President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged voters in Kalangala District to elect National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Idah Nabayiga in the upcoming Wednesday Woman Member of Parliament by-election, saying an NRM legislator would strengthen government efforts to address the district’s longstanding transport, fishing, and infrastructure challenges.
Addressing a large rally at Kibanga Playground in Kalangala Town Council on Monday, Museveni said the island district’s development priorities require leaders who work closely with central government.
“Kalangala, you have a problem. You voted opposition. I don’t know your MP, so who will present your issues because I don’t speak with the opposition,” Museveni said.
“Send us Nabayiga, add her to Carol, Lugoloobi and Governor Lunkuse so that we can sort all your mess.”
The President pledged government intervention to improve water transport on Lake Victoria, announcing plans to introduce two additional ferries to serve key routes in the district.
He said one ferry would operate on the Kasenyi–Mweena–Lwanabatya route, while another would connect Entebbe–Nakiwogo to Kyamuswa and Lutoboka.
“We want ferries that move from one island to another, not just from the mainland to the islands,” he said.
Museveni further promised to tarmac the Lutoboka–Kyamuswa road and address persistent electricity shortages in parts of the district, especially Kyamuswa.
“Kyamuswa has no power. I will sit with the elected leaders, including Nabayiga, and we discuss the power issue,” he said.
On social services, the President announced plans to construct three new secondary schools, one in each sub-county currently without a government secondary school. He also said government would prioritise the establishment of a district referral hospital, noting that while all seven sub-counties have health centres, a higher-level facility is still needed.
Museveni reiterated government’s commitment to reviving oil palm growing in the area, saying funds for the Kyamuswa oil palm project remain available.
“The Shs50 billion for the Kyamuswa project is still intact. We shall work with the NRM MPs to ensure that the project is rejuvenated,” he said.
He also highlighted tourism as a major economic opportunity for Kalangala, promising continued investment in roads, electricity, and water infrastructure to attract investors and support local enterprise.
“The third private venture here is tourism. We shall construct roads, power and water systems so that rich people can come here and spend their money,” he said, urging residents to also benefit through supplying food and agricultural products.
On the fishing sector, the President defended government regulation efforts, saying they are aimed at restoring depleted fish stocks after years of misuse.
Earlier, NRM Deputy Secretary General Rt. Hon. Namayanja Rose Nsereko praised the unity among party leaders during the campaign period and commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise in Kalangala.
“Today we are in Kalangala Town Council to conclude our campaigns together with none other than the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement and President of Uganda,” Namayanja said.
She said the party’s village-based mobilisation strategy had enabled leaders to engage directly with communities and better understand local concerns.
Namayanja also noted that residents had testified to development initiatives previously supported by Nabayiga, including bursaries, boreholes, and skilling programmes.
“The people themselves have been sharing testimonies about what Hon. Nabayiga was able to achieve for them,” she said, adding that she remains well-positioned to connect communities to government services.
She reaffirmed the party’s commitment to leaders who can effectively implement the NRM manifesto and accelerate socio-economic transformation, while commending security agencies for maintaining peace throughout the campaign period.
