img
07 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS 498 OFFICER CADETS AT KAWEWETA MILITARY TRAINING SCHOOL

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has this afternoon officiated at the commissioning ceremony of 498 Officer Cadets of Intake 19/25 at the UPDF Basic Military Training School, Kaweweta, Nakaseke District. The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as well as ambassadors and military delegations from fraternal African countries. Out of the 498 newly commissioned officers, 100 were from the Central African Republic, 20 from Mali, 40 from Somalia, 10 from the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces, and 328 from the UPDF. In his address, President Museveni congratulated the officer cadets upon successfully completing their course and joining what he described as “an army of warriors and heroes”. “I congratulate the newly commissioned officer cadets whom I have just presided over at the UPDF Basic Military Training School, Kaweweta. You are joining an army of warriors and heroes — an army based on the principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, discipline, and professionalism,” the President said. He commended the cadets for demonstrating endurance and commitment, citing the 177-kilometre Salim Saleh Walk undertaken during their training, retracing the historical route used by the National Resistance Army in 1985 during the successful operation on Masindi Barracks. “That walk symbolizes commitment, sacrifice, and resilience. You are inheriting the spirit of those who never gave up. Remember, when we were fighting, we never gave up, and that’s the spirit we expect from you,” he said. President Museveni emphasized the four pillars that guide the UPDF — patriotism, Pan-Africanism, discipline, and professionalism — urging the new officers to embody those values throughout their service. “You are being commissioned into an army of warriors that stands for love of country, love of Africa, and service to the people with dignity. Be disciplined and physically ready to defend your country,” he said. The President lauded the collaboration between Uganda and other African countries represented in the training, describing it as proof that Africa has the capacity to manage its own affairs. He recounted a light moment during his interaction with one of the visiting cadets, saying, “I asked a young officer what she liked most about Uganda, and she told me, ‘akatogo.’ That shows the bonds we are building through cooperation.” President Museveni also reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving infrastructure within Luweero Triangle and the surrounding areas. He noted that several roads within the triangle have been tarmacked, and the road from Katugo to Kaweweta is among those earmarked for tarmacking. On water and electricity, the President said he would look into how water can be pumped from Lake Kyoga to serve the surrounding communities, adding that the flat terrain of Nakaseke would make such a project feasible. He also noted that electricity already exists at Kaweweta and pledged to explore how it can be extended to neighboring areas. The President further congratulated the UPDF for their recent successful operations against criminal elements in Kasese. “I want to congratulate the CDF and the army for crushing the bad elements in Kasese. They were defeated by a small group of soldiers — only 12 — who managed to overpower them. That comes from confidence and solid training,” he said. President Museveni concluded by congratulating the newly commissioned officers once again, urging them to carry forward the UPDF’s rich legacy of patriotism, sacrifice, and service to the people of Uganda and Africa. On his part, Gen. Muhoozi congratulated the newly commissioned officer cadets upon completing their training and urged them to uphold discipline, resilience, and professionalism throughout their careers. He praised the UPDF’s growing role in promoting peace and security across the African continent. “Your Excellency, we thank you for continually embracing the spirit of oneness and for your sacrifice to make Africa strong. Among the commissioned officers are soldiers from Somalia, Central African Republic, Tanzania, and Mali. This is testimony to UPDF’s continental contribution,” Gen. Muhoozi said. He also gave an update on the security situation and the ongoing peaceful political campaigns in the country, commending security forces for their vigilance and professionalism. “The campaigns are progressing well, and we thank the security forces for working around the clock to ensure a peaceful electoral process. We also commend the citizens for respecting the Electoral Commission guidelines,” he said. He, however, cautioned candidates against provoking security forces, warning that security will not be compromised in the name of politics. “The security of the country will not be compromised merely because a particular candidate is campaigning. It doesn’t work like that,” he warned. Gen. Muhoozi further briefed the gathering on a recent attempted attack on security installations in Bundibugyo, Kasese, and Fort Portal on November 1, 2025. “Confused elements armed mainly with machetes attempted to attack security posts. They were promptly repulsed by the UPDF and Uganda Police. Two attackers were put out of action,” he said. He thanked the residents of Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Fort Portal for rallying behind security forces during the incident, saying, “As the ancient Romans used to say — those who desire peace must prepare for war.” The Commandant of Kaweweta Training School, Brig. Gen. Otongo John Patrick, congratulated the 498 officer cadets, including 61 females, upon their successful completion of the course. He noted that the course not only trained them in military tactics but also in teamwork, resilience, and professionalism, preparing them for modern warfare. “Today’s event is more than just a commissioning ceremony — it is a demonstration of the quality and professionalism that defines the UPDF. The skills and discipline acquired here will serve these officers well in their service,” Brig. Gen. Otongo said. He thanked the UPDF leadership, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and the external facilitators who contributed to the training, for their continued guidance and support in professionalizing the forces.

