The Special Presidential Assistant for Press & Mobilization and Deputy Spokesperson, Haji Faruk Kirunda, has called on leaders in Busoga Sub-region, including Members of Parliament, to focus on sensitizing residents about fair compensation demands to expedite road construction projects.
Speaking on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at a thanksgiving ceremony hosted by NRM historical Mzee Haruna Ntuyo in Budondo, Jinja City, Haji Kirunda emphasized that the government has already allocated funds for key road projects in the region. However, progress has been stalled by residents’ high compensation demands.
“You should sensitize and convince our people in the affected villages to ask for fair compensation so that the construction works can begin. In some cases, even reducing the size of the road may be necessary to move forward,” Haji Kirunda urged the leaders.
The Jinja Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Mr. Richard Gulume, had raised concerns about delayed construction projects, including the Jinja-Mbulamuti and Luuka-Kamuli roads. According to Haji Kirunda, inflated compensation demands have hindered progress, with some residents allegedly building structures in proposed road areas to benefit from compensation.
“Other regions have benefited from infrastructure development because affected residents accepted fair compensation or prioritized the community benefit of improved roads,” he noted.
Haji Kirunda pledged to engage relevant stakeholders, including the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, to find a solution. He also confirmed that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will stand for re-election in the 2026 general elections, asserting the President’s qualifications and widespread support.
Call for Unity and Agricultural Revitalization
Haji Kirunda encouraged Busoga’s MPs to work together to achieve the region’s development goals. With 44 MPs in the sub-region—40 of whom are NRM members—he stressed the importance of unity in driving Busoga’s agenda.
He also urged residents of Budondo to reclaim their status as Uganda’s food basket by revitalizing the horticulture sector, which thrived in the 1970s and 1990s.
“Your land is fertile and ideal for horticulture. I will ask the President to support value addition initiatives to help you access international markets,” he assured.
Support for Local Projects
On behalf of the President, Haji Kirunda contributed UGX 10 million and 100 bags of cement toward completing the Muslim offices in Jinja Northern Division. He also lauded Mzee Ntuyo for his loyalty and contributions to the NRM.
In his remarks, Mr. Fredrick Mbagadhi Nkayi, Commissioner in charge of Kampala Metropolitan Area, urged residents to utilize government poverty alleviation programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) to improve livelihoods. Mr. Gulume also appealed for collective efforts to transform Busoga.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Mr. Majidu Dhikusooka, RDC for Pallisa District, Mr. Hamis Kiganira, Deputy RCC for Jinja Northern Division, and others.
Mzee Ntuyo expressed gratitude to Haji Kirunda for his support and friendship, affirming their shared commitment to the development of Busoga.
