End of Year Message from Hon. Diana Mutasingwa Kagyenyi

Dear People of Buikwe District,

 

As we prepare to welcome 2025, I take this moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared throughout 2024. It has been a year of challenges, growth, and achievements that would not have been possible without your support, resilience, and dedication. You have shown that together, we can rise above any obstacle and build a brighter future for Buikwe.​

 

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for placing your trust in me and for your unwavering commitment to the development of our district. Your hard work and unity are the true pillars of our progress.

 

To the district and community leaders, thank you for your invaluable partnership. Your efforts in mobilizing and implementing initiatives have been instrumental in improving the lives of our people. It is through your collaboration that our shared vision continues to take shape.

 

To everyone who has walked this journey with me—thank you for standing by my side and working tirelessly for the betterment of Buikwe. Your energy, ideas, and encouragement inspire me to keep serving with purpose and passion.

 

This year, we achieved several milestones that have made a tangible difference in the lives of the people of Buikwe District, including:

 

 1• Transforming Infrastructure for Better Living:

We saw significant improvements in road networks and essential infrastructure across Buikwe. Key projects included the upgrading of roads that were previously impassable, ensuring better connectivity for both urban and rural areas. These infrastructural developments have been critical in making trade easier, improving access to services, and enhancing mobility for our people.

 

 2• Railway Infrastructure Development and Impact:

The launch of Uganda’s first concrete sleeper factory in Kawolo, Lugazi, in 2023 marked a pivotal moment for Buikwe and Uganda’s transportation sector. In 2024, we continued to see the positive effects of this project, which has significantly enhanced Uganda’s railway infrastructure. This factory not only strengthens the rail transport system but is also boosting the local economy by creating jobs and providing high-quality materials for railway construction. The factory is helping to stimulate industrialization and improving transport options for our people.

 

 3• Championing Clean Water Access:

Providing clean and safe water to our people remains one of my top priorities. In 2024, we expanded access to water systems, with notable projects including the construction of boreholes, the installation of piped water systems, and the rehabilitation of existing water sources. These improvements have brought water closer to homes, reduced the distance people need to travel for water, and significantly improved public health across Buikwe.

 

 4• Improving Healthcare Services:

In 2024, I focused on improving access to healthcare for all our people. I spearheaded initiatives to equip health centers with essential medicines, medical equipment, and better facilities. We also worked on expanding maternal healthcare services and ensuring that women and children receive the medical attention they deserve. These improvements aim to ensure that no one in Buikwe is left behind when it comes to accessing quality healthcare.

 

 5• Empowering Vulnerable Communities:

Through the Diana Ka Foundation, we provided critical support to vulnerable groups in Buikwe, including empowering teenage mothers and women in rehabilitation centers like Buikwe Touch Rehabilitation Center. These young mothers, who face social and economic challenges, received training in skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, and small business management. This support has empowered them to start their own businesses, become financially independent, and rebuild their lives. Additionally, through the Foundation, I provided seed capital to various youth and women’s groups, opening up opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

 

 6• Boosting Agricultural and Fishing Productivity:

Agriculture and fishing are the lifeblood of Buikwe, and in 2024, we made great strides in supporting these sectors. We provided farmers with modern tools, training, and better seeds, helping them to increase crop yields and improve food security. In addition, I supported the fishing community by advocating for better fishing practices, access to modern equipment, and training in sustainable fishing techniques. This has helped improve both the livelihoods of fishermen and the quality of fish production, ensuring that Buikwe continues to thrive as a key agricultural and fishing hub.

 

 7• Supporting Micro-Project Groups for Grassroots Development:

A cornerstone of my work this year was providing both training and financial support to micro-project groups across Buikwe. These groups, made up mainly of women and youth, were given not only resources and guidance but also monetary assistance, for example, through the Luwero Rwenzori Development Programme. This programme provided seed capital to help these groups start small-scale businesses and income-generating activities such as poultry farming, tailoring, and small-scale manufacturing. The financial support, combined with training, has been crucial in enabling these groups to grow their businesses, create jobs, and improve their livelihoods. These initiatives are essential for reducing poverty, empowering individuals, and fostering economic self-reliance at the grassroots level.

 

 8• Industrial Growth and Support for Local Industries:

This year, I took proactive steps to ensure that the industrial sector in Buikwe thrives. I conducted a thorough inspection of local industries to assess their capacity, ensure they meet the required standards, and understand the challenges they face. This inspection was vital in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that industries in our district are ready to contribute to the economic development of Buikwe and Uganda as a whole. Additionally, the establishment of Uganda’s first railway concrete sleeper factory in Kawolo is set to boost the region’s industrial base. By supporting local industries and attracting more investments, we are creating jobs, improving the economy, and ensuring Buikwe becomes a key industrial hub.

 

 9• Addressing Land Issues for Sustainable Development:

Land ownership and management are critical for sustainable development. This year, I have been at the forefront of addressing land issues within our district. I worked closely with land authorities to ensure that citizens’ rights are protected, especially in resolving land disputes and promoting land reforms that encourage fair and sustainable land use. By providing legal support and guidance, I have helped many constituents secure their land titles and resolve conflicts that have hindered development. This focus on land rights is essential to ensuring that Buikwe’s development is built on a solid foundation and that all our people can benefit equitably from the resources available to us.

 

 10• Parish Development Model (PDM):

The Parish Development Model has been a game-changer for our district, providing a framework for tackling poverty and improving livelihoods at the grassroots level. This year, I worked to ensure that Buikwe fully benefits from PDM’s initiatives. Through this programme, we have seen improved access to financial services, skills training, and local infrastructure. It has enabled our parishes to unlock resources for development and provided vital support to farmers, youth, women, and small businesses. The PDM is an important tool in creating sustainable economic growth, and we are committed to ensuring its success in Buikwe.

 

In the year to come, we remain focused on:

 • Strengthening household incomes through sustainable economic opportunities.

 • Improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure to enhance the quality of life for all our people.

 • Providing better support and solutions to tackle youth unemployment, ensuring that our future generation has the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

 • Supporting farmers, fishermen, and micro-project groups with modern tools, training, and access to markets for even greater productivity and sustainability.

 

The progress we’ve made is a reflection of what we can achieve when we work together. Let us carry this spirit of unity into 2025 and continue building a district we are all proud to call home.

 

As your Woman Member of Parliament, I promise to serve you with integrity, hard work, and a relentless focus on results.

 

Wishing you and your families a blessed, peaceful, and prosperous New Year.

 

With gratitude and love,

Hon. Min. Diana N. Mutasingwa Kagyenyi

Woman MP, Buikwe District