The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairman, Mike Mukula, has called on President Yoweri Museveni to deliver on longstanding promises made to the people of Bukedi Region, who have shown unwavering support for the ruling government in the past years.
Speaking at a leaders' meeting in Butaleja, Mukula highlighted the need for tangible developments, particularly in healthcare and road infrastructure, to strengthen the NRM's position ahead of the 2026 elections.
He urged the president to prioritize two critical projects: the establishment of a regional referral hospital and the tarmacking of key roads, such as the Tororo-Nagongera-Butaleja road.
"The people of Uganda can now sleep and unite to fight one common vice, poverty. Bukedi needs two key things. One is the regional referral hospital, and the other is improved roads. For instance, the Tororo-Nagongera road to Butaleja needs to be tarmacked. Your Excellency, as you do this, you won't need to return to campaign here; the people will vote for you overwhelmingly," he said.
In response, President Museveni acknowledged the importance of the road infrastructure in Bukedi and other regions, attributing delays to challenges within government agencies.
He disclosed that the government has allocated over shs2 trillion annually for road projects but has encountered inefficiencies.
"I know the Tororo-Nagongera road because I used it when we were fighting Amin. We've been battling with agencies that have been consuming these funds. Thankfully, Parliament recently merged most of these agencies, which will simplify our work," the president explained.
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He expressed gratitude to Parliament for streamlining government agencies, a move he believes will facilitate the completion of critical infrastructure projects, including those in Bukedi.
"I want to thank the MPs they 'buried' these agencies yesterday, so now we can sit down and plan to address the roads we have been discussing for so long."
Mukula's appeal comes amidst growing dissatisfaction in Bukedi over the government's unfulfilled promises.
Demonstrations in the region have become more frequent, with several residents, especially youth leaders, raising concerns about unmet pledges.
The meeting in Butaleja was part of President Museveni's ongoing engagement with regional leaders as the country gears up for the 2026 elections.
Mukula emphasized that visible government investment in Bukedi's infrastructure and healthcare would be a critical factor in sustaining local support for the NRM.
