In Gomba, Museveni says prioritization is sure route to development

GOMBA - President Yoweri Museveni has called on Members of Parliament and local leaders to focus on proper prioritization of development projects. 

“Delays come because we prioritize something that your MPs don’t understand,” the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flagbearer said on Tuesday (December 23).

This was at his first campaign rally of the day at Nsambwe Primary School in Gomba district.

“Our principle is one: Kamu kamu gwemuganda [One by one makes a bundle]. Let’s prioritize."

On infrastructure, Museveni listed key projects that are ongoing or planned. (PPU Photos)

On infrastructure, Museveni listed key projects that are ongoing or planned.

“The Kifampa-Bugomola-Kyamuribwa-Villa Maria Road will be worked on, while the Kanoni-Maanyi-Mityana-Ssekanyonyi-Busunju Road has been delayed but shall also be worked on. Kyahi sub-county will also get electricity."

On NRM's emphasis on wealth creation, the party chairman used his own experience as an example.

“In 1967, my father was a cattle keeper. I went to Rwakitura. There was no road or electricity, nothing. The cows don’t eat tarmac road; they eat grass. 

"I went and bought land. Later, all these developments found me. I came and looked for another place; they told me there was some land in Kisozi, but they tried to discourage me, saying the place was undeveloped."

Museveni also spoke about the Parish Development Model (PDM).

“The people of Gomba, the money that we send you in Operation Wealth Creation, PDM is to help you get out of poverty.

“At first, we sent Entandikwa, OWC, but had complaints saying they served themselves. That’s how I changed and said from today send money to parishes. Eighteen years and above adults should join a parish SACCO, after joining the SACCO, they choose the committee that serves. Therefore, it’s your role to fight for your demands."

The President had earlier met with NRM Gomba youth deserters youth at his Kisozi farm.

The meeting aimed at discussing their points of discontent, among other issues. Museveni informed the over 500 youth that corruption has long existed and urged them to participate actively in development structures.

He also reminded residents of Uganda’s peace and stability, saying "we cannot dare disrupt it and that "whoever tries will regret it".

'Loved everyone'

During the rally, the NRM leader handed over the NRM flags to aspiring MPs, LC5 chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Gomba district, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. 

The NRM first national vice-chairman, Alhajji Moses Kigongo, rallied the people of Gomba to vote for the NRM, describing the party as one founded on truth and service.

“NRM people do not lie. From the beginning, this party has loved everyone and upheld clear standards."

Kigongo urged residents to be truthful when raising issues with the President, noting that honest feedback helps the government respond effectively.

'Don't fight flagbearers'

On her part, the Speaker of Parliament and NRM second national vice-chairperson (female), Anita Annet Among, said the huge attendance at the rally reflected strong support for the ruling party.

“I want to thank the people of Gomba for coming. I am very happy to be here. Even in the village of Hon. Bobi Wine we see such a big turnout at this rally,” she said.

On infrastructure, Among acknowledged progress on the Masaka–Bukomansimbi–Sembabule–Gomba Road but called for urgent works on sections that remain in poor condition.

“We thank His Excellency for the road, but the 10-kilometre stretch from Masaka to Villa-Maria needs attention before it completely deteriorates."

She further called for the establishment of a regional referral hospital to serve Gomba and neighbouring districts of Kazo and Sembabule, as well as irrigation schemes to support farmers in the cattle corridor.

On party cohesion, the Speaker cautioned NRM leaders against internal conflicts, urging unity behind party flagbearers.

“Let us stop fighting our flag bearers. If we love the party and support President Museveni and all NRM candidates, service delivery in Gomba will improve."

Gomba at a glance

The NRM chairperson for Gomba district, Godfrey Tumwiine, commended the government for what he described as steady progress in security, economic empowerment and service delivery, saying peace and stability have enabled communities to focus on development.

He highlighted the impact of the PDM, under which Gomba has so far received 17.49 billion shillings. Of this, 15.04 billion shillings has already been disbursed to 15,162 households, representing 31 per cent of all households in the district. 

Tumwiine reiterated that the programme is targeting families still outside the money economy, while those already economically active continue to benefit from other government interventions.

On enterprise financing, he said the Emyooga programme has supported 36 SACCOs with 11,377 members in the district, with the government disbursing 1.28 billion shillings to boost small-scale businesses and household incomes.

In the education sector, Tumwiine reported that Gomba has 91 government primary schools and nine government secondary schools providing Universal Primary and Secondary Education. 

However, he noted that 13 parishes still lack a government primary school, while five sub-counties remain without a government secondary school, adding that the ongoing construction of a seed secondary school will help narrow the gap.

Gomba currently has one Health Centre IV and eight Health Centre IIIs, with a new HCIII under construction in Maddu sub-county. One sub-county is still without a health facility, but plans are underway to address the shortfall.

Tumwiine also cited improvements in water access, saying 77 per cent of rural villages now have access to safe water following borehole rehabilitation and the construction of piped water systems serving thousands of residents. 

He said additional projects are planned to extend coverage to the remaining villages.
On production and livelihoods, the NRM district chairperson highlighted government investments in valley tanks, earth dams and irrigation infrastructure to support livestock and crop farming, noting that water for production has boosted incomes and created jobs at community level.

He reported that Gomba is now connected to the national electricity grid, with seven out of nine sub-counties already electrified. The remaining two sub-counties are expected to be connected in the next phase of government expansion.

Tumwiine reaffirmed the district’s support for government programmes, urging leaders and beneficiaries to safeguard public resources and ensure they translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.