“APPLY FOR LOANS WHEN YOU ARE READY TO INVEST RESPONSIBLY” - STATE HOUSE COMPTROLLER TIPS SKILLING HUB SACCO MEMBERS

The State House on Sunday 19th October 2025 continued to train the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub SACCO leaders on the proper management of funds. Recently, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni supported SACCOs under the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs with Shs8.8 billion, in order to empower the skilling hub beneficiaries with start-up capital. Each SACCO received Shs50 million. The training session was held at Acholi Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Gulu city. It brought together SACCO members and leaders, commercial officers and district leaders from Acholi, West Nile and Lango sub-regions. During the training, the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye emphasized proper management of funds. “If the funds are well utilised, President Museveni has promised to add more money in your SACCOs,” she emphasised. Ms. Barekye also urged SACCO leaders to be hardworking and remain disciplined so that the President’s support benefits all members fairly. She further called on parents of the beneficiaries to guide them on how to use the money properly by focusing on productive work. “My advice to the parents is that you encourage these children to use the money to enhance their skills. They shouldn't divert the money to other unproductive things,” she said. Ms. Barekye advised the beneficiaries to apply for the loans only when they feel that they are ready to invest responsibly, saying preparation and planning is key to running a successful business. “First, have a plan for what you want to use the money for, don’t just get it. With no plan, this money will not do what it’s intended for,” she warned. Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, the Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs, encouraged the trainees to always work in unison, explaining that this will help them to develop easily. “We shall start to get bigger loans if you work together and have big projects,” he said. “You should share responsibility and keep in touch with each other so that we can easily follow up with you and if you get any challenges, always inform us,” he advised. In his concluding remarks, Eng. Kamugisha appealed to the Commercial Officers to give an opportunity to the beneficiaries so that they can register companies to get tenders from the local government. The training facilitators, Mr. Joseph Lutalo from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and Mr. Abdallah Aziz Apat from Post Bank appealed to the trainees to always keep in touch and share ideas that could help their enterprises to thrive. Success stories from beneficiaries: Jacqueline Ayubu, a former student of the Acholi Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub revealed that she now owns a shoe making business and earns a profit of Shs50,000 daily. “Before, I was dealing in agricultural produce having dropped out of school and I was earning Shs5000 per day. I later heard of Acholi Skilling hub through a friend, and I applied. I did a course in shoe making that has changed my life,” she said. “I want to take this opportunity to thank President Museveni for this initiative because if it wasn’t him, I wouldn't be here. I also thank H.E the President for the Shs50 million support to our SACCO.” Onek Peter, another beneficiary of the skilling initiative, undertook a course in welding and metal fabrication at the Acholi Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub. He now owns a workshop at Layibi centre earning Shs500,000 a month and also trains other youth. “I want to thank President Museveni for this initiative and for the skills I gained from here. I dropped out of school because my parents could not afford school fees but because of this hub, I now work and train other youth in welding,” he said. Another impactful story was heard from Mwaka Emmanuel Edgar, a former trainee in tailoring at the Acholi Presidential Industrial skilling hub. He now owns a workshop in Kitgum town with two employees, paying Shs150,000 monthly each and he is able to save Shs600,000 monthly. “I want to thank President Museveni for this opportunity. It helped me to acquire skills and I'm now earning good money.” The training is part of a nationwide effort to equip SACCO members and leaders with financial management skills and ensure the sustainability of the government empowerment program.

