PRESIDENT MUSEVENI UNVEILS INDIVIDUALIZED WATER PLAN FOR WEALTH CREATORS IN KARAMOJA, PLEDGES MORE ROADS, SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has unveiled a new government initiative to establish individualized water systems aimed at supporting commercial farmers and small-scale producers, as part of a broader effort to eradicate poverty through wealth creation and self-sufficiency. Addressing thousands of supporters during a campaign rally at Kalas Girls Primary School in Amudat District, Karamoja Sub-region, on Tuesday 28th October, 2025, H.E. Museveni said the government was developing a plan to ensure every productive household has access to reliable water for production, a move he said would mark a turning point in Uganda’s rural transformation strategy. “We are working out a plan for water for rural areas. Apart from the valley dams, people need water at each home,” President Museveni said. “The communal water systems will not address their water problem. We are trying to analyze how we can provide individualized water for wealth creators. In the Ankole area, we no longer use those communal dams. If you come to Rwakitura, you will see I have three of my own dams because animals, when they go too far, they get diseases like ticks,” he added. The new policy seeks to end decades of dependency on shared water facilities in semi-arid regions like Karamoja, where boreholes and valley dams are often overstretched or dry up during prolonged droughts. “Borehole water is still very low at 18%. The Minister of Karamoja must find out what the problem is, because in other districts like Abim and Karenga, the percentage is much higher,” President Museveni said. Government data indicates that only 18% of Amudat District’s 415 villages currently have access to safe water, leaving 81.7% without a clean source. Of the existing water-for-production infrastructure, one solar-powered irrigation system has been completed at Katotin, 12 valley tanks have been constructed, and two wind-powered abstraction systems have been installed. Major recent projects include the Kosike Valley Dam, with a capacity of 2.7 billion litres, and the Kaechom Valley Dam, which holds 1.8 billion litres. Ongoing projects include additional solar-powered irrigation systems and a large valley tank under construction. The Lowoyakur Dam, shared with Nakapiripirit, will hold 1.4 billion litres of water once completed. Peace as the foundation of development: Throughout his address, President Museveni emphasized that peace, the first of seven core achievements highlighted in the NRM’s 2026–2031 manifesto, remains the cornerstone of Uganda’s development. “If you want to know that miracles are possible in Africa, come to Karamoja and come to Amudat. I thank God for making me somehow connected to that miracle,” President Museveni said, while revisiting Uganda’s turbulent past. He explained how the National Resistance Movement (NRM) restored peace and national unity after decades of instability, where, before 1986, Uganda’s electoral and administrative systems were poorly aligned, leading to marginalization in areas like Karamoja. “Before the coming into power of NRM, there were no permanent constituencies. They would just make ad hoc constituencies to favor certain parties. In 1989, we decided that each constituency must be equal to a county. At that time, there were 149 counties in the whole of Uganda, and something called Upe was one of them with a population of only 20,000. Some of the counties in the south, like Bukoto, had 360,000 people. But we said that for now, let’s start with the counties, and that’s how Upe became a constituency,” President Museveni said. He highlighted Amudat’s recognition as a district stemming from the government’s respect for cultural and linguistic diversity. “These people are Pokot, and their language is different from Karamojong. Let them have their district and speak their Pokot language there. When I come today and see that the population of Amudat has grown to 203,000, I say this is a miracle,” President Museveni said. Disarmament and border security: President Museveni credited Uganda’s peace to firm decisions such as the disarmament of Karamojong warriors in the early 2000s. He dismissed arguments that communities in Karamoja and neighboring Turkana, Pokot, or Toposa areas should be allowed to keep guns to “balance terror.” “Some said if Karamojong and Turkana both stay with guns, they will stabilize by killing each other. But why have a government if people must protect themselves?” he asked. “And this was a false argument because, like in West Nile, there’s peace, despite the wars in South Sudan and Congo, West Nile is peaceful. Even Kasese and Bundibugyo are peaceful, yet there are wars in Eastern DRC. So, that’s when I insisted that you bring the guns; I will protect you against the Pokot of Kenya, Turkana of Kenya, and others,” President Museveni added, noting that when the Turkana killed three people, including surveyors, he banned them from grazing in Uganda. President Museveni said he had since raised the issue with Kenya’s President William Ruto, demanding that the Kenyan government compensate the victims’ families. “I could not accept this impunity of criminality. I told President Ruto that if these criminals don’t have money, the Kenyan government must pay. I will perform a ceremony in Karamoja here with President Ruto for the Kenyan government to pay for the lives of our officers who died,” President Museveni said, adding that the ceremony will also attract elders to cleanse the blood of the people who died, and the bishops and the sheikhs will also come in and contribute spiritually. Turning to infrastructure, President Museveni vowed to ensure all major roads in Karamoja