President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has unveiled major security and development interventions in Kamwenge and Kyegegwa districts, ranging from the establishment of a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) battalion in Kamwenge to the creation of a large industrial park in Kyaka, Kyegegwa District.
The President made the announcements during campaign rallies in the two districts, where he also introduced the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto for 2026–2031 and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peace, wealth creation and infrastructure development.
UPDF to Set Up Barracks in Kamwenge
While addressing thousands of supporters at Kyabenda Primary School playground in Kamwenge, President Museveni said the district—long affected by ADF incursions—needs a permanent military presence to consolidate peace.
“For a long time, Kamwenge faced insecurity because of ADF incursions through the forests. But because of unity and a strong army, we have managed to maintain peace,” he said. “To consolidate this peace, we are going to establish a battalion here and look for land to build a barracks.”
He thanked residents for the overwhelming support and noted that sustained peace had enabled farmers to transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture, especially through coffee, fruits and banana growing. He cited farmers such as Julius Akorinako, a retired Inspector of Schools earning about Shs40 million annually from coffee, as examples of the economic transformation the NRM seeks to scale up.
Museveni also outlined new development projects for Kamwenge, including plans to establish an industrial park, a presidential slaughter hub, district-level seed nurseries, and additional SACCO support.
On infrastructure, he said major roads such as Lyantonde–Ibanda–Kamwenge–Fort Portal had been completed, and priority now lies with the Kyenjojo–Kihura and Rwimi roads. He further emphasised irrigation as Uganda’s “next major battle,” warning against the destruction of wetlands.
The President also highlighted investments in education and skilling, pointing to the success of skilling hubs that have transformed young people such as Ms Racheal Natukunda, who started a salon and poultry project after training.
Kyegegwa to Host Major Industrial Park
In Kyegegwa District, President Museveni announced that the government has secured 10 square miles of land in Kyaka to establish a major industrial park. The park will host factories—including an avocado processing plant—and is expected to drive mass employment, value addition, and household incomes.
He made the remarks at Wekomire Parish, noting that Kyegegwa’s strong interest in industrialisation had informed government’s decision. “Factories are a major source of jobs and currently employ 1.3 million Ugandans. This park will help lift more households into the money economy,” he said.
Museveni also highlighted infrastructure progress, noting that all sub-counties in Kyegegwa are now connected to the national grid, with plans underway to construct the Kazo–Kabogore–Kyegegwa–Kapuyo road.
However, he acknowledged outstanding service delivery gaps: 41 parishes lack government primary schools, only 9 of 19 sub-counties have functional health facilities, prompting plans to build or upgrade HCIIIs in several areas, and only 256 of 677 villages have safe water, with the government set to draw water from River Muzizi to boost supply.
The President warned against mismanagement of the Parish Development Model (PDM), insisting that every beneficiary must receive the full Shs1 million.
In both districts, local leaders—including Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Minister Frank Tumwebaze, NRM Western Vice Chairperson Hon. Jonard Asiimwe and district chairpersons—praised the President’s interventions. They cited improved security, agricultural growth, electricity access, water systems and the expansion of education facilities such as seed secondary schools.
Tumwebaze, speaking in Kamwenge, said more than half of households had shifted from maize to commercial coffee production, thanks to the President’s Four-Acre Model. He added that Kamwenge has received more than Shs19 billion under PDM, with 98 percent already disbursed.
Kyegegwa leaders similarly pledged strong political support in the upcoming election.
