New Government Investments Take Shape as Bugweri Records Major Social Service Gains

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni on Monday opened their mobilisation engagements in Bugweri District, highlighting decades of historical ties with the area and outlining new government commitments in health, water, education, and household income.

Museveni recalled moving through Bugweri in 1973 during the struggle against Idi Amin, acknowledging families who supported the fighters along the Buseso–Mayuge–Jinja route. “I salute the families who supported us then,” he told the cheering crowd.

Population Growth, Voting Trends, and the District at a Glance

According to the 2024 census, Bugweri District is home to 211,511 people spread across 8 sub-counties, 37 parishes, and 147 villages. The district now has 96,437 registered voters, up from 84,953 in 2021. In the last presidential election, NUP polled 57.6% against NRM’s 38.7%.

Bugweri has expanded to 230 polling stations, up from 154. Officials say the rise in voter numbers reflects population growth and progress in national registration.

PDM and Emyooga Expanding Household Livelihoods

Under the Parish Development Model, Bugweri has received Shs 11.1 billion, all of which has been disbursed to 11,387 beneficiary households. This represents 24.44% of all district households, leaving 35,197 yet to be enrolled.

The district’s 18 Emyooga SACCOs now have 21,250 members, with the government disbursing Shs 960 million so far.

Museveni encouraged families to take advantage of these programmes, alongside NAADS, Ntandikwa, OWC, and youth and women funds, to anchor household income. He again emphasized his four-acre model: coffee, fruits, pasture for zero-grazing cows, and food crops, with poultry and fish as complements.

Education: More Schools than Parishes, Seed Schools Coming

Bugweri’s education footprint includes 54 government primary schools, 193 private primary schools, 7 government secondary schools, and 50 private secondary schools. Of the 37 parishes, 26 host at least one government primary school, while 11 still lack one.

To close gaps at the secondary level, two Seed Secondary Schools are under construction. Once completed, each sub-county will host a government secondary school.

At the Jinja-based Presidential Industrial Hub serving Bugweri, 961 youths have been skilled so far, with another 240 currently in training.

Health: Upgrades on the Way as Facilities Expand

Bugweri has 1 HCIV, 6 HCIIIs, and 10 HCIIs. Two sub-counties still lack any health facility of HCIII or above. The government has announced upgrades, including elevating Busesa HCIV to a general hospital and turning Idudi and Nsale HCII facilities into HCIIIs.

Ongoing works include expanding the maternity ward at Busesa HCIV and constructing incinerators at Busembatia, Nawangisa, and Minani health centres.

Water Coverage Now at 84 Percent

Of 147 villages, 124 have access to a safe water source, bringing district water coverage to 84%. Completed works include 5 spring protections, 21 deep boreholes, 2 piped systems, and 4 public latrines.

The Nondwe piped water system in Makutu is complete, serving 1,800 people in Nondwe, Bukose, Bunakate, and Waibale. The design for the Kiwanyi piped system is ongoing.

A solar-powered irrigation scheme is planned for Kitukilo in FY 2025/26.

The President told residents that while infrastructure and social services are being expanded, sustainable wealth must come from household production. He urged families to adopt commercial agriculture, utilize government programmes, and embrace productivity models that have already uplifted many in other regions.