2025-10-20

“WE ARE NOT AGAINST THE SALARIES OF PUBLIC SERVANTS,” SAYS PRESIDENT MUSEVENI AS HE CONCLUDES WEST NILE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving the welfare of public servants, including teachers, but emphasized that Uganda must first consolidate its development foundations before increasing salaries. Speaking at a mega campaign rally held at Paridi Stadium in Adjumani Town Council on Monday, October 20, 2025, the President, also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer for the 2026 elections, concluded his West Nile sub-region campaign trail with a call for patience and focus on national priorities that sustain peace and shared growth. “We are not against the salaries of public servants, but first of all, peace, the roads, electricity, health, and schools—then we can add on other things,” he said. H.E. Museveni said that while calls for salary increments, especially from striking teachers, were understandable, national transformation could not be achieved through short-term demands. “You have been hearing the teachers striking, saying that they want more salary. But is it correct to pay public servants more money when the roads are not done? Is it fair?” he asked, drawing loud applause from supporters. The Adjumani rally marked the climax of President Museveni’s tour across the West Nile sub-region, where he traversed multiple districts to promote the NRM’s core campaign themes: peace, development, and wealth creation. Flanked by top NRM officials, the President used the rally to explain why government spending priorities have remained anchored in national infrastructure and social services, drawing from his own experience in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), whose officers, he said, endured years of low pay for the sake of national peace. “We in the UPDF have been fighting for no pay or low pay for the last 55 years because we could not demand a high salary from our mother, Uganda, when we knew that our mother did not have enough money,” H.E. Museveni said. “What sort of a child are you when you come to a mother demanding more money, well knowing she does not have enough? The money of Uganda is public; it is in the budget. So, we must agree that roads must be tarmacked, and the murram roads must be maintained because the road affects the public servant and everyone else,” he stressed, while pointing out specific road projects in poor condition, including the Pakele–Pabo road and the Adjumani–Obongi route, pledging government intervention. “The security road from Pakele to Pabo is in bad condition and must be worked on. The road from Adjumani to Obongi is also in bad condition but we have finished the road from Gulu to Atiak to Adjumani, and we are continuing,” the President said. He reminded supporters that before the NRM government came to power, the tarmac road network ended at Gulu, but has since been extended northwards to Atiak, Adjumani, Laropi, Moyo, Yumbe, and Koboko, opening up trade and security access to border areas. “Once we agree on the budgeting—what comes first—things will move,” he said. “If there’s extra, then we can do other things. But let’s do the minimum first: the roads, the electricity, the schools, and the hospitals.” Turning to the question of peace and national unity, the President described Uganda’s current stability as “a historic achievement unmatched in over a century.” “It’s the first time in 100 years that the whole of Uganda is peaceful. Some people talk as if Uganda did not exist until the British came, but these tribes were here thousands of years before them,” President Museveni said. He offered a brief history lesson, tracing Uganda’s long journey to peace and post-independence turmoil. “We had peace between 900 and 1400 AD under the Bacwezi dynasty. After that, there was chaos, wars among successor kingdoms like Buganda, Bunyoro, Ankole, and others until the British came. After independence, there were more wars: Muteesa and Obote in 1966, Idi Amin from 1971 to 1979, and the NRM–UPC war between 1981 and 1986,” he recounted. “Even after NRM took power, there were wars like those of Kony and ADF but because of our ideology of patriotism and Pan-Africanism, we defeated all of them.” President Museveni said NRM’s inclusive ideology of opposing the wrong and supporting the right, not tribes or religions, had united Uganda and built strong national institutions, from the army to the judiciary and police. “That’s why we can win elections nationally in the first round,” he said, adding that no single tribe or region could ever do that alone. Regarding development, President Museveni told the Adjumani crowd that Uganda’s growing population was itself evidence of social progress. “In 1969 and 1970, the whole of Madi, which includes Moyo, Adjumani, and Obongi, had only 90,000 people,” he said. “Now, Adjumani alone has 300,000. Why? Because of immunization. Children no longer die from preventable diseases.” He cited healthcare and education as two pillars of NRM’s social development agenda, while acknowledging persistent challenges such as drug theft in government facilities. “The one problem in health is the stealing of drugs. Our people are using computers, but I am also thinking of getting religiously inclined people to monitor for me this stealing of drugs in the 1,400 health centers,” President Museveni said. No child should leave school because of money: President Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to free education, saying that every sub-county without a secondary school and every parish without a primary school would be catered for in the next term. “Since 1996, I have been telling you about free education, but some people don’t listen and continue to charge money in schools. That’s why children drop out,” he said, highlighting his Presidential Skilling Hubs, designed to train school dropouts with practical skills. One such centre, the Olia Hub in Adjumani, which serves the Madi Zone. “I have already sent 50 million shillings to their SACCO per district for those who finished the six-month training,” President Museveni said. He also proposed new initiatives for unemployed university graduates, saying the government would create a fund to support them if they remain jobless for more than two years. President Museveni revisited his long-standing distinction between development-public goods such as roads and schools, and wealth, which is private and family-based. He urged Ugandans to embrace household income programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he called the culmination of earlier poverty alleviation efforts including Entandikwa, NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation, Emyooga, and the Youth Livelihood Fund. “Each year, we shall bring 100 million shillings per parish. In five years, that’s 500 million. If you borrow one million and pay back with a small interest, that money will stay in your parish and grow. It will never go back to the government,” he said. He also proposed new leadership and faith-based support funds. “I’m proposing we add Shs 15 million for local parish leaders and start a fund for religious leaders, Muslims, and Christians, so they also engage in wealth creation.” Oil discovery: President Museveni also spoke of Uganda’s oil discovery as a milestone that would amplify development funding once production begins. “The British tried to find our oil from 1920 to 1956 because it was boiling in the Albertine Valley, but they failed. When NRM came, we discovered it, and it will start flowing next year,” he said, adding that the government had already achieved much without the oil money. The rally was attended by senior party leaders, ministers, and Members of Parliament from across West Nile and neighboring regions, including Gen. Moses Ali, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, and NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, who echoed President Museveni’s message of hope and continuity and described the NRM presidential candidate as “a symbol of stability and progress”. “In President Museveni, we vote for hope. We vote for stability in our homes, for the future of our children, for good health, and for progress,” Rt. Hon. Todwong said. Hon. Hamson Obua, NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, congratulated President Museveni for a successful tour and praised the massive turnout in Adjumani. “The Bible tells us of the ten lepers healed by Jesus, but only one came back to say thank you. The turnout today shows that West Nile has come to say thank you—for the peace and transformation you brought,” Hon. Obua said. He commended President Museveni for transforming Adjumani “from a district that once produced refugees to one that now hosts them peacefully.” Mr. Akuku Charles, NRM Chairperson for Adjumani District, pledged full support for the President’s re-election and requested more tractors to expand agricultural productivity. “Your Excellency, I wish to assure you that the people of Adjumani are fully behind you,” Akuku said. “We ask for more tractors to increase land under cultivation and improve our livelihoods.”

