BUTALEJA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has lauded Butaleja District for its impressive development strides across key sectors, saying the progress reflects improved planning, committed leadership, and effective use of government programs.

Addressing thousands of residents at Booma Grounds, the NRM presidential flag bearer praised the district for achieving 94% safe water coverage, with 418 out of 443 villages now accessing clean water.

He further highlighted that all sub-counties have been electrified, apart from a few headquarters that are soon to be connected.

On health, Museveni noted the presence of a district hospital, a Health Centre IV and 11 Health Centre IIIs—leaving only two sub-counties awaiting upgrades.

He also applauded Butaleja’s success in commercial irrigation farming, particularly in the Doho and Walala schemes, which have boosted rice production through organized water usage.

“Rice under irrigation yields Sh7 million per acre before costs, and Sh5 million after. That is the productive rice—not the one in the swamp,” the President emphasized, encouraging farmers to embrace the four-acre model to enhance incomes and food security.

But it was Museveni’s announcement on long-awaited road works that sparked the most excitement. He revealed that government has now secured funds and identified contractors for the Nabumali–Butaleja–Namutumba Road and the Tororo–Nagongera–Busolwe Road—projects that have stalled for years.

He attributed the delays to an overstretched national budget, urging leaders to prioritize effectively moving forward. “The elders here know the instability that affected progress. But with peace, we can now do more,” Museveni said, reflecting on the district’s past challenges, including cattle rustling and insurgency.

During the event, the President officially handed over NRM party flags to district candidates and urged residents to protect and build on the progress achieved.

Speaker of Parliament and NRM second vice-chairperson Rt. Hon. Anita Among thanked the President for ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Budumba Bridge and appealed for Butaleja to be included in the national livestock restocking program.

NRM District Chairperson Moses Pabire applauded the strong party support in Butaleja and highlighted significant achievements under the ruling party, including expanded irrigation now benefiting 3,500 households, improved education infrastructure, and increased funding through the Parish Development Model and Emyooga SACCOs.