img
06 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI WOOS BULAMBULI VOTERS, PLEDGES DIGNIFIED RESETTLEMENT FOR LANDSLIDE VICTIMS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured landslide victims in Bulambuli District of a dignified and permanent resettlement, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting communities living in disaster-prone areas along the Mt. Elgon slopes. “The families are waiting to be resettled on 2,000 acres. Each family is to have two acres and 10 million shillings. And there is 50 billion shillings to buy more land. That’s the current arrangement,” H.E. Museveni said. The President, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer, made the remarks today during a campaign rally at Nabbongo Secondary School playground in Bulambuli District. The pledge comes as part of an ongoing resettlement programme for victims of recurrent landslides that have ravaged the Mt. Elgon sub-region, especially in Bududa, Manafwa, Sironko, and Bulambuli districts. President Museveni reflected on the government’s longstanding policy of relocating people from dangerous mountainous areas, noting that it was driven by scientific and environmental concerns. He likened deforestation and unplanned settlement on steep slopes to “undressing Mother Nature,” a metaphor he said underscored the importance of conserving forests and vegetation cover. “When you see your mother naked, you’re already in danger,” President Museveni said. “We discouraged you from undressing Mother Nature through destroying forests and trees, which hold the soil together. Once you cut the trees, especially on steep land, the soil is washed away,” he emphasized. The President recalled visiting Nametsi village in Bududa District in March 2010 after a massive landslide buried the entire village, killing at least 365 people and displacing thousands. “I went myself to Nametsi in Bududa, where the whole village had been buried. It was terrible - as if the country had no people of knowledge. Now that people know the danger, we are going to work full steam to get people out of danger. The plan is to give people two acres plus ten million,” he assured. The 2010 Nametsi tragedy, Uganda’s deadliest landslide on record, affected several villages, including Kubewo and Namakansa. The disaster became a turning point in the government’s disaster management policy, prompting the establishment of the Bunambutye Resettlement Camp in Bulambuli District. The Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Hilary Onek, who accompanied the President, said significant progress had been made in resettling victims. “Our ministry has managed to rescue those from the disaster area; most of them are now kept in the settlement camps waiting for relocation to land,” Hon. Onek said. “We have so far got 2,661 acres of land here, where we have started settling the families that are in the Bunambutye Resettlement Camp.Currently, we have 50 billion shillings to be used to buy more land to settle more families in Bulambutye.” The President said the relocation programme aims to prevent further loss of life by moving people before disasters reoccur. “The plan is to get out of danger before time. There are certain parts of the mountains where people should not settle. It is dangerous for them, for the future, and for the country.” Turning to economic empowerment, Museveni said Bulambuli would benefit from the ongoing national cattle restocking programme. He said Families in Lango, Teso, and Acholi are going to be supported with five cattle each to restock, and it would therefore be unfair to leave out Bulambuli and Ngenge in Kween. “It is therefore fair not to leave out Bulambuli and Ngenge in Kween. Not all parts of Bugisu and Sebei, but some parts that we know will be treated the same way,” he said, further promising to engage the government to ensure that the affected sub-counties in Bulambuli and Kween districts are handled the same way as those in Lango, Teso, and Acholi. NRM Manifesto Commitments: President Museveni used the occasion to outline key achievements of the NRM government and to explain the core pillars of the 2026–2031 NRM Manifesto, which he said builds on the party’s seven major contributions over the last 40 years - peace, development, and wealth creation being central among them. “You people of Bulambuli are witnesses of peace,” President Museveni said. “I remember there was a woman councillor of Mbale District, Rose Muloni—later Minister Irene Muloni’s sister, who told me about the suffering caused by cattle rustlers. But all that is now history.” The President emphasized that peace had created the foundation for development, noting major infrastructure projects in the region. “The road from Mbale all the way to Karamoja is now tarmacked. The road from Kapchorwa is also tarmacked,” he said. “For Bulambuli, you don’t have good marram roads because of volcanic soils,” President Museveni added, saying that he suggested long ago “that we bring stones from Karuma power station to make your roads better.” President Museveni also highlighted progress in education and health infrastructure, promising that all parishes without government primary schools and all sub-counties without government secondary schools would be catered for. According to government data, Bulambuli District has 54 government primary schools and 71 private primary schools, alongside 12 government secondary schools and 6 private secondary schools. The district’s 123 parishes host only 54 government primary schools, leaving 69 parishes without one. President Museveni said the government was addressing this gap through the construction of three new secondary schools, which will reduce sub-counties without government secondary schools from 14 to 11. “Similarly, sub-counties without government secondary schools will get one. The policy is clear - one government primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county,” he said. He further reaffirmed the commitment to strengthen the health sector by upgrading and constructing new health facilities. Bulambuli currently has one Health Centre IV and 17 Health Centre IIIs out of 26 sub-counties. Eight sub-counties still lack any form of health facility. President Museveni said the government plans to upgrade and build additional health units to fill these gaps. Proposed upgrades include Atari HCII to HCIII in Bumufuni Sub-county, Bugudoi HCII to HCIII in Soti Sub-county, and Nabiwutulu HCII to HCIII in Nabiwutulu Sub-county, as well as the construction of new HCIIIs in Buyaga Town Council, Bufumbo, Bulegeni, Muyembe, and Bunalwere Sub-counties. “We need a Health Centre IV per constituency and a Health Centre III per sub-county,” he said. “All the above are in our manifesto.” Wealth Creation: President Museveni reminded residents to distinguish between development, which benefits everyone, and wealth, which is personal and family-based. “Development like roads and electricity is for all of us, but wealth is mine as an individual or a family,” he said. “It is dangerous for people to emphasize development and forget wealth.” He cited government programmes such as Entandikwa, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM) as channels for promoting household prosperity. Bulambuli District has so far received Shs 37.7 billion under PDM, of which 99.8% has been disbursed to 38,846 beneficiary households out of 55,103 total households, representing 70.5% coverage. “The remaining 29.5% of households will also be reached,” President Museveni assured. “The aim is for every household to join the money economy.” The Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, who hails from neighboring Bukedea District, called upon residents to vote for President Museveni, praising his legacy of peace and inclusive leadership. “We have brought you a candidate who believes in politics of interest, not of identity,” she said. “He is a national leader who listens to everyone in Uganda and solves their problems. Your Excellency, you are the hope of the people—you brought these people from despair to hope.” She also addressed concerns about compensation for landslide victims, promising to oversee verification to ensure fairness. “Some people were paid and others were not. We are going to verify the numbers to ensure those who were not paid receive their compensation,” she said. Speaker Among highlighted that the Acomai Irrigation Scheme, commissioned by the President a day earlier, is a symbol of the government’s investment in the region. The scheme serves both Bulambuli and Bukedea Districts, linking the Bugisu and Teso sub-regions. Mr. Echodu Calvin, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, thanked the President for his visit and urged affirmative action for Bulambuli, citing its history of cattle rustling and natural disasters. Mr. Kimamati Paul Michael, the NRM Chairperson for Bulambuli District, lauded government achievements, estimating that Bulambuli has benefited from Shs 180 billion in government support over the past five years. However, he also presented key demands, including: the upgrading of Muyembe Health Centre IV to a district hospital, elevating Bunyanya HCIII to HCIV, and upgrading six other Health Centre IIs to HCIIIs. He also called for the establishment of Bugisu University in Mbale to serve the broader Elgon sub-region. Bulambuli’s Electoral Record: Bulambuli District has 26 sub-counties and town councils, 123 parishes, and 1,313 villages, with a population of 235,391, according to the 2024 census. In the 2021 presidential election, the district had 71,664 registered voters, of whom 52,560 (73.3%) cast their ballots. President Museveni garnered 38,972 votes (76.4%), while the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate received 10,788 votes (21.1%). For the upcoming election, 79,699 voters are registered across 257 polling stations, an increase of 8,035 voters and 12 stations since 2021. The event was also attended by ministers, Members of Parliament, and NRM flag bearers from across the region.

img
06 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HIGHLIGHTS NRM ACHIEVEMENTS AS HE CAMPAIGNS IN MANAFWA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today held his second campaign rally in the Bugisu Sub-region at Bugobero High School, Bugobero Town Council in Manafwa District, where he presented the achievements and ongoing commitments of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Government as outlined in the party’s manifesto. Addressing a large and enthusiastic crowd, President Museveni said he had come together with NRM leaders to present the seven key contributions the movement has made to Uganda since 1986. “I am here with the NRM leaders to present to you the NRM manifesto. This manifesto highlights seven major contributions the NRM has made to Uganda since 1986,” he said. The President said the first contribution of the NRM was peace and stability, which he emphasized was not easy to achieve. “That peace you hear people talking about was not easy to bring. We were able to achieve it because we rejected sectarian politics of tribes and religion. When we recruit people into the army, we don’t mind about tribe or religion. That is why we have been able to build strong national institutions like the army, police, and others,” he explained. He said the second contribution of the NRM has been development, which has two main parts — economic infrastructure such as electricity, roads, and telecommunication, and social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. On education, the President noted that Manafwa District has 61 Government primary schools and 10 Government secondary schools, with ongoing efforts to ensure that every parish has at least one primary school and every sub-county has a secondary school. “There are parishes without Government primary schools and sub-counties without Government secondary schools. The plan is to make sure all these areas are covered so that every child can easily access education,” he said. The President said the Government is also constructing six (6) new Seed Secondary Schools in Manafwa District, which will reduce the number of sub-counties without Government secondary schools from 23 to 17 once completed. He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting free education in Government schools, adding that the system was introduced in 1996 but has been frustrated by some head teachers who charge illegal fees. “We started free education in 1996, but head teachers have been sabotaging it. That is why I introduced the skilling hubs to show that free education is possible. You have seen the testimonies — children who had dropped out of school now have skills in tailoring, bakery, and other trades and are doing well,” he noted. On the health sector, the President said Manafwa District currently has two (2) Health Centre IVs and four (4) Health Centre IIIs, leaving 26 sub-counties without a government health facility. “To address this, Government plans to upgrade Ikaali Health Centre II to Health Centre III and construct new Health Centre IIIs in several sub-counties and town councils including Masaka, Buwangani, Buyinza, Buwaya, Butta, Khabutoola, Bukoma, Sibanga, Nalondo, Bugobero, Nangalwe, Kimaluli, Buwagogo, Weswa, Butoto, Bukusu, Bunabutsale, Sisuni, Bunabwana, Makenya, Maefe, Butiru, Mayanza, Busukuya, and Bukhadala,” he said. He added that ongoing projects include completion of staff houses at Bukewa HCIII and renovation of the Outpatient Department (OPD) at Ikaali HCII. The Government, he said, will continue with immunization programs, equip all Government health units, and construct more staff houses for health workers. On water and sanitation, President Museveni revealed that Manafwa District now has 1,262 out of 1,309 villages with access to safe water, representing 96% coverage — one of the highest in the country. “Only 47 villages remain without access to safe water. We have constructed new piped water systems in Bubwaya, Majali, Lwakhakha, Buyinza, Butiru, Bubutu, and Bumbo, providing safe water to tens of thousands of people,” the President said. He added that additional boreholes have been drilled and rehabilitated, and several piped water projects are ongoing, including the Manafwa Town Council Water Supply System, which is already 76% complete. The President also highlighted another contribution of the NRM as wealth creation, which he said must go hand-in-hand with development. “You people here in Bugobero have a good tarmac road, but you do not sleep on tarmac,” he said. “When you go home, the poverty you left in the morning is still there. This is why we say that talking about development alone without talking about wealth creation is not good. Wealth creation is through commercial agriculture using the four-acre model — even two acres can work if you do at least one of the seven activities in the model.” He also clarified that jobs originate from wealth creation and not from government employment. “There is another confusion people have — that jobs come from the government. Jobs come from commercial agriculture and industrialization,” he emphasized. President Museveni said Manafwa will soon benefit from the establishment of the Manafwa Industrial Park, citing the availability of minerals such as vermiculite and iron ore which will support industrial growth and create jobs for the youth. He concluded his speech by summarizing his message for the day: “My words for today are five — peace, development, wealth, jobs, and free education in Government schools.” The NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (female), Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, who also serves as Speaker of Parliament, thanked the President for the continued development in Manafwa District, including tarmac roads, water systems, and education programs. The NRM Chairperson for Manafwa District, Mr. Wolimbwa Charles Peke hailed President Museveni for his visionary leadership and thanked him for supporting the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he said is transforming the lives of people in the district. “Manafwa has fully embraced the PDM. Out of Shs.47.8 billion allocated, over 99% has already been disbursed to nearly 48,000 beneficiary households,” he reported, assuring the President of overwhelming support from the district.