2025-10-20

YOU SHOULD BE A TESTIMONY TO PRESIDENT MUSEVENI'S WEALTH CREATION VISION”- STATE HOUSE COMPTROLLER TELLS SKILLING HUB BENEFICIARIES

The State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye has implored beneficiaries of the Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs to be a testimony to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s wealth creation vision. According to Ms. Barekye, President Museveni has been coming up with various initiatives aimed at fighting youth unemployment and one of them is skilling. Through the 19 Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs spread across the country, youth irrespective of their education backgrounds, are trained in various vocational skills for six months free of charge. But, after skilling, they face a challenge of no start-up capital to put their skills into good practice. This prompted President Museveni to extend a financial support of Shs8.8 billion to SACCOs under the Skilling hubs. Each SACCO received a total of Shs50 million. The initiative has transformed the lives of thousands of youth around the country. “You should be a testimony to the President’s vision of wealth creation,” she said. The State House Comptroller made the remarks today while leading a training session on proper fund management to SACCO members and leaders, commercial officers and district leaders at Bunyoro Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Masindi district. Ms. Barekye called upon the SACCO leaders to safeguard and manage the SACCO funds well so that they serve the intended purpose. “When the President was here in Masindi, he promised to equip you with skills after that he gets you capital to get your families out of poverty,” she said. She further advised the beneficiaries to use the funds productively by starting up businesses so that they fight poverty and transform their livelihoods. “Change your lives, work hard so that you can help your families and be testimonies of tomorrow,” Ms. Barekye said, urging leaders to be patriotic and disciplined so that they execute their mandate effectively. “We are going to give you guidelines and continue sensitizing you,” she noted. On his part, the Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs, Eng. Raymond Kamugisha emphasised that the SACCO funds are only meant to be used to enhance the skills acquired from the skilling hubs, and beneficiaries should not invest it into other ventures like agriculture. “Don’t use this money for agriculture or any other business, use it for only the skills you got from here,” he urged. He also encouraged the trainees to have business plans before getting the loans, noting that it will help them to invest well. Eng. Kamugisha further explained about the value-addition component which is among the four components of the Presidential Industrial Skilling hubs, which he said was designed to address challenges related to post-harvest handling and managing of agricultural produce in the regions especially maize for the case of Bunyoro. One of the beneficiaries of the Bunyoro skilling hub, Kabakonjo Grace who acquired skills in tailoring revealed that she earns Shs500,000 a month and she is able to pay school fees for her children. “Before coming to the hub, I didn't have any ideas but now I have a business and money. I thank President Museveni for this initiative,” she said. Another beneficiary, Owobusobozi Patience, a former trainee at Bunyoro Industrial skilling hub is now a professional hair dresser and can make profits of Shs80,000 weekly. “I thank President Museveni for this initiative, and I promise to boost my business after I have received the SACCO money,” she said.

2025-10-20

COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LITTLE PERSONS ON 25th October, 2025

THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA PRESS STATEMENT ON THE COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LITTLE PERSONS ON 25th October, 2025 BY HON ASAMO HELLEN GRACE (MP) MINISTER OF STATE FOR DISABILITY AFFAIRS MINISTRY OF GENDER, LABOUR AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Members of Parliament for Persons with Disabilities Representatives of Organisation of Persons with Disabilities The Distinguished Members of the Media Fellow Country Women and Men 1.1I am delighted to address you today on the forth coming commemoration of the International Day of Little Persons under the theme: “Raising Awareness about Dwarfism and Promoting Inclusion of Little Persons in Uganda”. 1.2Every year on October 25, International Dwarfism Awareness Day celebrates little persons. The day is used to create awareness for achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder that causes dwarfism. 1.3Achondroplasia means “without cartilage formation.” It occurs in one in every 15,000 to one in 40,000 live births. According to the Uganda National Housing and Population statistics (2024), there are over 194,271 with 89,102 males and 105,169 females’ persons aged 18 and above who are Little Persons. Those who have this condition are called Little Persons. Other preferred ways to refer to those with achondroplasia include Little People or Persons with Short Stature or Persons Affected by Dwarfism. 1.4Dwarfism is characterized by having short arms and legs in comparison to the head and trunk. Weak muscle tone, sleep apnea (sleep disorder causing irregular breathing and snoring patterns, leading to severe exhaustion and various health risks), and spinal stenosis (happens when the space inside the backbone is too small) are also sometimes present. The average height of men with dwarfism is 4 feet, 4 inches. The average height of women with dwarfism is 4 feet, 1 inch. Most persons with dwarfism have a final height of 4 feet 10 inches or less. 1.5While some Little People still face physical and social barriers, many go on to lead fulfilling and active lives. Many with dwarfism drive, complete their education, get married, and even have children of their own. There are also many famous people with dwarfism. These famous people include actors, entertainers, comedians, musicians, athletes, and politicians. Who knows ‘Sarah short’ Why commemorate the Day 1.6This day is used to create awareness on the importance of promoting equality and full participation of Little Persons in social life as well as development. 1.7Commemorating the International Day for Little Persons provides a vital platform to amplify their voices and recognize their capacities and contributions. 1.8The primary objective of this day is to enhance public understanding of dwarfism its causes, characteristics, and management while dispelling myths and reducing stigma. Increasing awareness fosters a culture of respect and dignity toward persons of short stature. 1.9Equally important is the call to promote their full inclusion in all aspects of society. This entails ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and social services by eliminating the social, physical, and systemic barriers that hinder their participation. Upholding inclusion affirms their right to live with dignity, to contribute meaningfully to national development, and to enjoy all fundamental human rights. 1.10Through this commemoration, we reaffirm Uganda’s commitment to building an inclusive society, where all persons with disabilities including Little Persons are valued, empowered, and fully integrated as equal members. It is only through sustained awareness and deliberate inclusion that we can advance their welfare and uphold their rights in our nation. 1.11 I want to remind Ugandans that Schedule 3 of the Persons with Disabilities Act (2020) provides for 8 disability categories or impairments. These include the following: Physical Disability Hearing disability Visual disability Deaf and blind disability. Mental disability Little people. Albinism. Multiple disabilities What Government has done 1.12The Government of Uganda is committed to fostering an enabling environment for Little Persons through inclusive policies and programs that guarantee equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. 1.13Our legal frameworks, including the Constitution and the Persons with Disabilities Act 2020, uphold the rights of persons with disabilities and mandate stakeholders to provide specialized support where needed. 1.14The Revised National Policy on Persons with Disabilities prioritizes protection against discrimination and neglect, while promoting improved communication, healthcare access, and social inclusion tailored to individual needs. Since ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008, Uganda continues to uphold full participation and non-discrimination of little persons 1.15In education, the Government has implemented affirmative action to increase enrollment and retention of children and youth affected by short stature in both mainstream and special education settings, facilitating access to tertiary institutions. The Ministry of Health provides specialized services, including early diagnosis and targeted care, to improve well-being. 1.16Economic empowerment programs, such as the National Special Grant and the Parish Development Model with its 10% allocation for disability-inclusive initiatives, ensure that Little Persons benefit from livelihood opportunities. Government has already set aside 50million shilling as myoga SACCO for Little Person at national level. 