Tooro Leaders Discuss Regional Development With Gen Salim Saleh

A delegation of leaders from the Tooro Sub-region held a high-level strategic meeting in Kapeeka today with the Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Gen. Salim Saleh, to discuss practical strategies for accelerating socio-economic transformation and sustainable development in the region.

The delegation, led by Hon. Basaliza Henry Mutegeki, a Central Committee member of PLU, included political, religious, and community leaders, senior UPDF officers, civil servants, and other stakeholders from various districts within Tooro.

The meeting focused on key development priorities such as improving infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, industrialisation, and household incomes. Leaders presented a united agenda to unlock Tooro’s economic potential.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Basaliza commended Gen. Saleh for his efforts towards poverty eradication and wealth creation initiatives that have transformed livelihoods across Uganda. He highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between government institutions and local leadership to ensure Tooro fully benefits from national development programs.

Hon. Akugizibwe, Interim Chairperson of the Tooro Parliamentary Caucus, urged the government to expedite the upgrading and completion of the Fort Portal-Kampala Road, describing it as a critical economic corridor essential for improving trade, transport, tourism, and business opportunities in the region. He also requested the establishment of an airstrip in Tooro to boost tourism development, noting that many tourists prefer air travel when visiting the region’s attractions.

Additionally, Hon. Akugizibwe called for government intervention in revitalising Rubona Stock Farm to support livestock farmers with high-quality cattle breeding to improve dairy production and increase household incomes.

The delegation proposed establishing an industrial park in Tooro as a long-term solution to youth unemployment and a catalyst for industrial growth and economic transformation.

Pascal Kabuura, representing the Tooro Elders Forum, presented the Tooro Development Agenda, which is centred on seven key pillars: education, tourism, environmental conservation, agriculture, infrastructure development, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment.

Joram Bitamanya, the Mayor-elect for Central Division in Fort Portal City, requested government support for establishing a waste processing factory in Kitere, Fort Portal City. He explained that the facility would help address waste management challenges while creating employment opportunities and promoting economic empowerment for local communities.

Hon. Minister Margaret Muhanga thanked Gen. Saleh for his commitment to Tooro’s development and echoed concerns about the poor state of the Kampala-Fort Portal Road, urging urgent government intervention.

The meeting was also attended by Katumba Wamala, Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Agriculture and Energy, and other senior government officials.

Several speakers hailed Hon. Basaliza for uniting leaders across Tooro under a common development agenda, describing the meeting as a strong step toward collective action and regional transformation.

The delegation highlighted the “Manya Government Yawe” initiative, an awareness campaign aimed at helping citizens better understand government programs and services. Gen. Saleh welcomed the initiative, noting that increased public awareness is essential for effective implementation of government interventions.

Gen. Saleh pledged to convene a follow-up meeting in the near future to assess progress on the proposals and discuss practical implementation strategies.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment between the Tooro delegation and government officials to work together in advancing sustainable development, improving livelihoods, and driving economic transformation across the Tooro Sub-region.