img
05 November 2025

SIRONKO: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI KICKS-OFF CAMPAIGN TRAIL IN BUGISU, HIGHLIGHTS KEY NRM ACHIEVEMENTS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the Presidential flag bearer for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), today began his campaign trail in the Bugisu sub-region, starting with a grand rally in Sironko District. Before crossing to Bugisu, he concluded his campaign trail in Teso sub-region, ending with Bukedea district. The campaign is running under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, As We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status”. Addressing thousands of supporters, President Museveni thanked the people of Sironko for their continued backing of the NRM and urged them to support all party flag bearers. “Peace was not easy to achieve, the NRM worked tirelessly for many years, guided by our ideology and a commitment to avoid sectarianism. All the development you see in Sironko today has been brought by the NRM,” President Museveni said. He highlighted key infrastructure projects completed under the NRM government, including roads linking Mbale to Kapchorwa and Karamoja, as well as the Bumbobi-Lwakhakha road. President Museveni also announced plans to work on the Namagumba–Budadiri–Nalugugu road. On water access, President Museveni reported that out of 1,543 rural villages in Sironko, 1,374 (89%) now have safe water. A total of 24 additional piped water supply and sanitation systems are operational across the district. These include; Mutufu Town Board WSS (6,694 residents), Buteza WSS (5,400 residents), Pato WSS (4,680 residents), Buwalasi GFS (13,683 residents), Buginyanya WSS (16,330 residents), among others. Plans are underway to expand coverage to the remaining 169 villages without access to safe water and to construct the flagship Nasumati Piped Water Supply and Sanitation System. On Education, President Museveni said that Sironko District has 224 parishes, of which 98 have at least one government primary school, while 126 still lack schools. There are currently 111 government primary schools serving 98,962 pupils, and 12 government secondary schools with 10,660 students. The President pledged that each parish will eventually have a government primary school, and every sub-county will host a secondary school, noting that plans are also underway to construct three new secondary seed schools through the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP). On health, President Museveni noted that in Sironko’s 42 sub-counties, 2 have Health Centre IV facilities, 18 have Health Centre III facilities, while 22 sub-counties currently lack health facilities of HCIII or above. The government plans to upgrade several HCII facilities to HCIII, including Bubbeza, Buyaya, Kyesha, Bugusege, and Nampanga. Additional HCIIIs are planned for Buhungu, Bukyabo, Bumalimba, and other sub-counties, alongside measures to eradicate malaria, improve immunization coverage, and equip health units with necessary diagnostic tools. President Museveni highlighted government initiatives that have boosted agricultural productivity, particularly in coffee, bananas, and milk. He emphasized that the NRM, through initiatives such as research and development at Kawanda Agricultural Research Center, has modernized coffee production in Uganda, improving quality and productivity. As a result, coffee prices have risen, influenced by the global market forces, countering claims that the achievements were brought by certain individuals. Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga: Under the PDM, Sironko’s 224 parishes have received a cumulative Shs. 68.99 billion, with 98.63% disbursed to 66,809 households. The district also has 36 Emyooga SACCOs with 18,821 members, who have received Shs. 1.54 billion in support. The President pledged continued investment in education, healthcare, water, roads, and agricultural development. He also emphasized skills development through the Presidential Industrial Hubs, noting that the Bugisu region hub in Mbale has already trained 1,167 youth in trades such as welding, carpentry, tailoring, hairdressing, and bakery. The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Sironko District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. NRM leaders, including Eastern Region Vice Chairman Hon. Calvin Echodu and Sironko District NRM Chairperson Mr. Lumolo Mafabi, welcomed the President, highlighting the party’s successes in the 2021 elections and the need to upgrade the district hospital. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

img
05 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES FARMERS TO GROW RICE SAFELY AS HE COMMISSIONS SHS71 BILLION ACHOMAI IRRIGATION SCHEME

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today commissioned a Shs71 billion Achomai Irrigation Scheme in Kamutur Sub-county, Bukedea District, with a call to farmers to embrace irrigation-based rice growing on dry land rather than wetlands, in order to safeguard the environment while increasing agricultural productivity. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony attended by local leaders, residents, and government officials, the President expressed delight over the project’s completion, describing it as a significant step towards agricultural modernization and water management in the Teso and Bugisu sub-regions. “I’m very happy to be here to commission this Achomai irrigation scheme,” President Museveni said. “I don’t eat rice myself; I eat cassava and bananas and our indigenous foods, but some of our people eat rice, so it’s good to grow it, but grow it safely, not in the swamp. You should take water from the swamp to the dry land and then irrigate,” H.E. Museveni added. He cautioned farmers against cultivating rice in wetlands, explaining that such practices destroy the ecosystem and interfere with nature’s balance. “I don’t want rice in the swamp (Osamai). I want it in the Aroo (dry land), and then you irrigate. That is good because you’re now helping God to make rain. You’re creating rain in months when God is not bringing it. That is healthy and very good,” he emphasized. The President underscored the dual benefits of irrigation - boosting yields and taming floods, through effective water capture and management systems. “When you irrigate, you yield and produce more per hectare, but there is also another element of taming the floods and water from destroying everything. When you make a dam, you capture water from the surface and retain it somewhere, and then you can use it by pumping when you want,” he said. According to President Museveni, the Achomai Irrigation Scheme symbolizes the government’s broader strategy of transforming subsistence farming into commercial agriculture by enhancing productivity per acre through technology and infrastructure. “The result of all this is increased production from the same land, but you harvest more,” he said. The Speaker of Parliament and Woman Member of Parliament for Bukedea District, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among hailed President Museveni for fulfilling his development pledge to the people of Bukedea, describing the project as a dream turned into reality. “These people are excited to see you, Your Excellency,” she said. “Before you brought this dam here, I used to think it was a myth. Now I’m seeing it in reality. This place used to flood, but now we have a fully-fledged irrigation scheme serving nine villages - seven from Bukedea and two from Bulambuli. I want to thank you for also working on the road, which now makes it easy for us to cross into Bulambuli. These are the gains we are protecting,” she added. Rt. Hon. Among, who launched the construction of the project on December 18, 2021, by then as the Deputy Speaker, praised the contractor, Dott Services Limited, for delivering quality work. “They’ve done a very good job. You’ve commissioned the Achomai Irrigation Scheme and the breeding center that’s just in the next village. As the people of Bukedea, we thank you,” she said, adding that the President’s visit had turned the day into a “public holiday” for the district. Engineer Athanasius Ssebugwawo, the Contract Manager for the Achomai Irrigation Scheme, explained that the project was implemented under the Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme (AVCP), a government initiative supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The program aims to improve access to water for agricultural production, boost productivity, and enhance post-harvest handling and value addition. He revealed that before the project’s inception, Achomai and the surrounding areas faced extreme climatic conditions - droughts during dry seasons and severe floods during rainy seasons due to their low-lying terrain. “During the dry season, it would experience the worst droughts; we could hardly see anything green. And during the rainy season, it would flood, and the area was hardly inhabitable,” Eng. Ssebugwawo said. He noted that with the project’s completion, the community’s fortunes had changed dramatically, and the issue of excess floods is history. “People now produce different crops throughout the year, and livelihoods have improved,” he said. According to the engineer, more than 1,800 acres were planted and harvested in the last season, with projections to expand to 2,000 acres in the next planting cycle. “People now have the right to plant whichever kind of crop they want,” Eng. Ssebugwawo explained. The Achomai Irrigation Scheme sits on approximately 2,200 hectares in Achomai Village, Kamutur Sub-county, Bukedea District, and extends into neighboring Bulambuli District. It includes key facilities such as an administration block, two drying yards, a warehouse, workshop, bridge, and 58 kilometers of access roads. The Shs71 billion ($19.9 million) investment was jointly funded by the Government of Uganda and the African Development Bank, and is part of the national agenda to enhance the agricultural value chain, from production to processing and market access. The commissioning of the Achomai Irrigation Scheme came as President Museveni wrapped up his Teso sub-region tour and began his campaign rallies in the Bugisu sub-region ahead of the 2026 general elections, where he is the Presidential flagbearer of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Throughout the tour, the President has emphasized irrigation and value addition as key pillars of his vision to transition Uganda from a peasant to a middle-income economy.

