Museveni urges Bunyoro residents to focus on sustainable livelihoods beyond oil
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has challenged the people of Bunyoro to focus on developing their traditional economic activities and avoid overdependence on the oil and gas sector.
Speaking at a campaign rally on Wednesday at Masindi Golf Course Grounds in Masindi Municipality, Museveni warned against individuals spreading misinformation about the oil sector instead of mobilizing communities to strengthen sustainable economic activities.
“Some opposition candidates are spreading gossip about oil rather than encouraging people to continue with their daily activities,” he said.
The President described the discovery of oil as a blessing that will elevate Uganda’s economy to another level but cautioned against overreliance on the resource.
“God has blessed us with oil which shall help us, but we should not be desperate to get money out of it. Crop growing and animal rearing should continue because oil will take only about 20 years to be exhausted,” Museveni emphasized.
He noted that countries such as Japan and China do not have oil but have grown their economies through manufacturing, particularly vehicle production, based on the skills and hard work of their people.
Museveni said the government remains committed to promoting agricultural mechanization for commercial production, including the provision of more tractors. He also announced plans to improve cross-border trade by providing a ferry on Lake Albert, shared by Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He further assured residents of Masindi Municipality that they will benefit from the Uganda Support for Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) project under the new initiative. The President also directed the Prime Minister to address land-grabbing cases and enforce the Sugar Act to protect sugarcane farmers.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja praised the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for infrastructural development in Bunyoro, citing improved road networks, Kabalega International Airport, and the Hoima City Stadium.
NRM Masindi Chairperson Princess Kabakumba Labwoni Mastsiko commended the President for establishing a presidential skilling hub in Kiryana, Masindi, which equips youth with skills such as hairdressing, carpentry, and metal fabrication, saying it has helped reduce idleness and poverty among young people.
Museveni said Uganda’s oil production, expected to begin in 2026, will support major national infrastructure projects including roads, schools, and electricity, but stressed that petroleum resources are finite.
“Petroleum is exhaustible, but commercial farming will be here forever. Families should focus on sustainable enterprises that secure their household incomes,” he said.
He reiterated that the NRM emphasizes wealth creation and encouraged households to adopt the four-acre model involving coffee, food crops, poultry, piggery, and fish farming, while those with larger land holdings invest in tea, cotton, sugarcane, or livestock.
“Do not work only for the stomach; work for your pocket. Wealth begins at the household,” Museveni said.
