As President Museveni prepares to return to Ibanda District on November 29, 2025, for his 2026 campaign trail, local leaders are once again urging government to honour development pledges that have remained pending for nearly twenty years.
Ibanda District Chairperson Happy Herbert Mayanja acknowledged the progress the district has achieved under the NRM government but said unresolved commitments must now be addressed.
“We appreciate the developments that have come to Ibanda under President Museveni’s leadership, but we still have unfulfilled pledges that are long overdue,” Mayanja said.
The most urgent of these is the pledge to tarmac the Ibanda–Kagongo–Kitagwenda road, a commitment that leaders and residents say has stalled for years despite repeated reminders.
Also outstanding is the President’s promise to provide a coffee huller to the Ibanda Coffee Farmers’ Union, a pledge district leaders say has become increasingly difficult to track.
“We have made several follow-ups, but nothing has materialized. Some leaders have even lost their seats because of the public’s frustration,” Mayanja added.
He said voters continue to blame local leaders for the government’s failure to fulfil these commitments.
“Some of the leaders, including members of Parliament, have lost their seats as they are accused by their voters of failing to follow up,” he said. “This is the time for him to save us; otherwise, more will go.”
Meanwhile, preparations for the President’s visit are underway. Ibanda Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Mbetegyereize confirmed that the advance team has completed its initial inspection.
“The advance team has been here and preparations are underway. We are ready for the President,” Mbetegyereize said.
As Ibanda readies itself to welcome President Museveni, leaders and residents remain hopeful that the long-standing concerns will finally be addressed and that the district will see renewed commitment to promises made nearly twenty years ago.