img
05 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CONCLUDES CAMPAIGN TRAIL IN TESO WITH GRAND RALLY IN BUKEDEA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today concluded his Presidential campaign trail in the Teso Sub-region with a grand rally at Emokori A Cell, Emokori Ward, Bukedea Town Council in Bukedea District. Addressing a mammoth crowd, President Museveni thanked the people of Bukedea for their unwavering support to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and for standing firmly behind the Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among. He described her re-election as a clear demonstration of the people’s confidence in tested leadership. “I want to thank you, the people of Bukedea, for supporting Anita Among and showing how shallow and bogus NUP is. The lady who was put to contest against her was even her relative, but they didn’t know. I congratulate Anita Among,” President Museveni said. The President reminded the gathering that the first major contribution of the NRM is peace, recalling his days in the bush when he used to camp in the area. “Because of the correct ideology, we were able to end all these wars. That is how Uganda has become an island of peace, hosting millions of refugees from our brother countries,” he said. He emphasized that the second contribution of the NRM is development, citing major achievements in economic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and telecommunications. “You people of Bukedea, once we complete all these roads, Teso will be fully connected to Karamoja. Electricity is already here — almost every sub-county in Bukedea now has power. Bukedea Town Council has electricity, Kachumbala has electricity, and the remaining sub-counties will be connected in the coming government,” he assured. On water, the President said the government’s plan is to ensure every parish in Bukedea has access to clean water. “The big plan we have is the Lake Kyoga Gravity Flow Scheme, which will cover Ngora, Kumi, Katakwi, Bukedea, and Kapelebyong. Teso is easy to deal with because it’s flat — the water will be pumped by gravity,” he explained. He added that 80 percent of Bukedea’s rural villages already have access to safe water, with two major piped water systems — Bukedea Town Council and Kachumbala Town — completed, serving more than 28,000 people combined. “We are drilling new boreholes, rehabilitating old ones, and protecting springs to increase access. Our target is 100 percent coverage,” the President said. He further revealed that new piped water systems are being developed in Aloet and Amus Towns, and the Bukedea Gravity Flow Scheme, which will serve both Bukedea and Kween districts, is underway. The President also highlighted ongoing water-for-production projects such as the Acomai Irrigation Scheme, valley dams, and small-scale irrigation systems in Komuge and Malera Sub-counties to boost agricultural productivity. On education, President Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensure every parish has a government primary school and every sub-county has a government secondary school. “Bukedea now has 98 government primary schools and nine government secondary schools. However, 96 parishes still lack a government primary school, and 10 sub-counties do not have a secondary school. We are addressing this through the construction of new Seed Secondary Schools,” he said. He noted that two new Seed Secondary Schools are currently under construction in Bukedea and that Bukedea Secondary School will be rehabilitated under the programme for traditional schools. On health, the President reported that Bukedea District has two Health Centre IVs and nine Health Centre IIIs, with plans to expand coverage. “We shall upgrade Aminit Health Centre II to Health Centre III and construct new health centres in Komuge, Aligoi, Kwarikwar, and Koena sub-counties. We shall also continue with immunization, ensure drugs are tracked using ICT, and build houses for health workers,” he said. He added that the government will continue improving service delivery by equipping all health units with modern diagnostic tools and medical supplies, while sustaining efforts to eradicate malaria and other preventable diseases. On transport, President Museveni mentioned the Tororo–Gulu–Pakwach railway line, which will boost regional trade and connect Teso to northern Uganda and other parts of the country. Turning to wealth creation, President Museveni reminded the people that while development is essential, household wealth is even more important. “Development is good, but wealth creation is what transforms a family. You don’t need tarmac roads to succeed. We have examples of people who listened to my message on wealth creation and are thriving even in remote areas,” he said. He noted that government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga were designed to help people transition from poverty to prosperity, and more support will continue to flow. “In the case of Teso, Acholi, and Lango, the government will resume restocking by giving each household five cows as compensation for the cattle they lost during the wars and cattle rustling,” he announced. The President also highlighted job creation as another key NRM achievement. “Where do jobs come from? They come from wealth creation — in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, and services like hotels. When we create wealth, we create jobs,” he emphasized. Concluding his address, President Museveni made a passionate appeal for free education in all government schools. “I started this program in 1996, but some head teachers continue to charge fees in government schools. That’s why I started skilling hubs where children are trained for six months for free,” he said. “I would like NRM people to notice three things: one, children are dropping out because of school fees; two, when I started skilling hubs, those children became productive within six months; and three, they are now producing items we used to import from China. That is why I urge all NRM leaders to stop fees in government schools,” he stressed. The Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo, thanked the President for dedicating time to the Teso Sub-region during his campaign and reaffirmed the region’s unwavering support for the NRM. The Second National Vice Chairperson (NRM), Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, hailed the President for the prevailing peace and harmony in Teso, thanking him for ending wars and cattle rustling. She pledged overwhelming support for President Museveni in the coming election, calling for a block vote for him and all NRM candidates. Mr. Epilo Isaac, the NRM Chairperson for Bukedea District, expressed gratitude to the President for the enormous development projects implemented under his leadership and pledged 99.99 percent support for him in the forthcoming election.

img
05 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HOLDS RADIO TALK SHOW WITH JOURNALISTS IN TESO