remain passable year-round. “I have warned the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Local Government that I don’t want to hear of a major road that is impassable. It may not be tarmac, but it must be motorable all the time,” he said. Recent road achievements in Karamoja include 180.4 km of newly paved roads, such as Nadunget–Iriiri (65.6 km), Kokeris–Matany (5.5 km), Namalu–Nakapiripirit (17 km), and Akisim–Moroto–Lokitanyala (92.3 km). Currently under construction are the Moroto–Lokitanyala (42 km) and Muyembe–Nakapiripirit (92 km) roads. Several other routes are under procurement, including Kaabong–Kapedo–Karenga (67 km) and Kotido–Kaabong (64 km), while the Moroto–Tochi–Atiang–Opit–Awo (94 km) and Kotido–Abim–Aloi–Lira (99 km) roads are under design. President Museveni said the government would also tarmac the Nakapiripirit–Amudat road, a key artery for trade and connectivity in the region. President Museveni reaffirmed the NRM government’s commitment to universal access to education, saying the ultimate goal is to ensure one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county. Currently, Amudat District has 27 government primary schools, 8 private primary schools, 2 government secondary schools, and 1 private secondary school. Out of 44 parishes, only 11 host at least one government primary school. However, three new Seed Secondary Schools are under construction, which will reduce the number of sub-counties without a government secondary school from 9 to 6. The President said he intends to abolish the practice of charging fees in government schools, calling it an injustice against poor families. “When we introduced UPE in 1996, we wanted children to study for free. But school managers started bringing money again,” he said, adding that in the coming government, he would like to stop the charging of fees in government schools. In the health sector, President Museveni noted that Amudat District currently has one Health Centre IV and three Health Centre IIIs, leaving seven sub-counties without any health facility. To close this gap, the government plans to upgrade and construct several facilities, including: Upgrading Karita HCIV to a General Hospital, upgrading Abilyep HCII, Achorichor HCII, Amudat HCII, Cheptapoyo HCII, and Lokales HCII to HCIIIs and constructing new HCIIIs in Karita and Kongoro sub-counties. Ongoing works include the upgrading of Katabok HCII to HCIII, Karita HCIII to HCIV, and the construction of an operating theatre at Amudat General Hospital. President Museveni used the rally to reinforce his message of wealth creation, urging residents to use the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other government programs to lift themselves out of poverty. He played video testimonials of beneficiaries who have prospered under the PDM, including: George Matongo, a livestock farmer in Ngoma; Dick Korea Ogila, a mango farmer from Abim earning over Shs6 million per harvest; Amos Losengole, a goat farmer from Amudat who invested his Shs1 million PDM fund wisely; and Emmanuel Lokong, a piggery farmer from Nakapiripirit. President Museveni said the government would soon provide vehicles to cooperatives to help farmers transport goods to urban markets. Amudat District has so far received Shs13.49 billion under the PDM, of which Shs13.1 billion (97.2%) has been disbursed to 12,118 households, about 28.6% of the district’s 42,310 households. “We shall support cooperatives with group transport to access Kampala markets,” H.E. Museveni pledged. President Museveni told residents that Uganda’s transformation from instability to peace and development over the last 40 years is a testament to the NRM’s resilience. “Now we have peace not only in Karamoja but also in Acholi, West Nile, the Rwenzori, and Kisoro. There’s peace everywhere,” he said. He urged voters to defend the gains made under the NRM government by ensuring continued support for the party in the upcoming 2026 elections. “If anybody asks you why you support NRM, tell them that in our manifesto of 2026–2031, peace is our first contribution. It is the foundation upon which everything else stands,” President Museveni said. First Lady Janet Museveni calls for 100% NRM vote: The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, also addressed the rally, commending the people of Amudat and Karamoja for their steadfast support of the NRM. “The NRM government is your government. It has worked so hard to make sure that Karamoja is peaceful, like any other part of Uganda. Please make it a responsibility to make sure that everybody votes for NRM so that we protect the gains so far and take a qualitative leap into the middle-income status for the whole of Karamoja and Uganda,” The First Lady said, adding that this would enable all the programs in the pipeline to be implemented in the next term of office. “Therefore, I trust that even this time, you’ll make sure that Amudat will vote 100% for the President and the whole lineup of NRM flagbearers,” she added. Amudat District, with a population of 203,358 people, had 43,647 registered voters in the 2021 elections. Of these, 31,453 (72.1%) voted, and President Museveni secured 30,451 votes (97.6%), while the National Unity Platform (NUP) polled 625 votes (2%). As of 2025, registered voters in the district have risen to 58,203, and the number of polling stations has increased from 120 to 164. The event was also addressed by several senior leaders, including Speaker of Parliament and Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja, Hon. John Baptist Loki, and NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, who urged residents to maintain their loyalty to the ruling party and consolidate the progress achieved under President Museveni’s leadership.

