Authorities and political leaders in Ntungamo District have commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for transforming Uganda from a period of insecurity, economic instability, and weak governance into a country they say now enjoys peace, disciplined security forces, growing industries, and expanded service delivery.
The leaders made the remarks as they prepared to join nationwide celebrations marking President Museveni’s swearing-in for a seventh term in office, with Ntungamo set to hold a procession and drive around Ntungamo Municipality in solidarity with the national event.
Reflecting on nearly four decades of Museveni’s leadership, local leaders said Uganda’s security situation has significantly improved, noting that the country now enjoys stability and protected borders compared to earlier periods of political unrest.
Former Ntungamo District LC5 Chairperson Denis Singahakye credited the President for strengthening discipline within the security forces.
“He is keeping security in Uganda and also maintaining a disciplined force of the army and police. The discipline of the army gives pride. There were indisciplined forces in those days, but for these forty years that have passed, we have enjoyed security internally and externally. We appreciate the President for even protecting the borders,” Singahakye said.
Samuel Rwakigoba, also an LC5 Chairperson in Ntungamo, praised the government for stabilising the economy and promoting household incomes through development programmes.
“President Yoweri Museveni from the time he came into power has maintained security, stabilised the economy. At least now Ugandans are rich. We have PDM for every parish. In the next five years of President Museveni, every household will be having money,” Rwakigoba said.
The leaders also highlighted socio-economic transformation programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and liberalised economic policies, which they said have attracted investment and industrial growth in Ntungamo, including coffee processing and steel-related industries that have created employment opportunities.
They further noted that decentralisation reforms and the creation of local governments have brought services closer to the people, citing the establishment of Ntungamo District in 1993 as part of efforts to improve grassroots governance.
However, the leaders also called for the creation of additional administrative units, proposing that Ntungamo be further divided into three more districts to enhance service delivery and resource access for residents.
Meanwhile, the NRM leadership in Ntungamo said preparations for the celebrations are in high gear ahead of tomorrow’s swearing-in ceremony.
Johnson Nkirirehi, the NRM Administrative Secretary for Ntungamo, said the district will hold colourful celebrations, including a vehicle procession, walk, and public display of support.
“In Ntungamo we shall have celebrations since our President and First Lady are born here. We shall have a colourful ceremony, have vehicles carrying posters, a drive and a walk,” Nkirirehi said.
The leadership confirmed that materials for the celebrations have already been delivered, and supporters are expected to participate in large numbers as the district joins the rest of the country in marking the national event.