Museveni also promised to tarmac roads in Buvuma and compensate landowners who surrendered their land for oil palm project.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has promised to create a second constituency in Buvuma, apologizing to the islanders for “cheating” them all along.
He made this promise while addressing a campaign rally held at in Buvuma, where he also vowed to upgrade the only health facility in Buvuma district at the level of Health Centre IV at Kitamiiro village in Buvuma Town Council to a fully-fledged hospital, supply solar grid electricity, and extend hydroelectric power to the district.
Museveni also promised to tarmac roads in Buvuma and compensate landowners who surrendered their land for oil palm project. “The money is there, but we must study the matter very carefully before paying you off,” he said.
The President’s visit to Buvuma is part of his ongoing campaign trail, focusing on wealth creation, infrastructure development, and improving household incomes.
He also rallied support for NRM flag bearers in Buvuma district, emphasizing the party’s achievements and future plans.
The party flag bearers for Buvuma include; Robert Migadde Ndugwa (Buvuma constituency), Judith Naggujja Nsubuga (District woman MP), Nixon Ochenge Matia (district chairperson), among others.
Earlier, the NRM Vice Chairperson for the Central Region, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, acknowledged that compensation for land acquired under the oil palm project has been a long-standing concern among residents.
Hon. Kasolo revealed that the government committed Shs24bn to compensate affected landowners, noting that Shs14bn has already been released.
“The money that has been released should go to the rightful landowners. Every person who surrendered land for oil palm growing will be paid fairly. No one will be left out,” Hon. Kasolo said.
He added that the government plans to establish an oil palm processing plant in Buvuma as part of the value-addition strategy to ensure sustainable incomes for farmers.
President Museveni reminded residents that peace has enabled development across the country, including in island districts like Buvuma.
“Everybody can see that we now have peace. We have development, roads, electricity, telephones, water, and internet,” he said.
Turning to the fishing sector, the President blamed the degradation of Lake Victoria on human activity rather than enforcement agencies, urging fishermen to take responsibility for protecting the resource.
“It is the fisheries that spoiled the lake. Don’t use the army as an excuse. The problem came from overcrowding and people entering breeding areas,” he said.
President Museveni recounted how Uganda once had a thriving fish export industry, warning that indiscipline nearly destroyed it before government intervention revived the sector.
He also pledged that the government will set up a fish processing factory in the district.
The President acknowledged that Buvuma remains the only district in Uganda not connected to the national electricity grid but assured residents that the government is addressing the challenge.
“We are working on it in two ways. One is using solar energy to generate electricity, and the other is extending power cables from Mayuge. I don’t know why it was delayed, but I have directed those responsible to report to me,” he said.
On infrastructure, President Museveni said roads in Buvuma, though limited by geography, deserve upgrading.
He also announced plans to upgrade Buvuma Health Centre IV into a district hospital, saying access to quality healthcare is critical for island communities.
President Museveni welcomed the growth of education facilities in the district, describing it as a sign of progress.
“There are now 20 government primary schools and 64 private primary schools. That shows development,” he said.
He added that Buvuma has two government secondary schools and five private secondary schools, reiterating the government’s plan to have at least one government secondary school per sub-county.
Comparing island livelihoods to those of Karamoja, the President emphasized the need for boarding schools to support families whose children are affected by fishing schedules.
“We need boarding schools. You take your child to school and go fishing without worrying,” he said, noting that First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet had taken note of the concern.
On water access, President Museveni said the government has made progress but noted that more work is needed.
Out of 213 villages, 112 now have access to safe water, representing 53 percent coverage, with several piped water systems completed, rehabilitated boreholes, and new solar-powered schemes underway.
He also pointed to population growth as an indicator of stability and development.