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday held a radio talk show with journalists from across the Teso Sub-region at State Lodge, Soroti. During the discussion, the President reflected on the achievements of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and outlined the key contributions that have transformed Uganda under its leadership. He began by emphasizing that peace remains the foundation of all progress. “If you want to talk about people’s ability to bring peace, the reason for peace is first of all to have good politics — politics of interest, not politics of identity,” he said. “The past political parties based their interests on tribes and religion. One of the reasons we were able to create peace is that we rejected that kind of politics. Because of peace, we have been able to build strong national institutions like the army, police, and intelligence services, where we do not look at one’s tribe. Therefore, the number one contribution of the NRM is peace, which has led to all these things.” President Museveni noted that the second contribution of the NRM is development. “You have all seen what the NRM has done — the roads, electricity, hospitals, and schools,” he said. He added that the third contribution is wealth creation, which is often misunderstood. “Many people have been confusing development with wealth creation,” he explained. “Yes, development like roads and electricity is good, but wealth creation is vital for an individual because development is ours, while wealth creation is for the individual.” The President highlighted job creation as the fourth major contribution by the NRM government. “We have told you that jobs come from commercial agriculture, Industry, ICT, and services,” he said, adding that individuals must embrace these opportunities to improve their livelihoods. The fifth contribution, he said, is expanding markets. “Our internal market is not enough, and so we need the East African market,” he said. “Now we have almost a surplus of everything — for example, there is a fruit factory here in Soroti, the Teju Fruit Factory. So if people in Teso, Lango, and Acholi all wake up and plant fruits and our internal market is not enough, where shall we sell our fruits? Therefore, the markets of East Africa and Africa are crucial, and leaders need to talk about this. He also emphasized political integration as an essential part of Uganda’s future growth and unity. On the issue of cattle restocking, President Museveni said he had engaged the government on the matter and that local communities in Teso, Acholi, and Lango had agreed to his proposal. “I talked to the government, and the local communities of Teso, Acholi, and Lango have agreed to my idea of five cows per homestead,” he said. “The next thing is now to start the process, and I assure you it will happen. It may take time, but it will happen.” Turning to NRM candidates contesting as independents, President Museveni said the practice is politically harmful. “Politically, it is bad for an NRM candidate to contest as an independent because you put the official NRM flag bearer at a disadvantage and give their opponent a chance to win,” he said. “It is really criminal and politically bankrupt. Even when they are only NRM, it is bad, yet there is a better way — because our primaries were like a trap since people line up behind the candidates in full glare of everyone. So if someone alters results and you have your reliable agents bring the proof, we shall find out and arrest those involved.” On the Parish Development Model (PDM), the President promised to increase funding once implementation shows consistent progress. “The important thing is for it to work. Now that there is progress with PDM, we shall increase it.” Regarding the creation of new administrative units, he said the government must balance priorities. “It is okay to create new districts, but we must deal with the issue of prioritization,” he said. “What is more important — to build a road for the people or to give a new district? The districts will be granted, but prioritization is key because when the road is bad, it affects many people.” On education, President Museveni expressed concern over the continued charging of fees in government schools despite his call for free education. “I now want a consensus. I wonder why people have not agreed to my idea of free education. It is the reason I established skilling hubs — to show everyone that children can get free education at zero cost.” He also announced plans to establish a graduates’ fund to support young people who have completed university but lack employment. “The graduates’ fund will also be accessed at parish level.These graduates — their parents have invested a lot of money in paying school fees, and so they need a fund to help them start their journey.” The NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, Mr. Calvin Echodu, thanked the President for what he described as an enlightening discussion on the NRM Manifesto and its core contributions to Uganda’s progress.

img
04 November 2025

KUMI: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HAILS TESO FOR SUSTAINING PEACE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the NRM Presidential flag bearer, has commended the people of Teso Sub-region for standing firmly with the government during the struggle to restore peace and stability in Uganda. Speaking at a campaign rally held at Wiggins Secondary School playground in Kumi Town today, the President recalled his early interactions with the people of Teso, noting their vital role in ending insurgency and bringing peace to the region. “I salute the people of Teso because they worked with the army to bring peace in this part of the world,” President Museveni said. “When I camped at Nyero Rocks, I told the people to build a full primary school there. That’s how, working together with the people, we were able to bring peace. Of course, NRM brought peace because of our correct politics and ideology.” The President said that peace laid the foundation for development, highlighting the subsequent growth of infrastructure such as electricity, roads, railways, and clean water systems. “After peace, came development; the electricity, the telephones, the railway, and the water systems. That is all part of economic infrastructure,” he emphasized. President Museveni outlined major road works accomplished in Teso and assured the people of Kumi that the government had already secured funds for new projects. “We repaired the road from Tororo all the way to Soroti about three times. We also tarmacked the road from Soroti through Katakwi to Moroto, and from Tirinyi–Pallisa–Kamonkoli to Kumi,” he said. “Now we have secured funds for the road from Kumi- Ngora- Serere– Kagwara– Bugondo. The money is there; we are just looking for a company to execute the work.” On electricity, the President said that Kumi District was already benefiting from rural electrification, though a few sub-counties still lacked power. “Electricity has reached most sub-counties, South and North Divisions, Nyero, Atutur, and Oboma. The plan is to extend it to all the ten sub-counties that are not yet connected,” he explained. While commending the water coverage progress, the President noted that access in Kumi District remains below that of neighboring Ngora and called for follow-up from local leaders. “Out of 325 rural villages in Kumi, 153 have access to safe water through boreholes representing 47%. This means 53% still lack access. Leaders need to find out why the coverage here is lower than in Ngora, where it’s up to 90%,” he said. He revealed that the government plans to construct the Lake Kyoga Multipurpose Gravity Flow Scheme, which will serve the districts of Serere, Ngora, Kumi and Bukedea. “This project is easy to implement because Teso is flat. We have pumped water from River Kagera up to Mbarara about 35 miles through hilly terrain, so this will be even easier,” he noted. The President emphasized the government's commitment to improving social infrastructure in Kumi through education and health investments. Kumi District currently has 75 government primary schools, but out of 140 parishes, only 48 have at least one government school. “Our plan is to have one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county. Parishes and sub-counties without government schools will get them,” the President assured. On the health sector, he revealed that out of 18 sub-counties in Kumi, only one has a hospital, one has a Health Centre IV, and six have Health Centre IIIs. To close this gap, the government plans to upgrade several HC IIs to HC IIIs and construct new facilities in underserved sub-counties such as Kanapa, Mukongoro, and Kanyum. Among other notable achievements, Kumi now benefits from; Kumi Municipality Piped Water Supply serving over 39,000 people, Nyero Town Council Water System serving 14,400 residents, Ongino Water System reaching 9,000 people and Mukongoro Water Project serving 11,600 residents. He mentioned that future plans include expanding the Nyero Town Council project, constructing water systems in Kanyum and Atutur, and developing small-scale irrigation projects such as the Totolim Irrigation Scheme (10 acres). President Museveni also appreciated testimonies from local beneficiaries like Ms. Bena Apolot, a graduate of the Soroti Presidential Skilling Hub, who started a hairdressing business with UGX 300,000 and has since expanded it. The President commended such initiatives, emphasizing that government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and skilling hubs are designed to empower citizens to create wealth and transform their livelihoods. “Development and peace must translate into wealth for every household. That’s why we introduced programs like the Parish Development Model to ensure no Ugandan is left behind,” he concluded. The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Kumi District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. Ms. Christine Apolot, the NRM spokesperson for Kumi District, thanked the President for his continued leadership and commitment to peace and development. “We warmly welcome you to Kumi, which is one of your homes. We appreciate your excellent leadership and your role in restoring peace after the difficult times of insurgencies, cattle rustling, and insecurity that once defined this region,” she said. She, however, appealed for government support in specific areas including health, and education. “We request for the construction of primary schools in the 70 parishes, secondary schools in seven sub-counties, and expansion of our general hospitals to cater for the growing population. We also need better road equipment and additional security personnel,” she said. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