1.17Partnerships with organizations like the Foundation of Persons Affected by Dwarfism (FPAD) have been crucial in raising awareness, combating stigma, and building capacity to promote social inclusion. The Government is also strengthening data collection and research to inform evidence-based policies and services. 1.18We remain dedicated to increasing the involvement of Little Persons in policy development and program design, ensuring their voices guide decisions that affect them. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders, the Government will enhance public awareness and service delivery to eliminate barriers, uphold dignity, and advance the full inclusion of Little persons in Uganda’s development. 1.19 Fellow countrymen, though there have been several achievements as highlighted above, the following areas need more emphasis: (i)Scale up mobilization for Little Persons to enhance access to PDM by Little Persons to ensure they join other persons with disabilities and take up the 10% PDM share and the National Disability Grant. (ii)Revive the orthopedic and other workshops in regional hospitals to facilitate affordability of rehabilitation services and assistive devices such as wheel chairs and clutches (iii)Step up the implementation of commitments to the Global Disability Summit, so that at the next reporting, our Country is not downgraded as non-compliant. (iv)Under NDP4, prioritise Disability inclusion across the 18 Programme areas to mitigate the previous low performance which was highlighted in NDP3 Mid-Term Review; 1.20 The National theme for this year’s celebration is: “Raising Awareness about Dwarfism and Promoting Inclusion of little persons in Uganda”. 1.21 The National theme emphasizes the importance of the need to educate the public, challenge misconceptions, and advocate for equal opportunities and rights for Persons of Short Stature in Uganda. 1.22Little Persons, often referred to as persons with short stature or persons affected by dwarfism, face a complex web of challenges that affect nearly every dimension of their lives physical, social, economic, psychological, and institutional. These challenges are not inherent to their stature, but arise largely from environments, systems, and attitudes that exclude people who do not conform to average physical norms. 1.23In Uganda, despite the protection afforded by the Persons with Disabilities Act (2020) and the Revised National Policy on Persons with Disabilities (2023), little persons continue to struggle with accessibility, recognition, and dignity in daily life. 1.24A major area of concern is the inaccessibility of the physical environment. Most of Uganda’s infrastructure for example buildings, roads, and public facilities have been designed without consideration for persons of short stature. 1.25Walkways and pavements, which could have been safe mobility spaces, are increasingly obstructed by barricades installed by city authorities to control boda boda riders. In Kampala and other urban areas, these barriers, though intended to prevent motorcycle lawlessness, have inadvertently restricted the mobility of Little Persons, particularly those using wheelchairs or walking aids. 1.26Public transport presents another barrier; taxis and minibuses often refuse to stop for Little Persons, or drivers express reluctance to carry them, assuming they will require excessive assistance or cause delay. This form of everyday discrimination undermines their independence and right to mobility. Health and medical challenges further compound their exclusion. 1.27Little persons frequently experience orthopedic, spinal, and joint conditions that require specialized attention, yet few health professionals in Uganda are trained to manage these. 1.28Cases of incorrect medication dosage both overdosing and under dosing are not uncommon, as health workers often prescribe based on standard adult height and weight. 1.29Women who are Little Persons face particularly high risks during childbirth, as delivery beds are typically high and not adapted for their stature, making normal delivery extremely difficult. 1.30Access to reproductive health services and contraceptives is equally problematic, as community health workers sometimes assume that women of short stature are minors or asexual and therefore ineligible for family planning. These assumptions reflect not only medical ignorance but also harmful stereotypes that undermine bodily autonomy and family planning choice. In the world of education; 1.31Learners with Little Persons are still marginalized by both the system and social attitudes. 1.32In many schools, classmates mock Little Persons by forcing them to “touch the opposite ear” over the head a humiliating act used to measure whether someone is “old enough” for school. Teachers rarely intervene, and some even share in the ridicule. 1.33Classroom settings are not adapted to their needs; desks are too high, blackboards are out of reach, and school notice boards are mounted far above their eye level, making it difficult to access information. Such environments communicate exclusion and reinforce the perception that Little Persons do not belong in mainstream education. Employment and workplace accessibility remain equally troubling; 1.34Many employers still hold misconceptions about the capabilities of Little Persons and fail to provide reasonable accommodation. For example, biometric attendance systems and fingerprint scanners are often installed too high, making them difficult or impossible for Little Persons to reach. 