Residents from Uganda’s Tooro sub-region have urged President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to ensure the region receives fair representation in the next cabinet following his swearing-in for a seventh term in office. Museveni is expected to name a new cabinet immediately after being sworn in for the seventh term in office.
The residents say Tooro has been a stronghold of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, and therefore, it should be rewarded with cabinet positions. Gilbert Muhumuza, a voter based in Fort Portal, said the region expects the government to fulfill pledges to Tooro, which remain outstanding despite the support for the NRM.
He cited the pending construction of Buhinga Stadium, the establishment of an industrial park, the upgrading of the Kijura road, and the revival of the tea sector as some of the key promises residents expect the government to prioritize during the new term. He noted that the tea sector, once a major source of income for many families in Tooro, has continued to struggle due to unstable prices and limited government intervention.
“Government should first fulfill the previous pledges before introducing new promises. The people of Tooro have supported the NRM for years and expect to see tangible development,” Muhumuza said.
He also appealed for increased funding towards the development of Fort Portal Tourism City, saying the city has the potential to transform the economy of the region if tourism infrastructure and services are improved.
According to Muhumuza, Fort Portal remains one of Uganda’s leading tourism destinations because of the national parks, crater lakes, and cultural heritage sites, but inadequate funding continues to limit its full potential.
Innocent Natukunda, a resident of Kyenjojo District, said many young Ugandans view Museveni’s swearing-in not as a symbol of renewal but as a continuation of a system that has failed to adequately involve the youth in leadership and economic opportunities.
Natukunda noted that young people are demanding inclusion, fairness, and meaningful participation in national development rather than political patronage. He added that unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing the country, especially among the youth who continue to struggle despite attaining education and skills.
Natukunda further pointed to the rising cost of living, saying many families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford necessities such as food, fuel, school fees, and electricity. “Many Ugandans are working hard but cannot afford decent living conditions. Citizens want an economy that works for ordinary people and not only for a privileged few,” he added.
He also called on the government to intensify the fight against corruption and promote human rights and freedoms during the new term. According to Natukunda, the next five years should focus on rebuilding public trust and responding to the concerns of ordinary citizens instead of concentrating only on political power.
Molly Kamakune, another resident from the region, emphasized the need for the government to invest heavily in the tourism sector, saying Tooro is endowed with some of the country’s best tourism attractions.
She, however, expressed concern over the poor state of roads leading to the region, particularly the Kampala–Fort Portal highway, which she said affects tourism and business activities.
Kamakune also called for more cabinet and ministerial appointments for leaders from Tooro, arguing that the region played a significant role in supporting the current government.
Peter Musana, a businessman, urged the government to focus on improving electricity and internet connectivity in rural areas to support businesses and attract investors. He said many young entrepreneurs in Tooro are struggling because of unreliable power supply and poor communication networks, which affect productivity and business growth.
Mackline Kemigisa appealed to the government to improve staffing and welfare in public schools, saying many rural schools still face shortages of teachers, learning materials, and classroom facilities-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
