President Museveni: UPDF Barracks, Better Roads to Boost Kamwenge’s Growth

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the people of Kamwenge District for what he described as a “massive and encouraging turnout” during his campaign rally on Monday afternoon. Addressing thousands of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters, the President highlighted the district’s steady progress in peace, security, and economic transformation, while outlining new government commitments to deepen development in the region.

UPDF Battalion and Permanent Barracks for Kamwenge

President Museveni reaffirmed that peace remains the foundation of Uganda’s socioeconomic advancement. He attributed the prevailing stability in Kamwenge and surrounding areas to unity and the discipline of the armed forces. He revealed that several attempts by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) to destabilize the region had been successfully defeated, thanks to improved intelligence and coordination among security agencies.

To further consolidate this peace, the President announced that the government will establish a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) battalion and construct a permanent army barracks within Kamwenge District. He noted that the presence of a full battalion will enhance rapid response capabilities, assure residents of their safety, and deter any future insurgent activities.

Road Infrastructure Prioritized for Economic Growth

On development, President Museveni promised that the government will upgrade key transport routes that connect Kamwenge to the wider Rwenzori and Western Uganda region. He specifically named the Kyenjojo–Kihura road and the Rwimi road among the priority projects to be taken up under the NRM government’s infrastructure program.

The President emphasized that improved road networks would lower transport costs, ease market access for agricultural produce, and attract investment in agro-processing and tourism—sectors he believes will transform household incomes in the region.

Shift from Low-Value to High-Value Agriculture Paying Off

A significant part of the President’s message focused on wealth creation and the transformation of subsistence farming into commercial agriculture. Museveni commended farmers in Kamwenge for increasingly embracing high-value crops, particularly coffee, fruits, and bananas.

He cited Mr. Julius Akorinako, a local farmer, as a shining example of success resulting from this shift. Akorinako began with just two acres of clonal coffee in 2019. With guidance from agricultural extension workers and support from government programs targeting improved seedlings, he expanded his plantation to six acres. Today, he reportedly earns an estimated Shs 40 million annually—a figure the President pointed to as evidence that prosperity is attainable when farmers adopt modern methods and more profitable enterprises.

“This is the right path to prosperity,” Museveni said, urging more households to transition from low-yield crops like maize to high-value agricultural ventures aligned with market demand.

Unity and the NRM Development Agenda The President encouraged the people of Kamwenge to continue supporting the NRM government, stating that the gains made in peace, infrastructure, education, and agriculture were a result of consistent leadership and stable governance. He reiterated that the government remains committed to community empowerment and inclusive development.

As the campaign trail intensifies ahead of next month’s general elections, Museveni’s message in Kamwenge centered on security, economic transformation, and the benefits of sustained unity. Residents responded with enthusiasm, many echoing confidence in the NRM’s promise of continued progress.