1.35Counters, filing cabinets, and Bank ATM machines are similarly elevated, compromising both convenience and security especially when a person has to share their personal identification number (PIN) with a bystander or sometimes security guards to complete a transaction. 1.36In salons, the lack of adjustable chairs makes it difficult for women of short stature to comfortably receive hairdressing services, a simple act that becomes a reminder of their exclusion from everyday social spaces. 1.37Although Ugandan law allows persons with Little Persons to drive and provides tax waivers on imported customized vehicles for persons with disabilities, implementation remains restrictive. Many driving schools refuse to admit Little Persons, arguing that they cannot be accommodated or trained effectively due to vehicle modification requirements. 1.38As a result, many who could drive safely are denied the opportunity to acquire licenses, perpetuating their dependence on others for mobility. 1.39Similarly, public infrastructure such as courts and offices often ignore their presence little persons report being almost suffocated in courtrooms due to poor seating arrangements or being overlooked entirely in proceedings. Social and cultural stigmas further intensify these challenges. 1.40In communities, little persons are often ridiculed, viewed as objects of entertainment, or treated as perpetual children. This negative attitude extends to religious spaces, some churches push adults with Little Persons into Sunday school classes, assuming they are children. Such treatment erodes dignity and reinforces harmful stereotypes that little persons are incapable of adult responsibilities. 1.41Moreover, cultural misconceptions associating Little Persons with curses or witchcraft continue to persist in rural Uganda, leading to social isolation and discrimination. Access to information and communication also remains a barrier; 1.42Many public notices, advertisements, and bulletin boards are placed high on walls, far above the sightline of Little Persons, excluding them from opportunities and updates that others easily access. While Uganda’s Building Control Act and Persons with Disabilities Act (2020) both emphasize accessibility, enforcement remains weak. Most buildings still lack reasonable accommodation features such as adjustable counters, appropriately sized doorways, or ramps suitable for users of short stature. 1.43Psychologically, the cumulative impact of these barriers and prejudices is profound. Constant exclusion, mockery, and rejection lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression among Little Persons. Some withdraw from public life altogether, while others struggle to assert their rights in spaces that continue to treat them as lesser beings. The lack of peer support and professional counselling services for this group exacerbates their isolation, leaving many to navigate these challenges alone. 1.44As I conclude on the challenges faced by little persons in Uganda, its important to note that most of them are rooted in structural exclusion and social prejudice. From inaccessible public spaces and discriminatory service provision to harmful cultural attitudes and policy neglect, little persons face compounded barriers that violate their rights to equality, dignity, and participation. 1.45Addressing these issues requires an inclusive approach one that enforces existing accessibility laws, trains professionals across sectors, raises awareness to combat stigma, and ensures that persons with Little Persons are visible and active participants in Uganda’s social, economic, and political life. Only through such deliberate measures can Uganda fulfill its commitment to leaving no one behind. 1.46In line with Uganda’s strong affirmative action framework and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2006, we are expected to establish effective access to general technical and vocational skilling, ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided to Persons with Disabilities at the workplace, protect the rights of Persons with Disabilities on an equal basis and promote vocational and professional rehabilitation, job retention and return to workplace programmes for Persons with Disabilities. 1.47 To ensure an improvement in household incomes for Persons with Disabilities, The Government of Uganda (GOU) Provides for anti-discrimination provisions in the Employment Act 2006 which was enacted in line with the state policies such as Article 32 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda allowing affirmative action for marginalized groups. Venue for the National Celebrations 1.48 The venue for this year’s national celebration will be held at Kampala School for the Disabled, Mengo, on October 25th, 2025. 1.49 The pre-event and D-Day activities include: Opening Ceremony with keynote speeches and cultural performances, Educational sessions on dwarfism/ little persons, management, and rights, Panel discussions on challenges and policy advocacy, Showcasing success stories and peer support activities, Art and cultural exhibitions promoting diversity, Interactive Q&A session dispelling myths about short stature, Media engagement to raise public awareness and Launch of an informative dwarfism fact booklet, among others. 1.50In conclusion, I call upon Government Ministries, Civil Society, the media, and the public to support initiatives that advance the rights and inclusion of little persons. Together, we can foster a society where everyone, regardless of stature, is valued and empowered. I say this; For God and my country Asamo Hellen Grace (MP) MINISTR OF STATE FOR DISABILITY AFFAIRS

