OPINION: What Kasese Expects From It’s Sons in Gov’t After Rewarding the NRM & Museveni

By Kabyanga Milly Felix

The 2026 elections marked a defining political turning point for Kasese District and the wider Rwenzori sub-region. For the first time in decades, the district overwhelmingly aligned itself with the National Resistance Movement (NRM), voting all Members of Parliament under the ruling party while also delivering massive support to President Yoweri Museveni.

This was not an ordinary electoral outcome. It was a strategic political statement from the people of Kasese and a declaration that the district is ready to work with government, embracing reconciliation and pursued practical socioeconomic transformation over endless political confrontation.

The re appointments and elevation of distinguished sons of Kasese Dr. Crispus Kiyonga and Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi have therefore generated renewed hope and heightened expectations across the region.

Kasese now expects a visible development dividend from the trust and loyalty it has demonstrated to government.

For many years, Kasese remained politically restless despite its enormous strategic value to Uganda. The district possesses vast tourism potential, fertile agricultural land, mineral wealth, hydroelectric importance and a critical geographical position bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Yet despite these advantages, many residents still grapple with:
• Poor road infrastructure.
• Youth unemployment.
• Flood disasters.
• Inadequate health facilities.
• Human-wildlife conflicts.
• Limited industrialization.
• Persistent poverty in rural communities.

The people therefore expect the new political alignment with government to usher in a new era of practical transformation and accelerated state investment.

Expediting the Upgrade of Kasese Airfield Into an International Airport:

One of the biggest expectations from the people is the fast-tracking of the upgrade of Kasese Airfield into a fully functional international airport.

Kasese is home to one of Africa’s most unique tourism ecosystems, including the globally renowned Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Yet tourism in the region remains constrained by transport limitations.

An international airport would:
• Increase direct tourism access into the Rwenzori region.
• Promote international investment.
• Boost exports and regional trade.
• Improve connectivity with eastern DRC.
• Open up western Uganda economically.

The people of Kasese believe that with proper lobbying and government commitment, the district can become a major regional gateway for tourism, commerce and logistics.

Revival of the Standard Gauge Railway to Eastern DRC:

Kasese residents also expect government to prioritize the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) through western Uganda towards eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Historically, Kasese was once a strategic railway town, but much of that infrastructure deteriorated over time. Reviving and modernizing rail connectivity would completely transform the regional economy.

The expectations include:
• Reduced transport costs.
• Increased mineral exports.
• Improved agricultural trade.
• Stronger regional integration.
• Growth of logistics and manufacturing industries.

Given Kasese’s proximity to the Congolese market, many believe the district can become Uganda’s western commercial hub if integrated into modern railway infrastructure.

Operationalisation of the Industrial Park:

The youth of Kasese are increasingly demanding jobs, industrial growth, and economic inclusion.

Residents therefore expect immediate operationalisation of the industrial park in the region to stimulate:
• Manufacturing.
• Agro-processing.
• Packaging industries.
• Value addition.
• Small and medium enterprise growth.

Many educated young people continue to leave the district due to lack of employment opportunities. The industrial park is therefore viewed not as a luxury project but as an urgent economic necessity.

The people expect government to attract investors, provide electricity and infrastructure, and ensure the industrial park becomes a practical center for productivity rather than another dormant government project.

Permanent Solutions to River Nyamwamba Flooding:

One of the most painful recurring challenges in Kasese has been the devastating flooding caused by River Nyamwamba.

Year after year, floods destroy homes, roads, bridges, schools, and livelihoods, displacing thousands of families and creating humanitarian crises across the district.

The people now expect:
• Modern flood control systems.
• Heavy earth-moving and dredging equipment.
• Increased disaster preparedness funding.
• River channel management.
• Long-term environmental restoration programs.
• Proper resettlement and compensation for displaced families.

Many residents feel that flood management in Kasese has remained too reactive instead of preventive. They expect stronger government intervention that addresses the root causes permanently.

Strengthening Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation:

Communities surrounding Queen Elizabeth National Park continue to suffer massive crop destruction caused by elephants, buffaloes, and other wild animals.

Farmers argue that while wildlife conservation generates national revenue, local communities often bear the greatest burden without sufficient protection.

The people therefore expect stronger support to Uganda Wildlife Authority to complete the installation of electric fencing around the park.

This intervention would:
• Protect crops and livelihoods.
• Reduce farmer losses.
• Minimize human-wildlife conflicts.
• Improve relations between conservation authorities and local communities.

Many residents believe conservation must coexist with community protection and economic survival.

Expansion of Community Irrigation Schemes:

Agriculture remains the backbone of Kasese’s economy, yet climate change and prolonged dry spells continue to threaten productivity.

Farmers now expect expanded government investment in:
• Community irrigation systems.
• Valley dams.
• Water harvesting technologies.
• Climate-smart agriculture.
• Modern farming support programs.

Improved irrigation would significantly increase agricultural productivity, stabilize food security, and support agro-industrialization in the district.

Better Roads and Health Infrastructure:

The rapidly growing population in Kasese has put enormous pressure on rural roads and public health facilities.

Communities are demanding:
• Increased funding for critical rural roads.
• Upgrading feeder roads.
• Better bridge infrastructure.
• Improved health center staffing.
• Expanded maternity and emergency services.

Many health facilities remain overstretched and under-equipped despite serving large populations.

Particular concern has been raised about Bwera General Hospital, which not only serves Ugandans but also receives large numbers of patients from eastern DRC due to its border location.

Because of this pressure, many residents believe the time has come for government to establish a regional referral hospital in the Rwenzori sub-region to strengthen specialized healthcare delivery and reduce congestion at existing facilities.

Peace and Reconciliation With the Rwenzururu Kingdom:

Many people in Kasese also believe the future development of the region depends heavily on sustainable peace, dialogue, and reconciliation.

The relationship between government and the Rwenzururu Kingdom has experienced difficult moments in the past, creating deep emotional and political scars within communities.

Residents now expect:
• Continued dialogue.
• Reconciliation initiatives.
• Cultural inclusion.
• Peace-building programs.

The people want a future where cultural identity and national unity coexist harmoniously without conflict or suspicion.

Kasese increasingly desires stability because investors, tourism and development thrive best in peaceful environments.

Establishment of a Public University in the Rwenzori Region:

Education stakeholders and young people in the region are also demanding the elevation or conversion of an existing university institution into a fully-fledged public university.

Many students from the Rwenzori region struggle with high tuition costs and limited access to affordable higher education.

A public university would:
• Increase access to quality education.
• Promote regional research and innovation.
• Support local industrialization.
• Build skilled human capital.
• Stimulate urban economic growth.

The people believe the region has produced enough intellectual and professional capacity to justify a major public higher education institution.

The Political Message Is Clear:

The overwhelming support for the NRM in Kasese was not simply about party loyalty. It was a strategic appeal for inclusion, development and practical government attention.

The people believe they have demonstrated political maturity and trust in government. They now expect government to reciprocate with:
• Visible projects.
• Economic transformation.
• Improved livelihoods.
• Infrastructure development.
• Peace and inclusion.

Kasese no longer wants to be remembered mainly during elections, floods or political crises. The district wants to become:
• A tourism powerhouse.
• A trade gateway to central Africa.
• An industrial hub.
• A peaceful and prosperous region fully integrated into Uganda’s national development agenda.

The political support has already been given and now the people expect delivery.

The writer is a President Museveni supporter in Kasese