RWAMPARA – President Yoweri Museveni has called on the people of Rwampara District to stop destroying swamps, saying the wetlands are essential for future irrigation systems that will boost farming in the area.
He made the remarks at a rally held at Bujaga Playground, where he was joined by First Lady Janet Museveni.
Janet Museveni thanked residents for turning up in big numbers to welcome the President, saying, “Thank you for coming in large numbers to welcome Mzee.”
She noted that Uganda’s stability continues to draw refugees from turbulent parts of the region, adding, “Uganda is known for being a peaceful country… refugees have chosen Uganda as their next home because it is peaceful.”
She cautioned supporters against assuming electoral victory based on rally attendance. “When people see our rallies attended massively, they assume NRM has already won,” she said.
She urged residents to encourage turnout when voting time arrives: “Go out to the homes – those you know and those you don’t know – and tell them to go and vote when the time comes.”
In his address, President Museveni emphasized peace as the foundation of the NRM’s contribution to Uganda, recalling past conflict in the region. “I passed here in 1985 when we were fighting, but now there are no more wars and the country is peaceful,” he said.
Museveni highlighted development as another key focus, pointing to improvements in infrastructure. He said, “Rwampara has a good road network. What you did not have was electricity, but we brought it. All sub-counties are connected to the grid.” He added that roads such as Buterano–Bugamba–Rukoni and Ruti–Mwizi–Kikagate will be considered in future government plans.
With water coverage in the district at about 71 percent, the President stressed the need for expanded irrigation, especially in hilly areas. He urged residents to safeguard wetlands, stating, “Stop destroying swamps so that we can construct irrigation systems to take water to the hills so that yields can improve.”
On social services, Museveni noted that Rwampara has two Health Centre IVs and six Health Centre IIIs, saying one HCIV would be elevated to district hospital status. He added, “When I hear that Rwampara has seven government-aided secondary schools, I feel very happy.”
Turning to wealth creation, Museveni revisited the 4-acre model introduced in the 1996 manifesto and encouraged proper use of Parish Development Model funds. He cautioned local leaders against excluding youth who lack land, saying, “The youth are told that if they don’t have land, they cannot access money. This is wrong. I don’t want to hear that again.” He emphasized that decisions should be based on feasibility: “Consider project viability.”
Museveni highlighted job creation as another major contribution of his government, noting that factories and entrepreneurship remain important sources of employment.
On independents, he advised those dissatisfied to go to the tribunals.
He also said if the tribunals did not disqualify the cheating candidates, the aggrieved parties should take the evidence directly to him so that he can use police to arrest such candidates.
The President advised the independent candidate Molly Asiimwe, the incumbent District Woman MP, to stand down in favour of the party flagbearer, Annah Kansiime.
“Since you are a Mulokole, help us and step down. God will intervene for you,” Museveni said to jubilation of the crowd.
