President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the people of Busoga to reject disunity and identity-based politics, stressing that development can only thrive in an environment of peace and collective effort.
The President made the appeal while meeting political leaders, government officials, religious leaders, private sector representatives, and community mobilizers from Busoga sub-region at State Lodge, Nakasero. The delegation was coordinated by Haji Faruk Kirunda, whom the President commended for promoting unity and serving the country without discrimination.
“This is what leaders are supposed to do and not to divide the people or to promote sectarianism,” Museveni said. He reminded the gathering that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is built on four principles—Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic Transformation, and Democracy—which reject divisive politics.
The President highlighted government investments in infrastructure and industrialization in Busoga, citing factories in Jinja, Njeru, and Masese, as well as improved roads including Jinja-Kamuli, Musita-Mayuge-Busia, and Iganga-Mbale.
He assured the leaders that more projects such as the Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli and Kimaka-Mbulamuti-Kamuli roads will be tarmacked soon.
Museveni also called on leaders to sensitize citizens to make effective use of government empowerment programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and SACCOs to fight poverty. “The government has injected a lot of funds in these programs. Leaders should audit their performance and encourage people to use this opportunity to uplift their lives,” he said.
He pointed out that expanded electricity connections across Busoga were a result of new power dams and the extended national grid. The President also appealed to the people to support NRM candidates in the forthcoming elections, saying this would strengthen development and unity.
During the meeting, Namutamba Resty stepped down from the Luuka Woman MP race in favor of the NRM flag bearer, Nabirye Annet, while Haji Jafari Basajabalaba withdrew from the Bushenyi LC5 race in favor of Tumwebaze Prosper. Museveni praised the decisions as consistent with NRM’s principles. “Vote for leaders who promote unity amongst our people but not divisionism,” he emphasized.
Religious leaders pledged to spread the message of peace and reconciliation. Bishop Naimanhye Paul Mukembo, speaking on behalf of the Inter-Religious Council, thanked the President for fostering peace that allows free worship. He added that clergy in Busoga would work to reconcile rival politicians for harmony in the sub-region.
The meeting was attended by religious leaders from various denominations, including Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo, Bishop Edward Munene, Bishop Suubi Hannington, Bishop Dr. Kajura Jimmy, Vicar General Benedict Wakabi, and Regional Mufti Sheik Bowa Muhamad Hussein, among others.
Museveni concluded by urging leaders to preserve the peace established by the NRM after the liberation struggle. “We fought to bring stability in our country, and I urge you to sensitize our people, especially the youth, to desist from activities that may cause instability,” he said.
