By KT Reporter
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cautioned locals and civil servants against pressuring the government for quick services and salary increments, saying his “rebel style” of work does not involve performing miracles or rushing into projects without proper planning. Museveni, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer, made the remarks on Wednesday while campaigning in Kanungu and Rukungiri districts.
His response followed a series of demands raised by residents in Rukungiri, who asked the government to tarmac several key roads, including the Muhanga–Kisiizi–Kebisoni road connecting Rukiga and Rukungiri, the Mitooma–Buhunga–Rukungiri road, the Kanungu–Munengo–Nyakagyeme–Rukungiri road, and the Kanungu–Rugyeyo–Nyakishenyo road.
Residents also demanded the extension of water and electricity to rural areas and the establishment of an industrial park in Bwambara Subcounty to boost employment and business. Jimmy Tugyirobusingye, a resident of Rushaya A Village in Bwambara Subcounty, said his greatest concern is the water crisis, noting that sharing stream water with domestic and wild animals exposes communities to diseases. He also appealed for the release of Dr. Kizza Besigye, arguing that his imprisonment has angered many locals.
Tugyirobusingye said that even if evidence exists against Besigye, President Museveni should treat him “as a son” and forgive him. Vastine Akankwasa from Buhunga Subcounty also demanded the release of Besigye and Sam Mugumya, who she said were abducted under unclear circumstances. She further called for the establishment of a university, a district hospital, and the tarmacking of the Rukungiri–Mitooma road to improve transport and trade.
Anabel Ayebare from Rukungiri Municipality echoed the need for a district hospital, while Dan Tumusiime from Nyakagyeme Subcounty said the lack of information regarding Besigye’s imprisonment has caused resentment.
General Henry Tumukunde, the NRM candidate for Rukungiri Municipality, also highlighted the district’s challenges, including water shortages, unstable electricity, unemployment due to lack of an industrial hub, and the municipality’s failure to benefit from the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program.
Security Minister and Rujumbura County MP, Major General Jim Katugugu Muhwezi, presented a memorandum reiterating the road upgrade demands. He asked for the improvement of Rukungiri Municipal Stadium to modern standards and noted that the district has never benefited from the USMID program.
In his response, Museveni promised that the mentioned roads would be tarmacked. However, he urged voters to advise MPs that “rebels like him” do not handle too many projects at once, noting that his style of leadership prioritizes essential work over rushed promises. He emphasized that his government prioritizes peace and security, followed by roads, electricity, and education.
Museveni also criticized arts teachers for pressuring the government to raise salaries quickly, arguing that their demands ignore his methodical approach. He cited the struggle to overthrow former president Idi Amin, initially planned for one year but lasting eight years, as an example of his long-term strategy.
Museveni did not comment on the calls for Besigye’s release. During the rally, 109 supporters from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) crossed over to the NRM. Among them was Hebert Kawaawa, a prominent PFF mobilizer in Rukungiri.
In Kanungu District, Ziada Akandinda, the NUP Woman MP candidate, also appeared at Museveni’s rally and announced her defection to the NRM.
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