img
04 November 2025

NGORA: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RALLIES NGORA TO BACK NRM FOR CONTINUED WEALTH CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called upon the people of Ngora District and Teso Sub-region to continue supporting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to sustain the country’s peace, stability, and economic transformation programs. President Museveni, who is also the NRM presidential flag bearer in the 2026 general elections, made the appeal on Tuesday 4th, November, 2025, while addressing thousands of supporters in Ngora District on his vote-hunting trail across the Teso sub-region. He said the NRM government has over the years proved its capacity to move Ugandans out of poverty through consistent investment in peace, infrastructure, and wealth creation initiatives that empower citizens to create income and build prosperity. “Politics is not about the words of politicians just talking. The politics of NRM is about solving people’s problems by showing them the way and assisting them in every possible way,” President Museveni said. The President said the NRM has, since its inception, emphasized practical solutions to poverty through programs such as Entandikwa, NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Emyooga, Women Fund, Youth Fund, and the Parish Development Model (PDM) — the latest in a chain of government-backed livelihood programs targeting the grassroots. President Museveni assured the people that as long as Ugandans keep supporting the NRM, such empowerment programs would not only continue but also expand. “All these programs are meant for you to get out of poverty. If you support NRM, we shall continue,” he said. “On PDM, we shall add another 15 million shillings onto the Shs100 million cash per parish. We shall create a fund for fishermen, another for religious leaders, cultural institutions, and for university graduates who have failed to get jobs after two years or more,” H.E. Museveni emphasized. Peace: NRM’s first contribution Reflecting on the historical background of the Teso region, President Museveni reminded the people of Ngora of the dark days of rebellion and insecurity that once characterized their lives before NRM restored peace. He narrated that during the insurgencies of the late 1980s and early 1990s, he had his military camp near the Nyero Rocks and commanded decisive battles against rebels in areas such as Kongoro and Kanyu, leading to the defeat of Alice Lakwena’s Holy Spirit Movement. “You people of Ngora and Kumi are witnesses to what was happening here. Those were difficult times, but together we managed to get peace. That’s why we no longer have internally displaced people’s camps. It was the NRM, together with the people, that brought this peace,” Gen. Museveni said, adding that peace remains the cornerstone of development and the reason Ugandans can now engage in productive work and education. President Museveni cited major improvements in infrastructure as the second pillar of NRM’s contribution to Uganda’s transformation, noting that the region has seen substantial progress in both economic and social infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the road network linking Ngora to neighboring districts, saying the Kumi–Ngora–Serere–Kagwara road has already been secured and awaits a contractor to commence construction. “Our former battleground is now a place of development. The tarmac roads now reach up to Kumi, Soroti, Lango, and even Karamoja,” President Museveni noted. He thanked local leaders for supporting government programs that ensure efficient implementation of infrastructure projects across Teso. On energy, candidate Museveni reported that Ngora District is now connected to the national electricity grid, with nearly all sub-counties receiving power supply. On water access, the President noted that out of 146 villages in Ngora District, 131 villages (representing 90%) have access to safe water. He said the remaining 15 villages would soon be connected through new water projects. Major achievements include the Gawa Small-Scale Irrigation Project in Kobwin Sub-County covering 12 acres, rehabilitation of 7 boreholes and 11 water sources, and the construction of 4 piped water systems powered by solar energy in Mukura Sub-County. Ongoing projects include the construction of a solar-powered water supply system in Olilim Village, Mukura Sub-County, while planned works will include the Mukura Town Council piped water supply system and the ambitious Lake Kyoga Multi-purpose Gravity Flow Scheme, which will serve Ngora, Serere, Kumi, and Bukedea districts. “We are going to pump water from Lake Kyoga to supply all these areas. It will be easy because the land is flat,” H.E. Museveni explained. Expanding Education Access: President Museveni emphasized that the NRM government remains committed to providing free education for all children, a program that began in 1996. He decried the continued charging of school fees in government-aided institutions, calling it a betrayal of the spirit of Universal Primary and Secondary Education. Ngora District currently has 59 government primary schools, 56 private primary schools, 6 government secondary schools, and 26 private secondary schools. The district has 73 parishes, of which 48 host at least one government primary school, while 25 parishes still lack one. The President said the government’s target is to ensure every parish has a government primary school and every sub-county a secondary school. Construction of a Seed Secondary School in Ngora is ongoing, and upon completion, the number of sub-counties without a government secondary school will reduce from six to five. Traditional institutions like Ngora High School and Ngora School for the Deaf will also undergo rehabilitation under the education infrastructure development plan. He also cited his Presidential Skilling Hubs, including one in Soroti, which skill youth in practical trades such as furniture making, metal fabrication, and textile production. “These youths are now earning money by producing what we used to import,” he noted. Turning to the health sector, President Museveni said that of the 11 sub-counties in Ngora, one currently hosts a Health Centre IV, while six have Health Centre IIIs, leaving five sub-counties without any public health facility. He announced ongoing and planned projects to close that gap, including upgrading Opot HCII in Opot Sub-County to HCIII, upgrading Atoot HCII to HCIII, and the construction of new HCIIIs in Agirigiroi, Morukakise, and Ngora sub-counties. Ongoing works include fencing Mukura HCIII, building an immunization shade, and constructing a twin staff house to support medical personnel. President Museveni said expanding access to health and education is part of the NRM’s social contract to ensure every Ugandan lives a dignified life. However, the President reminded the people of Ngora to distinguish between development (which benefits all citizens collectively) and wealth creation (which is personal and household-based). “The school and health centre are for all of us, but what is private and personal is either wealth or poverty. You must engage in income-generating activities to chase poverty from your homes,” H.E. Museveni explained. He emphasized the four key wealth-creation sectors, commercial agriculture, manufacturing/artisanship, services (transport, etc.), and ICT, urging every Ugandan to actively participate in at least one of them. President Museveni showcased a success story of Joseph Ijala from Serere District, who ventured into commercial poultry and dairy farming. “When I visited him, he was earning three million shillings a day from eggs and selling 300 litres of milk daily,” he said. “Now he earns six million shillings from eggs and Shs800,000 from milk - that is 6.8 million shillings a day, or over two billion shillings a year. This man is deep inside Serere, not near a tarmac road, but wealth is there,” President Museveni said. He commended the performance of the Parish Development Model in Ngora District, which has 73 parishes and has so far received Shs 22.4 billion. Out of this, Shs 22.395 billion (99.93%) has already been disbursed to 22,395 beneficiary households, covering 69.3% of all households in the district. Those yet to benefit total 9,926 households (30.7%), including some already engaged in the money economy. Under the Emyooga program, Ngora has 36 SACCOs with 7,509 members, and the government has disbursed Shs 1.68 billion to support them. Cattle Restocking and Compensation: Addressing the long-standing issue of cattle loss during insurgencies in Teso, Lango, and Acholi, President Museveni said the government has finalized a new uniform compensation strategy. “When we got peace, we started restocking, but along the way, some lawyers went to court and caused confusion. We spent Shs 159 billion, but the money didn’t reach the ground,” President Museveni revealed. He said the new plan will compensate each affected household with five cows as a flat rate to ensure fairness and efficiency. “We are therefore adopting that plan for the area of Teso, Lango, and Acholi. In addition to the other measures, they will continue, but we shall also add on this one. So, it is time for all of you to get out of poverty,” President Museveni said. The NRM Second National Vice Chairperson and Speaker of Parliament, Rt.Hon. Anita Annet Among welcomed President Museveni to Ngora, describing it as one of the most peaceful districts in the Teso Sub-region. She thanked the President for allocating Shs 1 billion for road rehabilitation in Ngora, which she said has been properly utilized. Rt. Hon. Among also commended the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) route from Tororo to Gulu that passes through Ngora, saying it will boost trade and connectivity for local communities. The NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, Mr. Calvin Echodu hailed the district’s leadership for being the first in Teso to establish an NRM office, calling it a symbol of the party’s grassroots strength. Ngora District NRM Chairperson, Hon. Okello John Michael commended President Museveni for maintaining peace and spearheading development programs like PDM and Emyooga, which he said are transforming livelihoods. He also relayed community requests for a technical school, a district hospital, and additional tarmacked roads. Ngora’s Political Outlook: According to the 2024 census, Ngora District has a population of 213,777 people, spread across 11 sub-counties/town councils, 73 parishes, and 146 villages. In the 2021 presidential elections, Ngora had 72,976 registered voters, of whom 44,943 (60.6%) turned up to vote. President Museveni polled 24,662 votes (57.1%), while Patrick Oboi Amuriat (FDC) got 14,618 (33.8%), NUP’s candidate 2,237 (5.2%), and others shared 1,657 (3.9%). By 2025, Ngora’s voter register has grown to 85,696, with 200 polling stations, up from 121 in 2021, reflecting significant voter mobilization ahead of the 2026 general elections. The rally, which drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters, was attended by several senior government officials, NRM Central Executive Committee members, ministers, and Members of Parliament from across the Teso Sub-region.

