Museveni (5th Right), with ministers and local government officials drumming up support for Idah Nabayiga (4th Left)
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I President Museveni has unveiled a wide-ranging government plan to improve transport, electricity, education, health and production in the Ssese Islands, promising residents of Kalangala District that long-standing development challenges will be addressed through targeted investments and improved service delivery.
The commitments were made during a campaign rally at Kibanga Primary School playgrounds in support of National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Idah Nabayiga, who is contesting the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election following the death of former area legislator Hellen Nakimuli in April this year.
Addressing hundreds of residents, President Yoweri Museveni said the government had progressively responded to the unique challenges facing island communities, particularly in the area of transport infrastructure, which he described as critical for economic growth and access to essential services.
“I greet you all the people of Ssese Islands. I told you long ago that for a place like Kalangala, the issue of transport is very important. We worked on the Masaka–Bukakata road. After that, the remaining issue is these other roads which we shall work on and the ferry,” Museveni said.
The President noted that although the government had already improved access to the islands through the Masaka–Bukakata road and the MV Kalangala ferry operating between Nakiwogo and Bukakata, more work was needed to improve efficiency and connectivity.
He specifically raised concerns about ferry schedules, saying residents and visitors needed a reliable transport system.
“We have MV Kalangala from Nakiwogo to Bukakata. I will look into the issue of timing. These ferries should have time; they cannot move whenever they feel like. They should have a known schedule,” he said.
Museveni also announced plans to expand ferry services by introducing additional vessels that will connect more islands and improve movement of people, goods and services across the district.
According to the President, one of the new ferries will operate from Entebbe through Kasenyi, Jana, Bubeke and Lwanabatya before ending at Lulindi. Another ferry will connect Entebbe to Kyamuswa through Nakiwogo, Kachanga, Luvu and Litoboka.
“We are going to add new ferries,” he said. “After increasing the number of ferries, the one at Nakiwogo will be transferred here. That is the plan we have for ferries.”
Beyond water transport, Museveni pledged to improve road infrastructure within the islands, saying government would work on roads that remain in poor condition and continue to limit mobility and economic activity.
The President also addressed concerns about electricity access, acknowledging that several parts of Kalangala remain off the national grid.
“Kyamuswa, Bufumira and some areas still do not have electricity. Mazinga, Mugoye and others — I will sit down with your leaders and we shall work on that,” he said.
In the education sector, Museveni promised government intervention to ensure underserved communities gain access to secondary education.
“On education, the three parishes that do not have secondary schools will get them,” he pledged.
The President further responded to demands for improved healthcare services, promising that government would work towards establishing a district hospital in Kalangala.
“On health, you are demanding a district hospital. We shall work on it because the people of Ssese need a hospital, and even tourists need it. We are going to ensure we get it,” he said.
Museveni also emphasized wealth creation and household income generation through the Four-Acre Model, a government strategy that encourages intensive agricultural production on small landholdings. The model promotes growing coffee, fruits, food crops, pasture for dairy farming, and poultry or piggery enterprises to ensure year-round income and food security.
He urged residents to embrace palm oil cultivation, modern farming practices and fishing, which remain the district’s key economic activities.
The President also reflected on the history of Uganda’s fisheries sector and pledged to review policies affecting fishing communities. He announced plans to convene a meeting with district leaders to discuss reforms aimed at improving the sector and increasing benefits for local fishermen.
Museveni used the rally to encourage voters to elect NRM candidate Idah Nabayiga, arguing that stronger coordination between local leaders and central government would accelerate development projects in Kalangala.
With promises ranging from expanded ferry services and improved roads to better health facilities, electricity coverage and education infrastructure, the President presented a comprehensive development agenda aimed at transforming the livelihoods of the people of Ssese Islands and strengthening economic opportunities across Kalangala District.
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