Former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga has unveiled an ambitious development agenda for the Busoga sub-region, aligning key regional priorities with President Museveni’s commitments under his new term in office.
The plan focuses on industrialisation, tourism, infrastructure development, and job creation for young people.
Speaking during a media briefing alongside Busoga Tourism Minister Hellen Namutamba, Kadaga said Busoga leaders are now shifting focus from political mobilisation to service delivery following what she described as strong support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the region.
“We have already engaged His Excellency on the priorities of Busoga, and he remains positive and committed to fulfilling the promises made to our people,” Kadaga said.
She noted that the development priorities being advanced are anchored in the President’s broader commitments for his new term, particularly job creation, infrastructure expansion, and wealth generation.
Among the flagship projects is a network of government-supported industrial parks planned for Namasagali, Iganga, Kamuli, Njeru-Naganga, and Sigulu Islands.
According to leaders, the industrial hubs are expected to generate thousands of jobs for young people and attract both local and foreign investment into the region.
Kadaga revealed that the industrial park commissioned by President Museveni in Namasagali is expected to become operational soon.
“Implementation of Busoga’s minimum economic development programme will begin immediately under the new term,” she said.
She also announced that Kimaka Airfield is complete and awaiting official commissioning by the President. Once operational, it is expected to enhance tourism, trade, and investment flows into the region.
Busoga leaders further highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Tokamuli road project, plans for the Saka Bridge, and improved road connectivity linking Namwiwa, Tokamuli, Kamuli, and surrounding districts.
Kadaga said municipalities across Busoga are also expected to benefit from increased road maintenance and urban infrastructure funding following continued engagements with the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
She thanked Busoga residents for their continued support for President Museveni and the NRM, noting that the region registered significant backing for the ruling party in recent political mobilisation efforts.
“We are grateful to the people of Busoga because they trusted us once again. Now the focus must be on delivering development and improving livelihoods,” Kadaga said.
Meanwhile, Busoga Tourism Minister Hellen Namutamba said tourism remains one of the most viable tools for economic transformation and youth empowerment in the region.
“Tourism has become one of the key tools we are using to empower young people and fight poverty in Busoga,” Namutamba said.
She highlighted the transformation of Kagulu Rock, where government support has enabled construction of climbing steps, safety chains, resting areas, and signposts to improve visitor experience.
“The Kagulu of today is completely different from the Kagulu of 2013. Local communities are now earning through tour guiding, arts and crafts, and other tourism-related businesses,” she said.
Namutamba also pointed to ongoing redevelopment works at the Source of the Nile in Jinja, describing it as a major tourism investment aimed at strengthening Uganda’s global tourism appeal.
“At the Source of the Nile, redevelopment works supported by government are progressing well, and we encourage Ugandans to come and witness the transformation,” she added.
She further revealed that Busoga youth groups have received 100 million shillings under the expanded Ghetto Youth Improvement Programme to support income-generating activities.
However, the leaders expressed concern over reported incidents of looting and destruction during security operations in some trading centres, calling for protection of affected business owners and beneficiaries of government livelihood programmes such as the Parish Development Model.
Kadaga and Namutamba emphasised that the new term presents a critical window for delivering visible economic transformation, insisting that Busoga has the potential to become a major hub for tourism, trade, and industrial growth.