President Museveni has praised Kiryandongo District as one of Uganda’s most cosmopolitan areas, noting its growth and diversity over the years.
“I am happy to be here in Kiryandongo. I remember when these areas were a bush. Bweyale Town had only about three shops. I once went to Anaka and found Acholi people who had run away from the Kony rebels. I asked them why they were in the Anaka IDP camp, and they said they feared being killed. I asked them to come here to Bweyale, and I am happy they listened to me,” Museveni said.
“I am happy to see many Ugandans and Africans here. I am glad that Kiryandongo is home to many people from across Uganda and Africa.”
The President, who is also the NRM presidential candidate, made the remarks on Wednesday during a rally at Karagalya Grounds in Kiryandongo District.
Earlier, the NRM chairman for Kiryandongo, Linos Ngopek, highlighted several service delivery challenges. He noted that while Kibanda North constituency has Panyadoli Health Centre IV, which serves over 160,000 refugees, Kigumba South—home to the town council and the Petroleum Institute—lacks a Health Centre IV.
“We request that Kigumba Health Centre III is elevated. We are also grateful for the renovation of Kiryandongo General Hospital, which serves over 500,000 people and treats an average of 138 accident victims per quarter. We ask that the hospital be elevated to a national highway referral hospital to better handle accident cases,” Ngopek said.
He also reported that all secondary schools in the area end at O-Level and asked the Ministry of Education and Sports to upgrade them to offer A-Level classes.
On electricity, Ngopek told the President that Bweyale Trading Centre—home to a large community, including refugees and several small-scale industries—faces serious power shortages.
“We request that you direct the Ministry of Energy to connect Kiryandongo to the national grid,” he said.
He further asked that Bweyale Town Council, which hosts a large population including refugees and internally displaced persons from Bududa as well as people from Kenya, Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania, be elevated to municipality status.
Museveni Responds
In his response, President Museveni pledged that all the raised issues would be considered by government in the forthcoming term.
“The hospital of Panyadoli and Kigumba, I have noted them down. You also talked of O-Level schools that you want upgraded — we shall work on them,” he said.
The President also directed the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, to address the electricity challenge highlighted by the district leadership.
“On the issue of electricity in Bweyale, I was surprised to hear you don’t have power yet it passes over the area. I direct the Prime Minister to work on stepping down electricity. The people of Bweyale see electricity going over their heads, but it is high voltage. The Prime Minister will address it,” Museveni said.
Wealth Creation
During the rally, President Museveni reminded residents of the importance of wealth creation at household level. He emphasized that while government supports development initiatives, individuals must take charge of improving their livelihoods.
He noted that government is currently sending shs100 million per parish under the Parish Development Model (PDM), urging residents to use the funds effectively.
“Use those funds to get out of poverty. Under PDM, you must get shs1 million and nothing less. No one should make deductions from these funds,” he cautioned.
On employment, Museveni explained that with government offering only 480,000 jobs, it cannot employ all Ugandans.
“Jobs are in the private sector — in services, ICT, and factories. Wealth creation leads to job creation,” he said.
He gave the example of Johnson Basangwa from Kamuli, who sells 2,000 trays of eggs per day, earns substantial income, and has created 300 jobs for other Ugandans.
“This shows that jobs come from wealth creation,” Museveni said.
He added that Mbale Industrial Park, which has 75 factories, employs about 12,000 youths — highlighting the role of industries in job creation.