President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency, for her strong leadership and dedication to the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The President made the remarks during a thanksgiving ceremony held in her honour at Iringa Township Primary School.
President Museveni warned NRM leaders and members against forming political camps within the party, urging them to focus on unity and the party’s founding principles.
“I thank my daughter Babirye for raising the issue of divisions in the party. We formed NRM to fight tribal and religious politics. Our focus has always been on unity and shared interests,” he said.
The President reminded leaders to remain guided by the NRM’s four core values: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. He called for politics based on principles, not personal interests.
Tackling Poverty and Building Wealth
President Museveni urged the people of Busoga to focus on wealth creation at the household level. He explained that while infrastructure like roads, schools, and electricity benefit everyone, true prosperity comes from individual efforts to generate income.
“You can live near a tarmac road but still be poor. Roads and development projects are important, but don’t wait for them before fighting poverty at home,” he said.
He encouraged Ugandans to participate in key economic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT, and to take advantage of government programs like the Parish Development Model.
Education and Youth Empowerment
On education, the President emphasized the importance of implementing free education in government schools. He noted that since 1997, the policy has faced challenges due to resistance from some school leaders.
“If free education is not working well, let us know. We can discuss solutions. But our children must study,” he said.
He also highlighted the success of government-run skilling centres, which have helped many young people acquire practical skills and find jobs.
Support for Fishing Communities
President Museveni acknowledged ongoing challenges faced by fishing communities and promised to meet with stakeholders to find lasting solutions.
Hon. Babalanda’s Journey
The President commended Hon. Babalanda for her resilience, especially after she survived a serious COVID-19 infection in 2021 shortly after being appointed Minister.
“Babirye is a strong mobilizer and a dedicated leader. I met her years ago working with women’s groups in Busoga, and I’ve seen her grow through the ranks,” Museveni said.
In her speech, Minister Babalanda thanked the President for supporting her during her illness and for mentoring her throughout her career. She shared her journey from humble beginnings, her return to school, and her rise through various leadership roles within the NRM.
“I am proud of what I’ve achieved through hard work and the support of the President. I promise to remain loyal and continue serving Ugandans with integrity,” she said.
Call for Museveni to Stand in 2026
Leaders from Busoga Sub-region used the event to ask President Museveni to contest again in the 2026 elections as the NRM National Chairman and party presidential candidate. Hon. Babalanda said this request was agreed upon during a recent regional leaders’ meeting in Jinja.
Development Commitments
President Museveni donated Shs 100 million for the construction of a Seventh-day Adventist Church in the area. He also promised to tarmac Kamuli Road, Jinja–Budondo Road, and Walukoko–Luuka Road.
Hon. Moses Magogo, MP for Budiope East and NRM Chairperson for Buyende, thanked the President for his support to the region — including signing the Sugarcane Amendment Bill and promoting fair trade and fishing reforms.
The event was attended by ministers, MPs, RDCs, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.
