Yoweri Museveni promises industrial park in mineral-rich Butiru as 2026 election looms Manafwa
Kampala, Uganda
President Yoweri Museveni, while campaigning in the Bugisu region, announced that should he be re-elected in the upcoming 2026 general election, his administration will establish an industrial park in Butiru Town Council in Manafwa District.
The region is known for its rich vermiculite deposits — a mineral used in fire-proofing, strong vehicle production and satellite industry — along with believed iron ore reserves.
“Manafwa industrial park… a town of industries in Namekhala where vermiculite is being mined,” Museveni said during a rally.
The announcement situates mineral wealth, youth employment and regional development at the heart of the 2026 campaign narrative. If realised, the project could bring job opportunities and infrastructure to a historically less developed sub-region.
Yet sceptics note that mining-led growth often comes with risks — displacement, environment, limited local value addition — and question whether campaign promises will translate to delivery.