img
03 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HAILS PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT GAINS IN SOROTI

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today received a warm reception in Soroti City as he addressed residents and leaders of both Soroti City and District during his campaign rally. Recalling the difficult days before the NRM government brought peace, President Museveni said, “I remember when I was here fighting, they ambushed me in Acholi, but it was in Teso where I defeated the rebels; in Anyara, we killed their commander Tabuley. That’s how eventually we got peace in Soroti and across Uganda. But it’s not only about weapons; the main thinking is that we do not believe in politics of sectarianism, tribe, or religion. We love Uganda.” The President explained that the NRM’s second contribution to Uganda’s transformation is development, particularly economic and social infrastructure. “In Soroti, we have repaired major roads, including Tororo up to here, Katine to Otuboi, Soroti to Amuria and Ochapi, Serere to here, and Katakwi-Toromo to Bisna. All Sub-County headquarters in Soroti District and Soroti City now have electricity,” he said. On water, President Museveni said, “Out of 359 rural villages in Soroti District, 263 now have access to safe water, representing 73% coverage, while Soroti City has 83,615 people served by piped water supply. Work is ongoing to drill nine new deep boreholes, rehabilitate 11 boreholes, and construct new piped water systems in Tubur and Kamuda towns. We are committed to expanding access to clean and safe water for all.” The President emphasized education, noting that Soroti District has 69 government primary schools across 54 parishes, while Soroti City has 29 government primary schools across 25 parishes. “Some parishes still lack a school, and we must ensure every child has access. When it comes to secondary education, Soroti District has 5 government secondary schools and 17 private schools, with 7 sub-counties still without a government secondary school,” he said. “Soroti City has 5 government secondary schools and 52 private schools, covering all its sub-counties. Additionally, three new Seed Secondary Schools are under construction, and we are rehabilitating Teso College Aloet, Soroti Secondary School, and St. Francis Schools for the Blind.” On health, President Museveni said in Soroti District, out of 12 sub-counties, one has a Health Centre IV, five have HCIIIs, and six sub-counties still lack higher-level facilities. “We are upgrading Tirinya HCIV to a general hospital, Kamuda HCIII to HCIV, and several HCII facilities to HCIIIs across sub-counties. In Soroti City, the Regional Referral Hospital, one HCIV, and five HCIIIs provide coverage across the city. Soroti RRH has a functional ICU with three beds, X-ray and ultrasound services with three radiologists, and a functional oxygen plant. We are continuing immunization programs, expanding health services, and ensuring all government health units are properly equipped.” President Museveni also emphasized wealth creation. “Development is brought by the government, but wealth must be created by you in your homes. Our manifesto outlines activities that can help people transition from poverty — planting coffee, fruits, food crops, pasture, poultry, piggery, or fish farming depending on the land you have. Programs like NAADS, PDM, and Emyooga are here to support you, and I urge you to take advantage of them.” On cattle restocking, the President said the NRM government has already found a fair solution for cattle compensation in Lango, Acholi and Teso sub-regions. “These areas were disturbed by insurgency and cattle rustling, and after the war, we started restocking. We had given Shs.159 billion, but I did not see the change on the ground. I therefore proposed giving each household five cows. I brought the idea to the leaders, sent them to discuss it with you, and I was told you accepted it. We have therefore adopted the idea — it is very expensive, but we shall do it.” He also stressed that jobs come from wealth creation in commercial agriculture, industries, ICT and services, giving examples of local farmers creating employment. “NRM always wants politics of knowledge, not politics of propaganda. Some try to give you the impression that jobs come from the government, but there are only 480,000 government jobs — how can they serve 50 million people?” he noted. “We are providing security, transport, and other services, but where programs fail, we propose that locally elected leaders like LC1, LC3, and LC5 supervise and are held accountable. On markets, Uganda needs East African integration because the internal market is not enough. Education is critical, we now provide free six-month skilling programs to equip youth with skills to produce items that were previously imported from China and Italy,” he said. Rt. Hon. Anita Among, Second National Vice Chairperson of NRM, thanked President Museveni for granting Soroti city status and commended the development and infrastructure improvements in the district and city. Mr. Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, assured the President of the support of Soroti residents and thanked him for the prevailing peace in Soroti City, noting that business is now booming and the city is ready for further development, including a first-class golf club. Mr. Enomu John, NRM Chairperson for Soroti City, pledged massive support for President Museveni in the forthcoming elections and thanked him for the establishment of skilling hubs that have equipped the youth with practical skills. Hon. Herbert Edmund Ariko, NRM Chairperson for Soroti District, commended the President for Soroti University, the city status, and other development achievements, noting that Soroti City is now fully back within the NRM family and that the President and party are poised for a resounding victory in the upcoming polls.