2025-11-28

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI KICKS-OFF PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN IN TESO, ADDRESSES ROAD MAINTENANCE CONCERNS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer, today kicked-off campaigns in Teso sub-region. The rally took place at St. Francis Secondary School, Acumet, Kapelebyong District, and was attended by thousands of supporters. President Museveni was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni. Addressing the crowd, President Museveni spoke extensively about road maintenance challenges and accountability in local government. “On the roads, there is some little problem, which I have ordered the Ministry of Works to stop, and also the Ministry of Local Government. They delay in maintaining tarmac roads and even the murram roads. For the local government, we are giving them Shs 1.3 billion per district per year. You find some of the local government roads are not maintained,” he said. “I carried out some sample investigations, and it seems there is some corruption in local government, and instead of maintaining the roads, they divert the money to other things.” He emphasized that the allocated funds are meant for maintaining existing roads, not constructing new ones. “That Shs 1.3bn for the local government is supposed to maintain the murram roads, not make the new ones. If there is a need to do new roads, then there is a need to bring more money. We had calculated that the money would be enough to maintain the existing roads without any problem,” he said. “But some roads are not maintained, and even when they try to maintain them, they do it carelessly. They just bring a grader and grade, and they don’t do drainage. When it rains, water collects on the road. So, you wonder, are these people making roads or swimming pools? I am going to deal with them because that money is coming. If the money is not enough, then say so.” On tarmac roads, President Museveni acknowledged some improvement but stressed the importance of focused action. “On the tarmac roads, there has been some learning by some of the actors. Some tackle too many things at a go. We, the bush fighters, concentrate on a few things and do them well. You have seen our soldiers staying in grass-thatched houses. This is because we don’t have enough money to do all things at a go. That’s how we are able to maintain peace in Uganda, by doing one thing at a time and not too many things,” he noted. He also highlighted social and educational infrastructure progress in the region. “On social infrastructure, I am happy to know that there are 10 secondary schools in Kapelebyong alone. When I come here and see that, it shows how far we have come. Some schools like Sir Samuel Baker and Teso College were only O’ level schools, not A-level. This progress gives me hope.” Reflecting on the NRM’s achievements and political journey, President Museveni said, “Maama and I are happy to come here to present the manifesto of the NRM 2026-31. We have been active in politics for the last 65 years, some of the elders have gone to be with the Lord.” “On peace, you know what was happening here: the rebels, the cattle rustlers, the IDPs. This was a new Uganda. We had been in wars for a long time, but since 2007, we have been able to defeat and bring peace in Uganda and disarm the cattle rustlers in Karamoja.” On economic infrastructure, President Museveni highlighted major road projects in Teso. “In Teso, we have been able to do quite a bit. We have tarmac roads all the way from Soroti to Moroto, Soroti to Katine to Dokolo-Lira to Kamdin, the road to Mbale, the road through Tirinyi to Kumi. We are planning to do the other roads from Soroti to Amuria to Obalanga to Achanpi all the way to Otuke to Abim and other roads.” President Museveni also announced plans to restock livestock in Teso, Lango, and Acholi, proposing five cows per homestead as a democratic and transformative approach. “Recently I called your leaders and asked why we don’t have a democratic formula for restocking. I proposed five cows per homestead. The majority supported it, and I have instructed the government to plan for it,” President Museveni said. “Thank you so much for your love and for really standing in the rain and supporting NRM. NRM is Uganda’s party; it is building Uganda. It is trying to ensure that all our children can live a better life than we, their parents, lived. That’s why NRM wants all school-going children to access education. That’s why it introduced UPE and USE,” he said. “The intent hasn’t worked so well as it was meant to do, because when it opened its doors for all children of Uganda, the numbers of children multiplied and tripled. The teachers were no longer enough for the numbers of children in schools, and because of that, the headteachers and the PTAs started bringing in private teachers, but then they had to start asking parents to pay salaries of teachers.” On her part, Maama Janet