OPINION: Kigezi & All Uganda’s Sub-Regions Have Every Reason To Keep President Museveni At The Helm

By Akampa Rugaba Tanbull | 
ONC Coordinator, Kigezi Sub-Region
akampabi@gmail.com

Your Excellency, welcome to the Kigezi Sub-Region, a proud land of gentle, hospitable, educated, and hardworking people drawn from the six districts of Kabale, Rukungiri, Kisoro, Kanungu, Rubanda, and Rukiga.

As I write, it is increasingly evident that across the more than 50 districts where the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate and National Chairman, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has held rallies, the support is overwhelming. Ugandans are waking up civically and consciously, embracing the NRM Manifesto and its central theme of #ProtectingTheGains as the nation accelerates towards high middle-income status.

Education Gains: The Backbone of Transformation

Kigezi, like the other 22 sub-regions, has solid reasons to continue Protecting the Gains with President Museveni at the helm. In education, every sub-county has either received or is set to receive a government Secondary Seed School. The region also hosts a Presidential Skilling Hub that equips young people with practical, employable skills — a direct engine for job creation and tackling the youth bulge.

Beyond this, over 90% of parishes in the region have government-aided primary schools, save for a few areas where leaders have remained inactive. These investments affirm the NRM’s unwavering commitment to education as a key equalizer.

Infrastructure: Roads That Power Commerce and Tourism

Our region’s infrastructure story is equally impressive. The major highways — from Ntungamo–Kabale–Rubanda–Kisoro and Ntungamo–Rukungiri–Kanungu — are now fully tarmacked, facilitating trade, tourism, and mobility. While a few tourism link roads still require attention, the progress made so far is undeniable.

Health: Expanding Access and Raising Standards

Under the NRM, health service delivery in Kigezi has recorded significant upgrades. Health Centre IIs are being elevated to Health Centre IIIs, and several IIIs to Health Centre IVs. Kabale Regional Referral Hospital continues to anchor specialized care while partnering effectively with private and church-based facilities such as Rugarama, Kisizi, and Nyakibale hospitals. These efforts are aligned with Uganda’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage.

Peace and Security: The Region’s Golden Asset

Kigezi remains one of the most secure regions in the country. Stability has boosted cross-border trade with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, turning the region into a thriving commercial corridor. While petty village crimes and poverty-driven theft persist, they are challenges that can be contained through deliberate community interventions.

Wealth Creation: PDM at the Grassroots

The Parish Development Model (PDM) continues to stimulate the grassroots economy. Although a handful of parishes have registered misuse of funds, the majority of beneficiaries appreciate the program and call for increased allocations. The model has given households a fresh opportunity to participate meaningfully in the money economy.

Looking Ahead: Consolidating the Gains

In the next term, the NRM Government must prioritize resolving outstanding presidential pledges, completing key roads, upgrading more health facilities, bridging staffing gaps, ending drug stock-outs, expanding classrooms, and extending clean water and electricity. Increasing PDM funding and tackling corruption in local governments must also be front-line commitments.

Kigezi is ready to continue on this path of transformation. The region will vote massively for NRM, and President Museveni’s percentage here will rise — provided we collectively address voter apathy.

Your Excellency, once again, we warmly welcome you to Kigezi Sub-Region.

AKAMPA RUGABA Tanbull
akampabi@gmail.com