Nakaseke district is preparing to host a grand celebration for President Yoweri Museveni’s 80th birthday, an event that promises to be a major affair.
However, this festive occasion comes amid growing concerns about the struggling local economy and the district’s inadequate services.
While the celebration, organised by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Office of the Prime Minister, aims to honour Museveni’s long tenure and achievements, many residents and leaders are questioning the timing and spending of such a lavish event.
The district, known for its economic challenges and insufficient infrastructure, is now under the spotlight as it balances the high-profile celebration with pressing needs for better roads, schools, and health facilities.
The celebration will begin with a special Thanksgiving mass and is expected to draw veterans and residents from neighbouring districts like Luwero, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola, all coming together to honour the president’s milestone.
Right now, a free medical camp is set up at the event site, and workers are putting up tents for the big celebration on Sunday.
In addition to the public celebration, President Museveni will also hold a private birthday party at his Presidential farm in Kawumu village, Luwero district.
As the event approaches, reactions from residents and leaders in Nakaseke district are mixed.
Rosemary Namayanja, Deputy Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), explained that the party is not just about celebrating but also thanking God for President Museveni’s contributions to Uganda.
She highlighted some of his achievements, including the introduction of the Local Council system, which has been adopted by other countries, and the development of schools, health centres, and roads across the nation.
Moses Mayanja, the District Speaker for Nakaseke, said that choosing Nakaseke for the birthday party shows that President Museveni still values the area’s support during his National Resistance Army war from 1981 to 1986.
He noted that under Museveni’s leadership, nearly every sub-county in Nakaseke now has a seed secondary school or one being built, along with new health centres and improved roads.
State Minister Kabuye Kyofa added that the party will also be a chance for residents to thank Museveni for his wealth creation programs, including the Parish Development Model, which is helping to improve household incomes.
Ignatius Koomu, the LCV Chairperson of Nakaseke district, said the party is an opportunity to thank Museveni but also to remind him to address his promises to veterans and the district.
However, many veterans are still unhappy, feeling that after 38 years, some of their issues remain unresolved. However, some residents and leaders criticise the event, arguing that it’s a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Fred Kakooza, LCIII Chairperson of Kasangombe sub-county, pointed out that despite the area’s significant support for Museveni, it still lacks basic infrastructure, like tarmac roads, well-funded schools, and properly equipped health centres.
He suggested that the money spent on the party could have been used to improve these facilities instead.
Esther Nakawooya, another leader, said that the funds for the party should have been used to renovate deteriorating schools like Timuna, Namasujju, and Kivumu.
Some leaders believe the birthday party is part of the NRM’s strategy to boost Museveni’s re-election prospects ahead of the 2026 general election, especially after his support in Nakaseke has waned.
In the last presidential election, Museveni won Nakaseke with 53.1% of the vote, but his rival Robert Kyagulanyi received 45.1%.
Additionally, two out of four MP positions in Nakaseke are held by opposition candidates.
END
English 