emphasized the government's plans to address the challenge of charging fees in government schools. “That is why the President is saying in the coming Kisanja government, we will make sure that all teachers will be paid by the government and there will be no costs in the UPE and USE schools.” “Therefore, that’s why it is so important that we support and vote for the President and the NRM, so that the NRM can continue to lead this nation and make it better by the day. That is our responsibility as all Ugandans above 18 years to support NRM with our votes,” she added. She concluded with a call for civic participation and nation-building. “And families, as you are saying, will be building better homes, and so it is our responsibility, please, to make sure that you vote for the NRM. God bless Kapelebyong, God bless Teso, God bless Uganda.” NRM impact in Kapelebyong: Kapelebyong District has registered steady progress in infrastructure, social services, and community development programmes, according to the latest government report outlining achievements across key sectors. Located in eastern Uganda, the district has one constituency, 11 sub-counties and town councils, 56 parishes, and 341 villages with a total population of 143,536 people as per the 2024 census report. The government has continued to make good on its promise to compensate families affected by past cattle raids. In Kapelebyong, 402 compensation claims were submitted, with 228 claimants already paid a total of Shs 3.9 billion, while 174 claims remain pending. Under the Parish Development Model (PDM), Kapelebyong District which has 55 parishes has so far received Shs 17 billion, of which Shs 16.8 billion (98.96%) has already been disbursed to 17,014 beneficiary households. With a total of 31,529 households, this means 53% of all households in Kapelebyong have benefited directly from the PDM programme, while the remaining 14,515 households include those already participating in the money economy. Through the Presidential Emyooga Initiative, the district’s single constituency has established 18 SACCOs with 11,029 members. To date, the government has disbursed Shs 920 million to these groups to support enterprise development and savings. The education sector has also registered notable improvement. The district currently has 41 government primary schools enrolling 39,027 pupils, and eight government secondary schools with 3,285 students — all benefiting from Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Universal Post-Ordinary Level Education and Training programmes. However, gaps remain of the 56 parishes, only 28 have a government primary school, leaving 28 parishes still without one. Similarly, out of 11 sub-counties, only six have a government secondary school. Plans are underway to construct an additional secondary school under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) and the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP). In line with President Museveni’s skilling initiative, the Teso Zonal Industrial Hub, located in Soroti District, has so far trained 951 youths in fields such as welding, carpentry, tailoring, construction, hairdressing, bakery, and leather design. Kapelebyong has one Health Centre IV and five Health Centre IIIs, leaving five sub-counties without a facility of HCIII level or higher. Plans are in place to upgrade Angerepo HCII (Acowa Sub-county) and Okoboi HCII (Kapelebyong Sub-county) to HCIII status, while new HCIIIs are planned for Acinga, Obalanga, and Akore sub-counties. Water access remains a major focus. Out of 341 villages, 109 have access to safe water, representing 35% coverage, while 232 villages (65%) still lack clean water. The Kapelebyong Town Piped Water Supply and Sanitation Project, now complete, serves 3,178 people. Additionally, two production wells have been established to boost water availability. Ongoing efforts include a new piped water system under design and construction, with future plans to expand the Kapelebyong system and develop a new water supply project in Obalanga Town. Under the Water for Production initiative, the government has completed feasibility studies and constructed major facilities such as the Odukul Flood Mitigation Valley Tank (30 million litres) and the Odimai Valley Tank (30 million litres) to support irrigation and livestock. In the last eight years, a total of 203 kilometres of roads have been paved in and around the district. Completed projects include: Tirinyi–Pallisa–Kumi and Kumi–Mukongoro–Pallisa (111km), Soroti–Arapai (8km), Arapai–Katakwi (44km), Katakwi–Irrir (40km), Kumi–Ladot (26km) and Kumi Town roads (12.2km). Ongoing national road works include the Soroti–Lira–Kamdini (189km) and Tororo–Mbale–Soroti (150.8km) highways, among others. Other roads such as Amuria–Amucu–Kapelebyong (35.8km) are under procurement, while designs are underway for Amuria–Kuju–Obalanga–Alito (39km) and several key inter-district links to improve connectivity across the region. The campaign is running under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, As We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.” The event was graced by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-11-01