img
03 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ANNOUNCES MASSIVE FISH FARMING DRIVE AS HE CAMPAIGNS IN SERERE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer, on Monday, 3rd November 2025, announced an ambitious nationwide fish farming program. Speaking during a campaign rally at Serere District Headquarters, Serere District, President Museveni unveiled a fish farming plan designed to restore wetlands, generate irrigation water, and create wealth among rural households. “We’re going to develop a massive fish farming program along the edges of the wetlands because we want the wetlands to regain water so that we get water for irrigation. We shall earn more, but also use the water for irrigation,” he said. The NRM candidate showcased a video of his model fish project in Lango, where he said he generates Shs140 million per year in profits. “This is the answer for the fishing people. If you listen to my advice, we’re going to have so much money from fish farming,” he said. President Museveni added that the government will introduce a special fund for fishermen, separate from the Shs100 million under the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds sent to parishes. “We are adding a fund for fishermen because their needs are bigger than the Shs 100 million under the PDM. They need good boats, fishing nets, and engines. We shall have a special fund for them,” President Museveni emphasized. Peace and Stability: President Museveni reminded the people of Serere of the NRM’s historical role in restoring peace and stability across Uganda, particularly in regions once affected by insurgencies. “Lakwena disturbed this very area of Serere alongside other rebels, and your being here is testimony that we defeated them,” he said. “This is the first time Uganda has had peace for such a long time. In the past, there was trouble everywhere. NRM has a strong system; when we get problems, we deal with them,” he added, attributing the current development momentum in Teso to the dividends of peace. President Museveni used the rally to highlight extensive road works and infrastructure projects across the Teso region over the last decade. He recounted how the government extended tarmac roads from Soroti to Lango and Karamoja, and from Pallisa to Kumi, bypassing Mbale. “We now have money for the Kumi–Ngora–Serere–Kagwara road. The contractor is being procured,” H.E. Museveni said, adding that the road from Serere to Soroti will also be done because it’s a shorter route. “Once we get the money, the rest is easy,” he noted. President Museveni revealed ongoing plans to rehabilitate the old railway line through Soroti and construct a new one from Tororo to Kampala, to facilitate trade and movement of goods. He further listed a string of completed and ongoing roads in the sub-region, including: Tirinyi–Pallisa–Kumi (111km), Kumi–Mukongoro–Pallisa (111km), Arapai–Katakwi (44km), Katakwi–Irrir (40km), Kumi–Ladot (26km), Soroti City Roads (7.2km), Kumi Town Roads (12.2km), and Katakwi Town Roads (10km). Other national roads under rehabilitation include Soroti–Dokolo–Lira–Kamdini (189km) and Tororo–Mbale–Soroti (150km), and those currently under procurement include Kumi–Ngora–Brooks Corner–Serere–Kagwara (102km) and Katine–Ochero (69.9km). Designs are also underway for Soroti–Amuria–Abim (76.7km), Soroti–Serere–Pingire–Mugarama (64km), and Soroti (Arapai)–Amuria–Acan Pii (88km). On electricity, President Museveni commended authorities for extending power to almost all parts of the district. “I am happy that all sub-counties have electricity except two. That is very good,” he said. Water supply and sanitation also featured prominently in the President’s address. According to government figures, out of 277 villages in Serere District, 235 have access to safe water, representing 85% coverage, leaving only 42 villages without clean water. President Museveni observed that urban piped water projects are already operational in Serere Town Council (serving 25,967 people), Ocapa Town (19,513 people), Kyere Town (29,897 people), and Kasilo (4,025 people). Ongoing water projects include the Agule Parish system in Kasilo Sub-county, while new systems are planned for Kidetok Town Council, Kadungulu, and Mugarama. For irrigation and water for production, the President cited the Ongor Small Scale Irrigation Project in Atira, the Opapa Irrigation Scheme in Kateta Sub-county (32 acres), and the Owiiny Valley Dam in Bugondo Sub-county, completed in December 2024 for Shs 4.3 billion. Education: President Museveni was happy to learn that Serere District currently has 98 government primary schools with 115,935 pupils and 119 private primary schools. There are twelve (12) government secondary schools enrolling 9,406 students, and 41 private secondary schools. Condemning the persistent collection of school charges in government schools, President Museveni reiterated his long-standing commitment to free education, which he first introduced in 1996, and vowed to strengthen it in his next term. “In the coming government, I want all Ugandans to support my free education program,” H.E. Museveni urged. Regarding health, President Museveni noted that out of Serere’s 15 sub-counties, two have Health Centre IVs and ten have Health Centre IIIs, leaving only three without any government health facility. He told supporters that the government is constructing new HCIIIs in Kidetok Town Council, Kadungulu, and Ocaapa, while upgrading Omagoro HCII in Kyere to HCIII. Turning to wealth creation, President Museveni cautioned citizens not to confuse development (public infrastructure) with wealth (personal income). “There’s a difference between development and wealth. Development is government work, but wealth is personal,” he said. “People are fighting for nothing because they’re poor. But if we all join the money economy, everyone will benefit,” the President noted, citing one Joseph Ijala from Serere as a success story of the four-acre model. Ijala, who started poultry farming four years ago, now collects 814 litres of milk daily, earning UGX 800,000 per day, and gets Shs 6 million from eggs daily. “We have 33 farmers producing milk with me, and I employ 38 people, including four-degree holders,” Ijala told President Museveni, who praised him as an example of NRM’s wealth creation vision. “You don’t have a tarmac road here, but Ijala is already rich. In Kampala, there’s everything, but many people are poor. Work for wealth, and development will find you,” President Museveni stated. The NRM presidential candidate also revisited the issue of cattle compensation for Teso, Lango, and Acholi, where livestock was lost during insurgencies and cattle rustling. “This area was disturbed by wars and cattle rustling. We started restocking, but some people went to court, and we withdrew after spending Shs139 billion without clear results. We have now resolved to handle it once and for all,” he said. “We have discussed this matter with your leaders and will implement it once and for all. Support NRM, and we shall complete it,” President Museveni promised. According to government records, 11,056 claimants in Teso have been compensated with Shs 55.9 billion, of which 923 beneficiaries in Serere received Shs 6.18 billion. The rally was attended by senior NRM leaders, including Rt. Hon. Anita Among, the Second National Vice Chairperson, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure and health investments in Serere. “The road from Kumi–Ngora–Brooks Corner–Serere has already been funded, and works will begin soon. The construction of Serere District Hospital is also captured in the National Development Plan IV,” she said. Mr. Echodu Calvin, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, welcomed the President, recalling that “Serere is special” to him because it’s where he first met President Museveni 45 years ago. He requested a review of fishing policies to support local communities. NRM’s support base in Serere: Serere, with a population of 358,123 (2024 census), has 15 sub-counties, 70 parishes, and 284 villages. In the 2021 Presidential Elections, the district had 130,290 registered voters, with 79,152 (60.6%) voting. President Museveni polled 38,555 votes (51.2%), Patrick Amuriat (FDC) got 26,722 (35.5%), and NUP’s Robert Kyagulanyi secured 6,013 (8%). For the 2026 elections, the district has 162,646 registered voters—an increase of 32,356—and 374 polling stations, up from 240 in 2021.

img
02 November 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS CONSTRUCTION OF HIINGA KARIS MEDICAL HOSPITAL AND KARIS NURSING UNIVERSITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today commissioned the construction of Hiinga Karis Medical Hospital, a multi-million, modern health facility established to provide specialised medical care and improve access to quality health services for Ugandans, especially those around Gayaza and Wakiso. Located in Magere, Karis Medical Hospital and Nursing University will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including 125 bed spaces, emergency care services such as MRIs, scans and X-rays, surgical theatres, four maternity delivery suites, diagnostic laboratories, and a specialised Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with 18 beds. Upon completion, Karis Medical Hospital is expected to employ over 1,000 doctors and medical staff, creating significant employment opportunities. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, President Museveni commended the involvement of the private sector in the provision of health services, praising them for maintaining effective supervision of their employees, which he said ensures better service delivery. “Private hospitals have some efficiency; they know how to do things in a simpler way. They control their staff better, and sometimes their supervision is even better than that of government hospitals,” he said. The President further noted that there is no harm in supporting private hospitals because they help to reduce pressure on government facilities. He urged Ugandans to focus on what is important and not be distracted by divisions such as tribe or religion, emphasising that when one seeks medical care, a patient’s tribe does not determine the quality of treatment received. “So, when you hear somebody spending their time talking about tribe or religion, those are your enemies. It means they are lazy people who do not work and who do not understand the anatomy of wealth creation,” President Museveni remarked. The President also urged Ugandans to remain focused on the NRM manifesto agenda of peace, development, jobs, wealth creation, service delivery, market expansion, and political integration of East Africa. Mr Ikiriza Davis, Chairman of Karis Medical Hospital and Nursing University, thanked President Museveni for creating a peaceful and enabling environment that provides opportunities for investors. “Your Excellency, this not only represents a dream but a firm commitment and visionary leadership where investors can build and thrive,” he said. He went on to clarify the ownership and vision of the hospital. “Your Excellency, I would like to clarify the ownership and vision of this hospital. This project has attracted a lot of visibility in this area, and inevitably, some political elements have tried to distort the truth about its ownership,” he emphasised. Mr. Ikiriza encouraged Ugandans to let Karis Medical Hospital unite them rather than divide them. “We have deliberately chosen not to engage in political discourse because we believe that healthcare should unite us, not divide us as Ugandans,” he noted. He further explained that Karis Medical Hospital and Nursing University aim to empower Ugandans with practical skills through professional nursing training. He emphasised their commitment to strengthening the health system through infrastructure development and the training of nurses with sufficient skills to represent Uganda on the international market — part of their long-term plan once the hospital is completed next year. “Karis Medical Hospital and Nursing University, which sit on three acres of land, aim to equip Ugandans with the necessary nursing skills,” he added. Mr. Moses Mayanja, the NRM Chairman for Wakiso District thanked President Museveni for creating a conducive environment that has continued to attract investors to the country. “I want to thank President Museveni for the peace and stability he brought, which have given investors opportunities. That is why we are also able to stand firm,” he emphasised. He added that the NRM government has made service delivery more effective and expressed optimism that this facility will greatly benefit people in the surrounding areas. The commissioning ceremony was attended by several government officials, health professionals, and community leaders.

U.M.C Logo

U M C

Uganda Media Centre
Home
Latest Updates
Media
Press Accreditation
About Uganda
About UMC
Contact Us