A Powerful Message with Big Implications: Museveni Highlights NRM Achievements in Hoima and Signals What Comes Next
President Museveni drew a massive crowd at Booma Grounds in Hoima City, supported by First Daughter Natasha Museveni Karugire and top National Resistance Movement (NRM) officials, as he unveiled the NRM Manifesto for Hoima District and Hoima City. He framed the party’s four-decade record around seven core contributions, arguing that lasting peace, development, wealth creation, and job opportunities have driven Uganda’s transformation.
The president began by thanking supporters for turning out in large numbers and said the gathering was about outlining the NRM’s 40-year legacy. He identified peace as the foundational contribution—an asset he claimed requires little explanation due to its importance for all other progress.
On development, Museveni explained that true advancement rests on two pillars: economic infrastructure and social infrastructure. He pointed to tangible improvements in Hoima and the greater Bunyoro region, including a better road network, expanded telecommunications, and an electrification program. Specifically, he noted that 12 of Hoima District’s 14 sub-counties/town councils are already connected to the grid, with Kiganja and Kijongo slated for connection in the next term.
Social investments were also highlighted, with emphasis on growing education and health facilities in the region. In terms of schooling, Hoima District now hosts 64 government primary schools and 6 government secondary schools, while Hoima City has 33 government primary schools and 5 government secondary schools. All government secondary schools offer Universal Secondary Education, and Universal Post-O-Level Education and Training is in place. Four Seed Secondary Schools are under construction, aimed at reducing the number of sub-counties without a government secondary school from eight to four.
In health, Hoima District features one HCIV, nine HCIIIs, and nine HCIIs, with several upgrades planned or underway. Notably, Kigorobya HCIV is slated to become a General Hospital, and new HCIIIs are to be established in underserved sub-counties. Hoima City benefits from Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, which currently has a functional CT scanner, a new X-ray machine forthcoming, four radiologists, a functional ICU with six beds, and a 15m³ oxygen plant.
The President stressed that development must be paired with wealth creation at the household level. “Development is good, but it doesn’t suffice without putting money in people’s pockets,” he expressed, urging residents to move beyond subsistence thinking toward personal economic gains.
Museveni reiterated a four-acre model for smallholders and encouraged larger landowners to pursue ventures in tea, ranching, and cotton, linking land use to broader prosperity.
Turning to oil, he urged responsible stewardship of Uganda’s new resource. He noted a confirmed 6.5 billion barrels of crude oil in the Albertine region, with exploration ongoing. He warned against misusing these funds, reminding listeners that oil wealth is finite—estimated to last around 20 years—and should be invested in durable, long-term projects.
He also announced additional industrial plans: an industrial park dedicated to agro-processing alongside Kabalega Industrial Park for petroleum products, clarifying that food and petroleum industries should not share the same site.
Job creation, he said, will come from expanding commercial agriculture, establishing factories, growing services, and advancing information and communication technology. He urged Hoima’s youth to take advantage of skilling centers to acquire marketable skills.
Anita Among, the NRM’s Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) and Speaker of Parliament, commended the President for initiatives like Hoima Stadium, Bunyoro University, and the improved road network, stating his visit was about celebrating NRM achievements rather than campaigning.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja thanked the President for promoting women’s advancement, citing her own rise as the first female Prime Minister from the Bunyoro sub-region as evidence of opportunities created under the NRM.
Jonard Asiimwe, NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, thanked mobilizers for securing broad support and reaffirmed the region’s strong backing for the NRM.
Hoima District NRM Chair Vincent Muhumuza Savannah expressed gratitude for major developments, including Hoima International Airport and the Regional Blood Bank, while raising concerns about widespread land evictions. He called on the President to intervene to protect residents’ land rights and ensure affordable, secure land titles.
Think-provoking takeaway: The speech blends claims of national transformation with concrete local projects, while highlighting ongoing land rights tensions. As you read, consider how big-audience rally narratives align with or diverge from the everyday experiences of residents facing land disputes and shifting development obligations. Do you think the balance between resource-driven growth and social safeguards is being managed effectively? What questions would you pose in a community meeting to ensure that promised benefits reach ordinary families?