2025-10-20

MOYO: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI REAFFIRMS NRM’S COMMITMENT IN ENSURING FREE EDUCATION AND EXPANDING WEALTH CREATION INITIATIVES

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to make education in government schools completely free and to expand wealth creation initiatives aimed at transforming households into active players in Uganda’s money economy. Addressing a mammoth crowd during a presidential campaign rally at Celecelea Stadium in Moyo District yesterday Friday October 17, 2025, President Museveni said the next phase of the NRM government will focus on ensuring that no child is denied education because of school fees and that every family participates in income-generating activities. “I have been having people who don’t listen to my idea of free education. That’s why I started skilling hubs where children pay nothing. In the next government, we shall make education in government schools completely free,” he said, revealing that the government plans to recruit 50,000 new teachers to address staffing gaps. He said that while Uganda has registered great strides in development — including new roads, electricity, and social services — many people still confuse development with wealth. “When you return home in the evening, the poverty you left in the morning is still waiting for you. That is why we in the NRM have always emphasized wealth creation alongside development,” the President said. He recalled that the NRM began advocating for household income generation in the 1960s and was often misunderstood. “Some people used to say Kaguta’s son has become a communist, asking how everyone can be rich. But those who listened — especially in the cattle corridor — are now successful, with good houses, educated children, and stable incomes,” he noted. President Museveni cited his four-acre model demonstration farm in the Lango Sub-region, where he earns UGX 100 million from one fishpond, as proof that small-scale farmers can create wealth with proper planning. He added that the government intends to turn the Nile Valley into a major fish farming zone, saying, “Not in the Nile itself, but along the sides and swamps.” The President thanked the people of Moyo for their unwavering support to the NRM, describing them as “long-standing comrades” in the struggle for peace and prosperity. He also paid tribute to the family of the late Moses Abiriga, one of the NRM’s earliest mobilizers in the region. He reminded the gathering that peace, which Uganda now enjoys, is the foundation of all progress. “Before Independence, Uganda was always at war, but since 2007, the NRM stopped all those conflicts. Peace is not by accident. It’s because we rejected the politics of sectarianism and gender chauvinism. Sectarian politics is suicidal,” he said. The President further explained that the NRM’s ideology of patriotism and Pan-Africanism has helped build strong national institutions such as the army, judiciary and police, ensuring stability across the country. He added that each district contributes to army recruitment, which has helped build a truly national force. On infrastructure, President Museveni said the government has connected Moyo District to the national electricity grid through Gulu and is upgrading key roads like the Karuma–Pakwach–Nebbi Road among others. He, however, urged local leaders not to neglect road maintenance. “Don’t wait for roads to get spoiled. Whether tarmac or marrum, repair them before they deteriorate,” he advised. At the same event, President Museveni, who is also the NRM National Chairman, welcomed 114 Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) members and 64 National Unity Platform (NUP) members who defected to the NRM. The Moyo District NRM Chairperson, Mr. Ayanyama Williams, thanked the President for implementing transformative programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he said has already improved livelihoods in the district. He also thanked the government for supporting Moyo Technical Institute and appealed for its upgrade to a diploma and degree-awarding institution. Mr. Ayanyama further appreciated the ongoing road construction projects and urged continued investment in infrastructure and education to sustain growth in Moyo.