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ENDS KARAMOJA CAMPAIGN TRAIL WITH CALL FOR PEACE, WEALTH CREATION AND FREE EDUCATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni braved a heavy downpour on Thursday 30th October 2025, as he addressed his final campaign rally in Karamoja, delivering a passionate appeal for peace, wealth creation, and the consolidation of the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) achievements in the region. The rally, held at Matany Grounds in Napak District, drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters who cheered as President Museveni, soaked but undeterred, declared, “I've been a cattle keeper since the age of four and I don’t fear the rain. In Ntungamo, when you abandon the cows to go for shelter, the cows will go to the gardens, destroy people’s crops, and that becomes a crime.” The NRM Presidential candidate reflected on peace and stability, revisiting the painful history of insecurity in Karamoja and the struggle to disarm armed warriors. “There were arguments that we should leave you with guns to protect yourselves from fellow rustlers from neighboring countries,” President Museveni recalled. “But I said No, that is suicide. You have now seen the results.” He thanked the people of Karamoja for supporting the disarmament campaign, describing it as a historic contribution to national unity and security. “I remember a function at Kangole where many people came to hand over guns, and women played a big role for the peace of Karamoja. Recently, even the Karachunas came out and handed over guns, thank you so much,” he said, noting that peace in Karamoja has contributed to harmony across Uganda. President Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s progress rests on the NRM’s founding principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. He described himself as a “wealth creator” who depends on his own labor and the markets of fellow Ugandans. “I have looked after my ancestors’ cattle since I was four. I depend on myself. All I need from other Ugandans is a market to buy my milk, beef, and bananas. Anyone who buys my products is helping me to be rich,” he said. “I’m glad the NRM accepted this ideology, and that’s why Uganda is stable and developing,” President Museveni said, drawing applause from the crowd. Highlighting progress in education, candidate Museveni outlined that Napak District has 30 government primary schools, 44 private primary schools, 3 government secondary schools, and 1 private secondary school. He said the government was constructing five new secondary schools, which will leave only six sub-counties without a government secondary school upon completion. “The plan is to have one government secondary school per sub-county and one technical school per district. What has been achieved is noted, and what has not been done will be done. That’s why we are asking you for your support,” President Museveni told supporters. However, he expressed disappointment at those sabotaging his vision for free education. “For a long time, I wanted free education in government schools,” he lamented. “But some school managers have turned everything into money. They charge unnecessary fees and block children from studying.” To counter this, H.E. Museveni said he started Presidential Skilling Hubs, one of which is in Napak to train youth for free. “These children had lost hope because they lacked school fees. But after six months of training, they are making shoes, furniture, hospital beds, and bags - items that were being imported from China and India,” he said. He urged voters to insist on free education in government schools, warning that school charges were “destroying the future of young Ugandans.” On health, President Museveni said Napak’s 14 sub-counties had only five Health Centre IIIs, leaving nine sub-counties without a health facility. He announced plans to upgrade several facilities such as Nabawal HCII to HCIII, Ngoleriet HCII to HCIII, Lokiteded HCII to HCIII, and Morulinga HCII to HCIII. Some of the ongoing works include upgrading Iriiri HCIII to HCIV. “In the next term, every sub-county will have at least a health centre III, and Napak will have its own hospital,” President Museveni promised. Shifting to household income and wealth creation, the President drew a sharp contrast between development and wealth, explaining that while development projects are government-led, wealth creation is personal. “There’s a tarmac road in Matany. But do you sleep on a tarmac road? No. You sleep in your houses, and the poverty you left there welcomes you back. Development is ours, but wealth and poverty are yours,” he emphasized. President Museveni reiterated the NRM’s