is life. We have made progress, but we shall not stop until every village has access to safe and clean water,” Museveni assured residents.

The President reiterated that wealth creation remains at the core of the NRM’s development agenda, urging residents to fully embrace government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and commercial agriculture.

He cautioned against politics of empty promises, reminding the crowd that sustainable development requires discipline, planning and continuity in leadership.

“Development is not about slogans. It is about clear plans, peace and the ability to implement what we promise,” he said.

Museveni also called for unity, peace and stability as Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections, warning that chaos and poor decision-making could reverse the gains achieved over decades.

He urged voters in Lwengo and Greater Masaka to assess leaders based on proven performance and capacity to deliver, rather than rhetoric.

Local leaders welcomed the President’s visit, praising government investments in roads, water and youth skilling, and pledged their support for the NRM manifesto. They also raised community concerns, including the need for expanded irrigation, health services and continued support for farmers.

President Museveni’s rally in Lwengo marked another key stop in the NRM’s campaign trail across Greater Masaka, reinforcing the party’s message of continuity, stability and socio-economic transformation. With renewed commitments on infrastructure, water access and youth empowerment, the rally energized supporters as the 2026 electoral season gathers momentum.