2025-10-18

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES TO CLEAR OBONGI’S DEVELOPMENT DEBTS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to settle what he called the government’s “two major debts” to Obongi District—electricity connection and road infrastructure, assuring residents that the long-standing challenges of isolation and underdevelopment will soon be history. Addressing thousands of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters at Lionga Grounds, Obongi on Friday 17, October, 2025, the President, who is also the party Presidential flagbearer, said the government has already secured funding to bring electricity to the district and begin tarmacking its key roads within the current financial year. “We have two debts with Obongi, and one is electricity. Money has been secured to bring electricity to Obongi. We are going to use a World Bank loan to do this,” President Museveni said. “They’re now doing procurement, looking for the right company to do the work. That debt is paid because the money is already there,” he added. The President noted that Obongi and Buvuma remain the only two districts in Uganda not connected to the national electricity grid, a situation he said would soon be corrected. According to President Museveni, the construction of the power line connecting Obongi will commence before the end of the current financial year, marking a turning point in the district’s energy access. He also listed key road projects earmarked for upgrading, including the 132-kilometre Noko–Obongi–Adjumani–Owafa–Lubala–Kurikiringa road, and another route linking Goli–Panyimur–Pakwach–Rhinocamp–Obongi, which he said would boost tourism along the Nile corridor. “All these roads will be worked on, and Obongi will no longer be isolated,” he declared. The pledge is part of a broader infrastructure push across the West Nile sub-region. The President highlighted ongoing or planned tarmacking projects such as the Manibe–Jule road, Nebbi–Goli–Paidha–Zombo–Vura road, and the Laropi–Moyo road. President Museveni used the occasion to reflect on Uganda’s infrastructure transformation under NRM leadership. “When the NRM came into government, the tarmac road ended at Karuma on that side and Gulu on this side. Now tarmac has reached Koboko and Oraba, and from Gulu to Atiak, Adjumani to Laropi, Moyo—soon we shall link Adjumani and Obongi to these roads,” he said. While pledging major road upgrades, President Museveni also criticized district authorities for failing to maintain existing murram roads despite the availability of government equipment. “Even if the road is not tarmacked, it should be maintained in good condition and passable. In the West Nile, we have two government stations in Arua and Moyo, with all the necessary road equipment—graders, rollers, bulldozers, tippers. You wonder why the roads remain impassable. If somebody is sleeping, I’m going to wake them up,” he said. The President also urged local leaders to take responsibility for regular road maintenance, saying neglect undermines government investment. President Museveni took the supporters back to the 1980s, recalling his early familiarity with Obongi’s challenges when the area was still part of Moyo and Adjumani districts. “When I came into the government, I was aware of the isolation of Obongi. It was part of the Moyo and Adjumani districts. Although their population was small, I said no, these people need their own corner. So, we gave you a district deliberately because of geography and isolation,” he said. Obongi District, officially created in 2019, now has a population of about 142,000 people, according to the 2024 census. President Museveni said his return was both to “remind residents of NRM’s past commitments” and to present the party’s new manifesto. The NRM Manifesto: Peace, Unity and National Strength The President told the supporters that the NRM’s 2026 manifesto is built on seven core pillars, but he focused on three—peace, development, and wealth creation. “The first one is peace,” H.E. Museveni emphasized, noting that despite wars in neighboring countries, Uganda remains an island of peace because NRM’s politics unite Ugandans without focusing on religion or tribe, but on what one can do for the country. He attributed stability to NRM’s deliberate effort to build inclusive national institutions like the army, police, and civil service that draw personnel from all regions of the country. “One of my commanders, the late Maj. Gen. Hussein Adaa was from this region and commanded the headquarters in Bombo,” President Museveni recalled. “That’s why when recruiting, we make sure every district has a quota. That’s how we built a strong army that guarantees peace.” He warned against what he termed “bad politics” from opposition parties, saying NRM’s ideology of unity has been the foundation of peace and economic growth. Turning to social services, President Museveni praised Obongi’s progress in healthcare but acknowledged remaining gaps in two sub-counties that still lack health facilities. Out of six sub-counties in the district, one has a Health Centre IV, three have Health Centre IIIs, while two have none. The President pledged to fill the gap by upgrading Obongi Health Centre IV to a General Hospital and upgrading Indilinga HCII (in Aliba) and Lomunga HCII (in Gimara) to HCIIIs. “We are going to solve that by building health centre IIIs and a district hospital,” H.E. Museveni said, noting that such interventions have contributed to population growth from 20,000 in 1980 to over 142,000 today. The NRM presidential candidate credited immunization and improved healthcare for the demographic growth, saying, “In the 1980s, many children were dying after birth because there was no immunization. I’m happy we have moved a long way.” Education and skilling: The President used the rally to restate his position against charging school fees in government schools, urging residents to hold school management committees accountable. “Some school committees claim they lack teachers and charge parents to pay extra staff, but I’m going to recruit 50,000 additional primary school teachers to close that gap,” he said. Obongi currently has 24 government primary schools, 62 private ones, two government secondary schools, and 21 private secondary schools. Two seed secondary schools are under construction, which will reduce the number of sub-counties without a government secondary school from four to two. The President also highlighted his initiative on vocational training through the skilling hubs under the State House. He cited the Olia Skilling Hub in Adjumani District, where youth from the region have been trained in tailoring, carpentry, and joinery. The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Obongi, Mr. Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, informed the President that Shs. 50 million had already been deposited in Centenary Bank to support the skilling hub graduates through a SACCO. Wealth creation for prosperity: Shifting focus to the economy, President Museveni urged residents not to confuse public infrastructure with personal wealth, saying both are necessary but distinct. He emphasized that development projects like roads and power serve all citizens, but wealth must be created individually through enterprise. “You don’t sleep on a tarmac road at night. In Kampala, there are roads, electricity, and internet, yet people still live in ghettos,” he said. “So please don’t be diverted by development and forget wealth creation.” President Museveni recounted the evolution of the NRM’s household income programmes, from Entandikwa and NAADS to Operation Wealth Creation and Emyooga, and now the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he said is the most comprehensive of all. PDM Performance in Obongi: According to official figures presented at the rally, Obongi District’s 28 parishes have cumulatively received Shs. 8.6 billion under the PDM programme. Of this, Shs. 8.36 billion—representing 99.43 percent—has already been disbursed to 8,891 beneficiary households. With 30,171 households in total, President Museveni said the remaining 21,280 households would also be reached as the programme expands. He promised to maintain the annual PDM allocation of Shs. 100 million per parish, but with additional funding for specific groups. “I will add Shs. 15 million for leaders who have not been borrowing from this small SACCO. We shall also have funds for religious and cultural leaders, and for university graduates who fail to get jobs within two years of completing school,” H.E. Museveni announced. He said the government will introduce a fish farming project in the district to help households generate higher incomes, citing examples from Limoto where fish farmers earn up to Shs. 100 million annually. NRM Vice Chairperson for the Northern region, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, commended President Museveni for transforming Obongi from a county to a district in 2019, describing him as “a guarantor of peace and champion of development.” “In just six years, Your Excellency, the government has injected over Shs. 209 billion into Obongi,” Hon. Obua said. “In the last financial year alone, the district received Shs. 17 billion.” Obongi’s LC5 Chairperson and NRM District Chairperson, Abibu Buga Khemis Awadi, assured the President of overwhelming support in the 2026 elections. “In 2021, you got 65 percent of the vote in Obongi. In 2026, we are promising 90 percent,” Awadi declared. Residents also petitioned the President to construct a bridge connecting Obongi and Adjumani to improve transport and trade across the Nile. According to electoral statistics, Obongi had 19,321 registered voters in 2021, of whom 12,883 (66.7 percent) voted. President Museveni received 7,676 votes (64 percent), followed by the National Unity Platform’s candidate with 2,769 votes (23 percent). By 2025, the district’s voter register had grown to 25,171, with polling stations increasing from 44 to 59—a 34 percent rise that reflects population growth and improved access. Obongi currently comprises six sub-counties and town councils, 28 parishes, and 151 villages.

2025-10-18