By Otim Nape
In a charged atmosphere at a campaign rally in Bundibugyo, Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, fired up the crowd with a speech that struck a chord with the people’s concerns and aspirations.
Addressing the region’s critical needs, Speaker Among called for the urgent construction of key infrastructure, including roads, and even floated the idea of making Bundibugyo a new district, promising that under the NRM leadership, the region would no longer be neglected.
“Thank you, Bundibugyo, for receiving us so warmly. You have shown unwavering love and support for NRM, and today we stand together to take our future into our own hands!” Speaker Among began, as she greeted the excited crowd with enthusiasm. “But while we celebrate our partnership with the NRM, we must also demand more for roads, for schools, for hospitals and for the creation of a new district to ensure better representation and resources for our people!”
Her call for the creation of a new district resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom have long felt that Bundibugyo’s development has been held back by the challenges of managing a vast and diverse region under a single administrative unit.
“Bundibugyo deserves more than what it’s been getting. We deserve to be a district that gets the attention it needs better roads, better infrastructure, and better opportunities for our people,” Among declared, drawing loud applause.
Speaker Among didn’t hold back when it came to the pressing issue of road infrastructure.
She pointed directly to the Fort Portal–Bundibugyo road, which has long been a source of frustration for local communities. “We thank you, Mr. President, for bringing peace to this region. But now, we need the roads to be repaired. The road from Fort Portal to Bundibugyo needs urgent attention. The current state is unacceptable, and we cannot wait any longer.”
She also made a powerful plea for the rehabilitation of the Latvia road, a key route that has been neglected for years. “People of Bundibugyo, we cannot ignore these basic needs any longer. Roads are the lifeline of our people. We cannot allow these roads to crumble while we wait for development to come.”
With a firm resolve, Among then shifted her focus to Bundibugyo’s economic potential, highlighting the need for greater industrial investment. President Museveni, who stood beside her, had already promised to build a cocoa processing factory in the district. However, Speaker Among made it clear that the people of Bundibugyo expected more than just one factory—they wanted an industrial hub that could transform the entire region.
“The President has promised us a cocoa processing factory, and we welcome that,” she said. “But we need more! We need an entire town of factories, just like Namanve and Mbale. Bundibugyo should become an industrial powerhouse—where our youth find jobs, where our farmers are empowered, and where our communities thrive.”
Her words echoed the sentiments of Bundibugyo’s NRM Chairperson, David Kabyanga, who had earlier praised President Museveni for the progress made under his leadership, including the ongoing assessments for a cocoa factory. Kabyanga also highlighted the success of the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programs, which have brought billions of shillings into the region.
Yet, even with these positive strides, Kabyanga, like Speaker Among, emphasized that Bundibugyo’s road infrastructure needs immediate attention, particularly due to the frequent landslides that devastate newly constructed roads.
President Museveni, who addressed the crowd after Speaker Among, acknowledged the region’s challenges but assured them that Bundibugyo’s future would be brighter than ever. He reiterated that Bundibugyo’s cocoa, which accounts for more than 70% of Uganda’s exports, would be a key driver of economic growth.
“We are not just going to build one factory here,” Museveni declared. “We will build a town of factories, and in doing so, create thousands of jobs. The future of Bundibugyo will not just be in farming—it will be in manufacturing, in industrialization, and in creating wealth for our people.”
But Museveni also took a moment to address the ongoing struggle with road maintenance, particularly the deteriorating Mubende–Fort Portal–Bundibugyo road. While pledging to rehabilitate it, he emphasized the need to prioritize key projects that would directly benefit the people, even if it meant difficult decisions regarding public sector salary increases.
“As we work on roads and other critical infrastructure, we cannot ignore the basics. If the road for Bamba and Bakonjo people is in bad shape, it must be fixed before we consider other demands,” he said.
The President also highlighted his government’s efforts to improve education and healthcare in Bundibugyo, pledging to construct more schools and health centers. “We will ensure that every parish has a primary school, and every sub-county will have a secondary school. Our people deserve better education and better health services,” he said, listing upcoming healthcare projects, including the upgrade of several health centers.
On wealth creation, Museveni stressed that Bundibugyo had already shown how commercial agriculture could change lives. He pointed to cocoa farmers like Benard Kacuro, who earns millions during the peak season, and cattle farmers like George Matongo, who earns hundreds of millions annually despite limited infrastructure.
“We must build on this success,” Museveni said. “We will empower more people in Bundibugyo to embrace commercial agriculture, and with the right support, you will see your businesses grow.”
As the rally drew to a close, Speaker Anita Among reminded the crowd that while promises were welcome, they would only be satisfied with action. “We stand here today not just to hear speeches, but to make sure that these promises turn into real change for the people of Bundibugyo. We will not settle for less,” she declared, her voice ringing with conviction.
With a powerful and unified call for action, Speaker Among and President Museveni left Bundibugyo’s people with a clear message: the road to development is long, but with the right leadership and the people’s support, Bundibugyo’s time has come.
The stage is now set for the 2026 elections, and Bundibugyo is ready to hold its leaders accountable and demand the future it deserves. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