long-standing message of commercializing small-scale farming through the four-acre model, which encourages families to engage in dairy, poultry, horticulture, and cash crops. He cited success stories from across Uganda, including George Matongo of Nakaseke, an uneducated farmer who earns UGX 250 million annually from selling 900 litres of milk per day, and Korea Dick of Abim, who earns UGX 12 million annually from mango farming, selling to the Soroti Fruit Factory. “These are examples of people who listened to our message. So, I appeal to you, chase poverty from your homes,” he said. Regarding the issue of jobs, the President emphasized that jobs come from wealth, not merely from government employment. He cited Hon. Fred Byamukama of Kakumiro District, who runs a four-acre model farm with cows, poultry, bananas, and piggery. From eggs alone, Hon. Byamukama earns UGX 55 million in profits per month, about UGX 700 million a year, and employs 26 people. “This man, who had no job himself, is now employing 26 people. The wealth of Byamukama is creating jobs for 26 other Ugandans. So, if you want to know where jobs come from, they come from wealth creation, like commercial agriculture,” H.E. Museveni said. He contrasted this with the limited 480,000 government jobs, compared to the 1.3 million jobs created by Uganda’s growing factories. President Museveni praised the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni for her voluntary work in Karamoja. “I appointed a minister for Karamoja, but he declined, thinking it was a demotion. But Maama Janet accepted and worked hard. She built water dams and improved food security. When she was here, Karamoja even started sending food to Mbale,” H.E. Museveni said. He announced a new plan to expand individualized water systems for commercial farmers in Karamoja to promote irrigation and resilience against drought. “I appeal to you to continue supporting the NRM so that we can consolidate what we have done and also do more. The rest will be done,” President Museveni said. Taking the podium, Maama Janet thanked Napak residents for their unwavering support for NRM. “All Ugandan adults have a responsibility to protect this peace and unity for the continuation of development,” she declared, urging the residents to re-elect President Museveni and NRM leaders in the 2026 elections. “Remember, we all have the responsibility to vote for this President and all NRM leaders so that we can build and transform Uganda. God bless Napak, Karamoja, and Uganda. Arakara noi!” The NRM Vice Chairman for Karamoja, Hon. Lokii John Baptist, congratulated President Museveni for successfully concluding the regional campaigns. “Napak and Karamoja are celebrating the achievements of NRM over the years,” he said, adding that Napak is willing to push close to 100% vote. The NRM Chairman for Napak District, Mr. Mark Longole presented a report showing visible transformation in Napak’s sectors such as education, health, water, security, and peace. He revealed that UGX 17.83 billion in Parish Development Model (PDM) funds had been disbursed to 17,867 beneficiaries across 57 SACCOs, representing 42.8% of households in the district. Napak has also benefited from programs such as Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), Women Entrepreneurship Programme, and SAGE for the elderly. On the Emyooga, the district has 34 SACCOs with 9,195 members, who have so far received UGX 1.16 billion. Mr. Longole thanked the government for integrating 2,114 former warriors after disarmament, noting that peace has unlocked development potential across the district. Despite the progress, he tabled several requests to the President which included, creation of a new district, Iriiri separate from Napak, construction of a district hospital, restocking of households affected by disarmament, and strengthening youth SACCOs with UGX 2.5 billion as a revolving fund. Other requests were the extension of electricity to the remaining sub-counties and the resolution of the long-standing land dispute between Napak and Teso. Napak district remains one of NRM’s strongest areas. In the 2021 Presidential Elections, out of 56,678 registered voters, President Museveni secured 32,490 votes (94.1%), while the National Unity Platform (NUP) managed to get 912 votes (2.6%). According to the 2024 census, Napak has a population of 211,830, and the number of registered voters has increased to 62,688 in 2025, up by over 6,000 new voters. The district now has 181 polling stations, up from 145 in 2021, signaling administrative expansion and voter mobilization progress. Several government officials attended the rally, and they included Hon. Peter Lokeris (Minister for Karamoja Affairs), Hon. Florence Nambozo (State Minister for Karamoja), Hon. Balam Barugahara (State Minister for the Youth and Children Affairs), and Hon. Akello Rose Lilly (Ethics & Integrity). Others were Members of Parliament, local district leaders, and security chiefs.

