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Mr Godfrey Mbetegyereize addressing NRM leaders in Ibanda during the meetig to welcome president Museveni ahead of campaigh visit. [PHOTO: JOVITA HASTO]
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By Jovita Hasto
Leaders in Ibanda under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have pledged to mobilize a large turnout of thousands of people to welcome President Yoweri Museveni during his campaign visit to Ibanda District.
As preparations continue, leaders say they expect the President to address issues concerning road infrastructure, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and other government programs.
President Museveni is scheduled to campaign in Ibanda on November 29 at St. George’s Demonstration Playground in Kagongo Division, Ibanda Municipality, before heading to Buhweju District.
Ms. Fridah Birekyeraho, former councillor for Ibanda District and one of the mobilizers, said the NRM government has significantly improved schools and hospitals across the country, but added that several issues—especially salaries of teachers and civil servants—still need attention.
"I want to thank the President for all he has done, especially in improving schools and hospitals. We now have challenges with roads, bridges, and the salaries of teachers and civil servants. If these are improved, all will be well. Otherwise, he has already delivered about 80 percent of what Ibanda needs," she said.
Ms. Fraziah Arinaitwe, a resident of Kagongo Ward in Ibanda Municipality, said the NRM government has supported several development initiatives that have empowered women and strengthened families.
She noted that the establishment of women’s SACCOs has improved financial literacy and helped households manage their needs better.
"I want to thank the President for supporting women’s SACCOs, youth and veterans’ groups. Through the Parish Development Model, women have been included and have benefited. Many homes are happier now because women can meet family needs and start enterprises. We want more support for women’s groups for further development," she said.
She added that adult literacy programs have empowered the elderly:
"We now have adults who can read, write, or sign cheques. In 1996, many could not. Through adult education, they are improving."
Dr. Innocent Atuhe, the Ibanda District NRM Chairperson, said the meeting with NRM leaders aimed to ensure that the President finds a well-prepared and enthusiastic crowd ready to receive him and listen to his message on November 29.
He said they aim to attract more than 10,000 people from the 606 villages that make up Ibanda District.
"This was a preparatory meeting for Ibanda District and well-wishers to set targets for supporting the President. We are geared up for November 29. We expect all local leaders from the 606 villages to send at least 63 people each, and we aim for more than 10,000 people to show support for our chairman and his next-term manifesto," he said.
Mr. Jamson Bagyenda, Chairperson of the NRM League for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), urged people—especially PWDs—to turn up and appreciate what the government has done for them.
He said they had long been neglected until the NRM government recognized their needs.
"Formerly, we were neglected and marginalized, but the President has given us focus. A lot has changed. We have Emyooga SACCOs for PWDs, and we receive a percentage of PDM funds. We are now recognized and have posts in different administrative units. We thank him," he said.
Mr. Godfrey Mbetegyereize, the Ibanda District Resident Commissioner, said people should remain calm and confident ahead of the President’s visit since preparations are well underway to ensure security and order.
"Some people do not understand the gains brought by peace, economic growth, and social development. People are voluntarily mobilizing others to come and meet the President," he said.
Torch Media Africa
