NAMUTUMBA — Calls for the creation of Bukono District resurfaced over the weekend as leaders in Namutumba appealed to the Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Anita Annet Among, to endorse their proposal as part of efforts to bring services closer to the people.
The leaders presented their case during Ms. Among’s Busoga regional mobilization tour in Namutumba, where she met party supporters, grassroots leaders, and local mobilisers canvassing support for NRM flagbearers and President Museveni ahead of the 2026 polls.
The Speaker, who was welcomed by cheering crowds of boda boda riders, women’s groups, and youth volunteers at the district headquarters, listened to an impassioned plea from district officials led by Namutumba LCV Chairperson David Mukisa.
Mukisa argued that the district’s current administrative structure has stretched local governance capacity, with officials forced to juggle the interests of two distinct chiefdoms — Busiki and Bukono.
“Namutumba has two chiefdoms — Busiki and Bukono — and it is often difficult for some leaders to balance allegiance to both. Creating Bukono District would improve coordination and service delivery,” Mukisa told the Speaker.
Joel Waiswa Azalwa, the NRM flagbearer for Busiki County, added that local economic development remains constrained by limited investment in agro-processing and mechanization.
“We are a groundnut-growing community. We request machines to add value to our produce and tractors for each of the 20 subcounties in Namutumba,” Azalwa said.
Namutumba Woman MP Mariam Naigaga echoed the appeal, urging the government to establish a fully-fledged district hospital.
She said many residents travel long distances to access medical care in neighbouring districts, a situation that would be eased by upgrading existing facilities.
Responding to the concerns, Speaker Among assured the gathering that their demands align with the NRM manifesto’s focus on value addition, mechanization, and improved service delivery.
“Value addition is a key component in the NRM manifesto. I assure you that Namutumba will receive groundnut paste-making machines, and every county will get a tractor,” she pledged.
Among also promised that in the next government term, Namutumba will have its own district hospital to close the health service gap.
She lauded Namutumba for its loyalty to the NRM, noting that it was among the three Busoga districts where President Museveni won in the 2021 elections.
However, she challenged local leaders to ensure the district tops Busoga’s support chart in 2026.
“Last time, Buyende came first, followed by Kaliro and Namutumba in third place. This time, I want Namutumba to be number one,” Among declared.
Local NRM mobiliser Dabada Yusuf promised that the district would deliver a sweeping victory for the ruling party.
“Out of the 40 councillors in Namutumba, only one belongs to the opposition. This time, we shall ensure it is all yellow,” he said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
The rally was marked by singing, drumming, and dancing as supporters celebrated the Speaker’s visit.
Her Busoga regional tour is part of the NRM’s early mobilization campaign aimed at consolidating grassroots support and sustaining government programs across the sub-region.