President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced plans to establish an industrial park in Mbarara City and expand the Presidential Skilling Hubs, saying the initiatives will drive job creation, increase household incomes, and strengthen the NRM’s development agenda ahead of the 2026 elections.
Addressing supporters at Boma Grounds in Mbarara City, Museveni, who was accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet Museveni said the proposed industrial park will attract factories that he described as “key drivers of employment and economic transformation.”
He added that the skilling hubs will be upgraded with more technical courses, including engineering and plumbing, to equip young people with practical skills. He said the hubs are especially vital for urban residents and youth without land.
Museveni called on voters in Mbarara City and Mbarara District to support NRM candidates in 2026, saying the party has consistently delivered on its commitments. He said restoring peace remains the NRM’s biggest achievement and recalled the instability that marked Uganda’s past. He said the rejection of sectarianism enabled the creation of strong national institutions.
He also noted progress in infrastructure development, highlighting improvements in the road network and expanded electricity coverage. He announced the planned construction of the Biharwe–Bwizibwera road and emphasized the need for families to pursue income-generating activities. He cited dairy farmer George Matongo, who earns Shs21 million monthly despite living far from tarmac roads, as an example of wealth creation through commercial agriculture.
Museveni again encouraged families with small land holdings to adopt the four-acre model and urged residents to use skilling centres to enter the money economy through trades such as welding, hairdressing, bakery, tailoring, and brickmaking. He said 30 percent of Ugandans remain outside the money economy and bringing them in is a priority.
Maama Janet Museveni praised the people of Mbarara for their unity and support for the NRM. She urged them to intensify mobilisation and aim for a higher voter turnout in 2026. She reminded supporters that large rallies reflect strong backing, but electoral victories depend on organised mobilisation.
NRM leaders welcomed the President’s pledges. Mbarara City NRM Chairperson Wilson Tumwine thanked Museveni for approving the upgrade of Nyakisharara Airfield into an international airport and asked government to construct a modern stadium to support sports development.
Museveni said the industrial park, expanded skilling programmes, and continued infrastructure investment will help Mbarara residents create wealth and secure long-term economic opportunities.
