By Amiri wabusimba.
As Uganda prepares to commemorate the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Liberation Day on January 26, attention turns to Mubende, where President Museveni is set to inaugurate the recently completed USMID projects.
These developments, while commendable, barely scratch the surface of the district’s underlying challenges.
For a region that holds historical significance in Uganda’s liberation struggle, Mubende’s socio-economic realities starkly contrast its symbolic importance.
Mubende’s role in the NRM’s ascension to power is undeniable having witnessed the firing of the first bullet of the NRM revolution, a moment that etched it into the annals of Uganda’s political history.
Decades later, as a loyal stronghold of the ruling party, it is disheartening to note that this legacy has not translated into substantial progress for its residents.
Despite overwhelming support for the NRM in successive elections, Mubende continues to grapple with systemic issues that demand urgent attention.
Agriculture remains Mubende’s economic backbone, yet its potential remains untapped with Farmers constrained by lack of access to reliable markets, irrigation systems, and innovative agricultural practices.
Compounded by climate-related challenges, these limitations stifle growth in a sector that should be thriving.
Advertisement:
Despite fertile land and favorable conditions, the absence of large-scale industries and factories exacerbates unemployment and economic stagnation.
Gold mining, which has emerged as a significant activity, is a double-edged sword.
While it offers economic prospects, unregulated mining threatens the environment and marginalizes local communities.
Profits often flow outward, leaving the local population with little to show for their resource-rich land.
Land grabbing is a festering wound in Mubende’s socio-economic fabric not only disrupts livelihoods but also fosters resentment and distrust among the local population.
This issue calls for decisive government intervention to uphold land rights and protect vulnerable families from exploitation by powerful individuals and corporations.
A regulatory framework is needed to ensure that the mining industry benefits Mubende’s residents through infrastructure development, healthcare, and education.
Kaweri Coffee Plantation, the district’s sole significant investment, embodies the complexities of Mubende’s economic plight.
Established through the displacement of local communities, the plantation has provided little solace to the region’s unemployment crisis.
Despite its size and operations, it employs less than 3% of Mubende’s unemployed population.
The plantation’s presence, though economically visible, raises ethical questions about development achieved at the expense of local livelihoods.
The story of Kaweri serves as a cautionary tale Future investments must avoid repeating these mistakes by ensuring that they are inclusive, sustainable, and focused on empowering local communities rather than displacing them.
Reliable electricity is a cornerstone of economic growth, yet many parts of Mubende remain in the dark.
Extending electricity access is critical to empowering local businesses and improving quality of life.
Without it, Mubende’s potential for industrialization and digital integration remains unrealized.
Education holds the key to breaking the cycle of poverty presidential Scholarships for deserving students and investments in vocational training, and industrialization would equip Mubende’s youth with the skills to drive the district’s development.
Moreover, increasing local representation in Executive or Key decision making areas would ensure that Mubende’s unique challenges receive the attention they deserve at a national level.
As the NRM Liberation Day celebrations approach, there is a unique opportunity to go beyond mere symbolism.
These celebrations should be a platform for meaningful engagement, where leaders confront the district’s pressing challenges and commit to actionable solutions.
Rather than focusing on orchestrated political praise, this day should serve as a reflection of the NRM’s commitment to its people’s welfare.
Leaders must prioritize the people’s needs over internal political strife.
Addressing land rights, enhancing resource management, boosting economic activities, and improving infrastructure and lobbying for presidential scholarship are critical steps toward sustainable development.
True leadership is measured not by political longevity but by the tangible improvements it brings to people’s lives.
For Mubende to transition from a historical symbol of liberation to a model of development, leaders must embody accountability, responsiveness, and a commitment to the greater good.
Let NRM Liberation Day 2025 be remembered as the moment when Uganda reaffirmed its dedication to inclusive development.
The legacy of liberation is not just in the past but in the present actions that secure a prosperous future for all.
For Mubende, and indeed for Uganda, the time for transformative leadership is now.
Author is a diplomatic Scholar, Journalist, political analyst and Human Right activist
Tel: +56775103895 email: Wabusimbaa@gmail.com.
Have An Advert Or Article You Want Us To Publish? Whatsapp: +256786288379 or email binocularugnews@gmail.com
