Written By | Joshua Nahamya
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Booma grounds Mbarara City in hs presidentail campaign trail in Ankole-sub region. (Photo: Joshua Nahamya)
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Mbarara City
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, while campaigning at Booma Grounds in Mbarara City, pledged to construct a new, major industrial park and significantly expand the vocational skills offered at industrial hubs as part of his government’s strategy to combat poverty and unemployment. The President, who arrived in Mbarara after a rally in Rwampara District, focused his address on the NRM’s key pillars of peace, development, wealth creation, and job creation.
Photos: Museveni on different rallies in Ankole Sub-region
The war against poverty: Ending the “30%”
President Museveni underscored the government's sustained effort to transition all citizens into the money economy.
“The third war in the NRM government is to make all the people come out of poverty. When we started Operation Wealth Creation, people working just for the stomach were at 68%, but as I talk now, those who work for the stomach stand at 30%. Seventy percent now work for both the stomach and money," the President stated. “Now, those I bother are the 30% who are still stuck and have not yet awakened.”
He challenged Ugandans, especially NRM leaders, to focus on creating wealth rather than constantly seeking government jobs, which he stressed, are few. He advised those with small pieces of land to embrace the "4-Acre Model" to invest in enterprises like coffee, fruits, pasture, food crops, poultry, piggery, and fish farming near wetlands.
Skilling and industrialization pledges
Addressing the unemployment challenge, particularly among the youth, the President made specific commitments for Mbarara City:
"The drug for the youth in urban centers does not require land but requires getting skilled,” Museveni asserted, confirming that the government is providing free vocational training to treat youth "out of poverty.”
Testimonies of transformation
The rally featured powerful testimonies from youth who have benefited directly from the Presidential Industrial Hubs:
Joab Kiiza Ahereza, Chairman of the Mbarara City Industrial Hub SACCO, shared his journey, having left school after Senior Four. He attended the hub and studied carpentry and joinery, fully supported with free tuition, accommodation, and meals.
Ahereza detailed how the expertise gained allowed him to start his own workshop, rent a space, and purchase equipment. “As I speak now, I have four workers,” he said, thanking area MP Robert Rukari for granting them a tender to make furniture for his hotel. He also thanked the President for supporting their SACCO with Shs 50 million, pledging to multiply the funds to over Shs 100 million to support future graduates.
Ninsima Blaire from Koranorya, Mbarara City, also expressed gratitude for the baking and pastry skills she acquired. After completing the free six-month course, she began her business. With an initial loan and later receiving Shs 10 million from the President in March 2025, she expanded from one stall to three.
“After like five months, we decided we are tired with renting, we had money and bought a plot from our money on our account, and we are preparing that next year our Ebenezer bakery we shall launch it,” Ninsima stated, who now serves as the SACCO Treasurer. She requested the President's support to acquire a means of transport to distribute her products.
Following the rally in Mbarara City, President Museveni is scheduled to continue his presidential campaign trail in Bushenyi and Sheema districts within the Ankole sub-region.
Torch Media Africa
