President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer for 2026 elections, today concluded his campaign trail in Ankole sub-region with a final rally in Rubirizi District.
The President was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, together with senior NRM and local leaders at Kyenzanza Community Playground in Rubirizi District.
Addressing thousands of supporters, President Museveni emphasized that the foundation of all development Uganda is enjoying today is peace, which Rubirizi situated near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo understands more than most districts.
“You who live near Congo know their problems. You have seen refugees in Kamwenge and Rwamwanja. That is why I take pride in seeing Uganda peaceful. Without peace, nothing we talk about today would have been possible,” the President said.
Turning to infrastructure, President Museveni assured residents that long-awaited road projects are set for action.
“We shall reconstruct the Mbarara–Ishaka road. It must be worked on,” he affirmed.
“The Katerera–Kamwenge–Ibanda road has always been in our plan but delays came because of many budget pressures and competing priorities. Even God created the world in stages, six days. I am not God, but we shall do everything in the right order.”
The President also reiterated that Parish Development Model (PDM) funds must reach every beneficiary, directing leaders to ensure transparency and full coverage.
“Rubirizi has so far received Shs18 billion. I have already instructed that PDM money must be provided in every budget cycle so that people’s lives continue to improve,” he noted.
President Museveni further highlighted ongoing government support to education and health sectors in Rubirizi District.
The district currently has 58 government primary schools and 89 private primary schools, as well as 10 government secondary schools and 14 private secondary schools.
In healthcare, all 11 sub-counties in Rubirizi now have Health Centre IIIs or above, including a fully functional Health Centre IV in Bunyaruguru Constituency, which has four doctors.
Beyond social services, the President urged the district to harness its unique natural endowments to grow wealth through tourism.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Rubirizi’s emergence as a leading tourism destination in Western Uganda.
The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Rubirizi District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections.
On her part, the First Lady thanked residents of Rubirizi for turning up in large numbers to honor the day.
“I thank you for coming in such big numbers and giving this day the respect it deserves,” she said.
“I also thank God for what He has done for our country and for guiding our President and the NRM over the years, so that peace is maintained and people can live confidently, walking even at night without fear.”
Maama Janet highlighted the importance of the youth, noting that they form the largest population in the country.
She cautioned against forgetting Uganda’s history and the struggles that brought the nation to its current state of peace.
“We thank God for using the President and the NRM to maintain peace, which gives confidence not just to Ugandans but also to neighboring countries like Sudan and Congo. You, the youth, have the responsibility and power to protect this peace through your vote.”
The First Lady also urged citizens to ensure that their actions at home contribute to stability for future generations.
She emphasized the importance of mobilizing everyone to vote.
“Whatever you are doing in your homes today, think of the generations to come. Don’t forget where we have come from,” she said.
“On voting day, make sure not only you vote but also encourage everyone you know to vote so that together we secure the leadership that will continue to build and protect our country.”
Alhajji Hassan Basajjabalaba, chairperson of NRM Entrepreneurs League assured President Museveni of support from the people of Rubirizi.
“For the people to vote for the President, they should understand that by supporting him, they are also benefiting themselves.”
Presidential skilling hub; a life changer
At the same rally, Susan Naturinda shared how the Presidential Skilling Hub initiative changed her life.
“After finishing Senior four, I heard that the President had introduced a skilling program. I applied and was fortunate to secure a place at the Ankole Industrial Presidential Skilling Hub in Mbarara, where I studied hairdressing,” she said.
“After completing the six-month course, which was free of charge, I used Sh200,000 from my parents to start a small business. As my skills improved, I was able to employ someone, paying them Sh5,000 per day while saving Sh30,000 for myself. I now do dreads and style my own hair.”
Rubirizi’s progress under NRM:
Rubirizi District, located in Western Uganda, has 11 sub-counties and town councils, 53 Parishes, and 293 villages, with a population of 168,211, according to the 2024 census.
The district has seen significant progress under the Parish Development Model, infrastructure improvements, and government-supported social services.
Since the rollout of the PDM, Rubirizi District’s 53 parishes have received a cumulative Shs. 18.97 bn, of which Shs. 16.32bn (86%) has already been disbursed to 16,433 households. With a total of 36,117 households in the district, approximately 45.5% have directly benefited from the program.
The district also boasts 36 Emyooga SACCOs with 11,455 members, and the government has disbursed Shs. 1.36bn to support these savings and cooperative initiatives.
Rubirizi District has made progress in both primary and secondary education.
The district is home to 58 government primary schools and 89 private primary schools, with 46 of the 53 parishes hosting at least one government primary school.
At the secondary level, there are 10 government secondary schools and 14 private schools, enrolling a total of 8,804 students.
Eight of the 11 sub-counties currently have government secondary schools, with three sub-counties still without access. However, ongoing construction of three Seed Secondary Schools will ensure that all sub-counties eventually have a government secondary school.
Rubirizi has made strides in rural water coverage, with 208 of 293 villages (71%) now having access to safe water.
Completed interventions include; Design and construction of piped water systems in Nyandogo, Rutoto, Kantungu, Kanyambiriri, Kashenyi, Ndangaro, Rwemitagu, and Nyandongo.
At least nine water facilities, including Kagyezi and Nyangaro springs have been rehabilitated and two rainwater tanks have been installed at Katunguru P/S and the District Headquarters.
There are also piped water and sanitation systems, serving Katerera Town Council (73,910 people) and Rubirizi Town Council (36,012 people).
Ongoing and future interventions focus on expanding piped water systems, rainwater tanks, and latrines in Katanda and Katerera sub-counties.
Rubirizi is also embracing irrigation to boost agricultural productivity. Completed solar-powered irrigation systems include; Rugarama Parish with 5 acres, Kirugu Parish- 10 acres, Kyankaranga Parish- 8 acres, Katerera Parish with 6 acres, Kyenzaza Parish -3 acres and Kyibumba Parish demonstration site -10 acres, benefiting one model farmer.
The district is now connected to the national grid, with plans to extend electricity to Rutoto Sub-County in the next term, expanding access to power for homes and businesses.
The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.
