Museveni Gains Ground in Busoga despite Enduring Poverty
Recent political activity suggests President Yoweri Museveni is strengthening support in Uganda’s Busoga sub-region as the nation approaches upcoming elections, even as the area continues to grapple wiht significant socio-economic challenges. Owek Hellen Namutamba is emerging as a key figure in mobilizing voters for Museveni’s re-election bid, likened by some to a “modern-day John the Baptist” actively campaigning throughout Busoga and advocating for both Museveni’s leadership and the endorsement of Speaker Rebecca kadaga.
namutamba’s efforts are credited with galvanizing regional voters behind the President and the National Resistance Movement (NRM),emphasizing the party’s promise of socio-economic transformation for Busoga and Uganda as a whole.Political analysts anticipate her dedication will lead to a prominent role in the next government, benefiting both her career and Museveni’s administration.
This shift in momentum is notably notable considering the 2021 election results, where National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, achieved surprising success in many Busoga districts. The NRM’s comparatively poor performance at that time was attributed to internal conflicts among leaders, depressed sugarcane prices, and allegations of mistreatment of the fishing community by the Uganda Peopel’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Despite decades of peace,a wealth of influential figures in government and the private sector,a growing tourism industry,and robust trade,busoga continues to struggle with pervasive poverty. Experts have repeatedly identified the region as a hotspot for socio-economic issues and a microcosm of Uganda’s broader public health concerns. This paradox – potential unrealized amidst persistent hardship – remains a central question for observers.
The situation is particularly visible in Jinja City, home to several of Uganda’s highest tax-paying companies. While these businesses generate substantial revenue and employ thousands, the infrastructure supporting their operations is severely lacking. Deteriorating roads leading to these facilities contribute to vehicle damage and have been linked to fatal accidents, fueling local frustration.
Opposition parties are capitalizing on this disparity,arguing that the government is prioritizing revenue extraction over investment in regional progress – a sentiment described as “milking the cow without feeding it” that resonates with disillusioned residents and strengthens anti-government sentiment. The upcoming campaign season, with less than eight weeks remaining, will be crucial in determining how the NRM and other parties address these complex dynamics and compete for the support of Busoga’s voters.
