Museveni promises more aid to landslide victims in Bukwo

Bukwo – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday, November 10, 2025, pledged stronger government support to families affected by the recent landslides in Bukwo District, which claimed several lives and destroyed property.

The President made the remarks while addressing thousands of supporters at Amanang Secondary School playgrounds in Bukwo during his first rally in the Sebei sub-region as part of his ongoing campaign trail ahead of the 2026 general elections.

“I extend condolences to the people of Bukwo for the death of our people who were swept by landslides in the mountains. We shall support the families of the victims. As President, I have already sent some small support, but the government as a whole will support them even more,” President Museveni said.

He emphasized the ecological importance of Mount Elgon, describing it as one of the “mothers of the River Nile,” and urged residents to protect the mountain environment. The President attributed recurring landslides to population pressure and poor land-use practices on the slopes and called for better planning and settlement management.

“This mountain is very precious and important for the Sebei, for Eastern Uganda, and for Africa as a whole. All these rivers that start here end up in the Nile. So, we must know how to live and use this mountain wisely,” he said.

President Museveni announced plans to hold a post-election dialogue on sustainable livelihoods in mountainous areas and encouraged residents to explore new economic activities such as tourism and sports rather than solely relying on agriculture.

The President, who is also the NRM presidential candidate, reminded residents that the party’s biggest contribution to Uganda’s progress has been restoring peace and stability. He recalled past insecurity caused by cross-border conflicts and rebel activities in the Mount Elgon region but noted that Uganda now enjoys nationwide peace.

“You, the people of Bukwo, know what lack of peace is. But now, the whole of Uganda is peaceful, and anybody who tries to bring trouble will be dealt with decisively,” he said. He credited the peace to the NRM’s ideology of patriotism and African unity, which, he said, has helped build strong national institutions like the army and police.

President Museveni highlighted major infrastructure projects that have transformed Sebei and Bugisu, including the Kapchorwa–Suam, Mbale–Bubulo–Lwakhakha, and Tororo–Mbale–Soroti roads. He said each district now receives Shs 1 billion annually for community road maintenance to support local trade and mobility.

On water access, the President reported that Bukwo District has reached 45.2% coverage, with systems such as Bukwo Town Council Piped Water and Suam Water System serving tens of thousands of residents. Ongoing works include extending the Riwo Piped Water System and drilling new boreholes. He also cautioned against corruption in local government projects, urging citizens to use Local Councils to monitor public funds. “The anti-corruption formula is the LC system because they are elected by you. Please follow the money from the central government to the district,” he said.

President Museveni reaffirmed government commitment to ensuring a primary school in every parish and a secondary school in every sub-county. Construction of three Seed Secondary Schools is underway to close existing education gaps. In health, he announced that Bukwo Health Centre IV will be upgraded to a General Hospital, while new health facilities will be constructed in Riwo, Kabei, Senendet, Bukwo, and Suam Sub-counties.

The President urged residents to embrace the 4-acre model of mixed commercial farming and to use Parish Development Model (PDM) funds productively. Bukwo District, he said, has received Shs 33.4 billion under PDM, with over 35,000 households benefiting.

“Yes, there is peace and development, but you must add wealth,” he said. “Development is ours, but wealth is yours.”

He screened a short video of the Sino Industrial Park in Mbale, showcasing Uganda’s shift toward industrialization and manufacturing.
Local leaders, led by Bukwo NRM District Chairperson Abubaker Nyandani, praised the President for his response to the landslides and pledged over 87% of the vote for the NRM in the 2026 elections.

Nyandani called for the reinstatement of Bukwo District Hospital, the creation of new markets, and compensation for families affected by cattle rustling and landslides.

The Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) and Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Among, who attended the rally, thanked President Museveni for his continued support to Sebei and reaffirmed the region’s loyalty to the NRM.