By Aggrey Twesigye
Leaders in Ntungamo and Isingiro districts have asked NRM presidential candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to provide additional road equipment to support the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of their expansive road networks.
Speaking at separate campaign rallies, Isingiro District Chairperson Alone Turahi and Ntungamo District NRM Chairperson Janet Kataha Museveni said both districts among the largest in the Ankole sub-region continue to grapple with poor road conditions despite earlier government interventions.
Since 2018, each district has received a standard road unit consisting of a motor grader, wheel loader, two tipper trucks, a water bowser, and a roller. Leaders, however, insist that the equipment is not enough. Turahi noted that Isingiro’s road network exceeds 2,565 kilometres and requested two additional road units. In Ntungamo, Janet Kataha Museveni said the district’s more than 2,000 kilometres of roads similarly require extra machinery and increased funding for consistent maintenance.
In response, President Museveni pledged to construct key inter-district roads linking Ntungamo, Isingiro, and Rakai, and to reconstruct the worn-out Ntungamo–Rukungiri road. Targeted routes include Kikagate–Kitwe–Mirama Hills, Kabingo–Rwekubo–Rugaga–Rwangabo–Endizi–Magabi–Rakai–Mutukula, Birere–Nyamuyanja–Kabuyanda (48 km), and Kitwe–Rukoni–Bugamba–Buteraniro.
Beginning his Ankole campaign trail in Isingiro District, Museveni attributed delays in road construction to scattered priorities within government. He told residents that until Uganda begins drilling oil in 2026, the government is placing household poverty eradication ahead of major infrastructure expansion. He said wealth creation programmes remain the NRM’s core strategy for socio-economic transformation.
Turahi commended the near-completion of the Kagera Water Project—now at 98 percent—saying it will greatly benefit residents of Isingiro and Mbarara City. Museveni urged farmers, especially banana growers, to use the water for irrigation and learn from the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development.
Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe of South Ankole Diocese applauded the President’s emphasis on wealth creation, while Ruhama County MP Moses Kahima raised concerns about underinvestment in tourism. He called for the elevation of the Karegyeya Stone site and guidance on developments around Lake Nyabihoko.
President Museveni continues his campaign trail in Rwampara and Mbarara City tomorrow, December 1st, 2025.
