Bukomansimbi — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said Ugandans are enjoying peace and stability that has enabled the country to thrive and host nearly two million refugees fleeing conflict in the region.
Addressing thousands of supporters at Mirembe Muslim Primary School in Kitanda Sub-county, Bukomansimbi District, during his second campaign rally of the day, President Museveni, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, described Uganda as a safe haven built on sustained peace.
“Some of our neighbouring countries are still at war, and Uganda is hosting about two million refugees. Peace must be protected,” Museveni said.
He noted that generations of Ugandans have grown up without experiencing war, stressing that the country’s stability should never be taken for granted.
“People here have thrived in peace without hearing a gunshot or running from war. Even before the Europeans came, there were wars among kingdoms. That is why we must safeguard this peace,” he added.
The President commended residents for turning up in large numbers despite heavy rains, describing them as resilient and disciplined. He also praised local farmers, particularly coffee growers, and pledged government support through micro-irrigation projects to boost productivity in the largely dry district.
On infrastructure development, Museveni highlighted the impact of the Mpigi–Kanoni–Madu–Sembabule–Bukomansimbi–Masaka road, describing it as a major breakthrough for trade and connectivity.
He further pledged that works would be undertaken on the Sembabule–Matete–Mbirizi and Matete–Kibinge–Kyabakuza roads to improve access to markets.
The President urged residents to focus on wealth creation and adopt modern farming methods, citing the example of Dr Florence Muranga of Bushenyi, who harvests 53 tonnes of bananas per acre through irrigation, compared to the district average of five tonnes.
“Development is important, but escaping poverty also depends on individual initiative,” Museveni said, recalling how he invested in his Kisozi farm before infrastructure reached the area.
He added that electricity coverage in the district has significantly improved, with plans underway to extend power to all remaining sub-counties and villages. Water coverage, he noted, has also risen, with more than 80 percent of residents now accessing clean water.
During the rally, President Museveni officially handed over NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors and other party candidates in Bukomansimbi District, formally endorsing them ahead of the 2026 elections.
