Sironko District has emerged as a rare example of a Ugandan locality where all presidential pledges have been fulfilled, marking a major milestone in government service delivery. With investments estimated at over Shs120 billion, district leaders say Sironko is entering a new era of transformation.
The fulfilment of President Yoweri Museveni’s three core pledges—culminating in the recent groundbreaking for the Wapakhabulo Memorial Institute of Health Sciences—has solidified Sironko’s status as a development success story.
The institute, under construction at Shs 48 billion, had been pending since 2004 and is now expected to train health professionals to serve not only the Elgon sub-region but the country at large.
Other presidential pledges already delivered include the Professor Dan Nabudere Memorial Institute, now fully operational with a value exceeding Shs700 million, and the 39-kilometre Namagumba–Budadiri–Nalugugu road, currently being upgraded to bitumen standard at a cost of Shs54 billion.
“This is a confirmation that the NRM manifesto does not lie. It has stood true, is worthy, trusted and reliable,” said Sironko Woman MP Florence Nambozo, praising the government for following through on its commitments.
Jackson Magombe, personal assistant to Budadiri West MP Nathan Nandala Mafabi, added his voice to the chorus of appreciation.
“Send our sincere gratitude to President Museveni and Mama Janet Museveni for the fulfilment of these pledges,” he said, noting that the district now has no pending demands from the presidency—only expectations for fresh opportunities.
Beyond the presidential pledges, the district has benefited from several additional government-funded initiatives.
These include the Shs5 billion Bunandasa Bridge, which has eased transport between Mutufu and Nalusala, and the construction of two seed secondary schools.
Buteza Seed School is already operational, while Bugitimwa Seed Secondary School is nearing completion with a Shs2.9 billion investment.
Health infrastructure has also received attention, with five health centres in Buyobo, Bundege, Mutufu, Simu Pondo, and Mbaya (Butandiga) upgraded from Level II to Level III.
Road rehabilitation works worth over Shs2 billion have been carried out over two financial years, further improving access across the district.
Although only three of the major projects are officially classified as presidential pledges, local leaders argue that the cumulative effect of all the developments has been transformative.
From education and health to transport infrastructure, the investments have begun to reshape daily life in the mountainous district.
As the district celebrates these accomplishments, its leaders are already thinking ahead.
With improved infrastructure and growing attention from central government, Sironko hopes to attract further investment in agro-processing, tourism, and light industry.
“The development we see today is just the beginning,” said one local official.
“We now have the foundation to build an economy that can sustain jobs, value addition, and regional growth.”
Sironko’s achievement comes at a time when many other districts continue to lobby for long-standing pledges to be fulfilled.
As such, the district is now being held up by NRM supporters as a model of patience, persistence, and reward.