2025-10-31

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT IN KABERAMAIDO

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer for the 2026 general elections, has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to consolidating peace, advancing development, expanding social services, and ensuring wealth creation for every Ugandan household. The President, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, made the assurance today while addressing thousands of supporters in Kaberamaido District during his campaign trail in Teso sub-region. President Museveni told residents that peace remains the cornerstone of Uganda’s transformation under the NRM. He recalled that parts of Teso, including Kaberamaido, once suffered from insecurity caused by rebel activity and cattle rustling, problems he said the NRM decisively ended. “Peace has returned to this area after years of insecurity when rebels used to kidnap our children from schools like Lwala Girls. The NRM has been able to bring peace to the whole country, and that’s our first contribution to Uganda,” he said. Highlighting the government’s achievements in infrastructure, President Museveni said the NRM has focused on building a solid economic foundation. He cited the ongoing upgrade of the Katine–Kaberamaido Road (73.5km), for which funds have already been secured, and the upcoming MV BKK Ferry project, which will connect Teso and Busoga sub-regions via Lake Kyoga through Buyende and Kaberamaido. “The tarmac road used to stop at Soroti, but we have extended it through Lira–Dokolo–Kamdini. Now we are bringing the tarmac closer to you. We already have the money for Katine–Kaberamaido, and soon a contractor will start work,” the President said. He also pledged to follow up on concerns over intermittent power supply in the district, noting that the issue could stem from outdated wiring being replaced countrywide. On water access, President Museveni applauded the district’s 91% rural safe water coverage, with 217 of 234 villages already having clean water sources. He noted the completion of solar-powered mini-piped schemes in Obur and Adudul, each serving hundreds of residents, and announced new projects for Ocero and Apapai Town Councils to ensure full coverage across all parishes. Additionally, two small irrigation schemes—Obajaj in Kobulubulu and Ochero SSI Project in Swagere Parish—are under construction to boost water for production. Turning to education, the President said Kaberamaido has made great progress with 45 government primary schools enrolling over 43,000 pupils and six government secondary schools providing Universal Secondary Education (USE). “Our goal is to have at least one government primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county,” President Museveni emphasized, announcing that his next government will prioritize free education in all government schools, a reform aimed at eliminating hidden school costs that have burdened parents. “Let’s all agree that we can provide free education in the government schools,” he said, prompting a resounding “Yes!” from the crowd. He added that the Presidential Skilling Hubs initiative would continue to equip youth with technical skills to earn a living and join the money economy. On health services, President Museveni reported that Kaberamaido has one hospital and four health centre IIIs out of nine sub-counties. Plans are underway to upgrade Murem and Kaburepoli Health Centre IIs to HCIIIs and construct new HCIIIs in Oriamo and Kaberamaido sub-counties. “We are going to ensure that all health units are well equipped and that health workers have proper housing,” he assured. The President cautioned residents against equating public infrastructure with personal wealth, urging households to engage in productive enterprises. “You cannot sleep on the tarmac road. The road is for all of us, but wealth is personal. Seek first the homestead income and the rest will follow,” he said. President Museveni showcased examples of successful individuals who have embraced the NRM’s wealth creation message. Among them was George Matongo of Nakaseke, who earns over UGX 29 million monthly from dairy farming, and Joseph Ijala of Taifa Farm, who abandoned his transport job to start a poultry and soap-making enterprise earning UGX 3 million daily. He encouraged Kaberamaido residents to utilize local resources such as wetlands and swamps for fish farming and pledged to establish a Fish Fund to support aquaculture and discourage illegal fishing of young fish. “My fishpond at Barlege earns me UGX 140 million per year from one acre. You can do the same here,” he said. President Museveni also announced a special fund for church and Muslim district projects alongside the ongoing Parish Development Model (PDM) program. Kaberamaido has so far received UGX 8.9 billion under the PDM, with 8,864 households (31% of all district households) already benefiting. The district has also received UGX 1.31 billion under Emyooga, benefiting 33 SACCOs with over 7,000 members. Maama Janet commended the people of Kaberamaido for their steadfast support for the NRM and urged them to safeguard Uganda’s stability through the ballot. “I thank God for using the President and the NRM to lay a strong foundation of peace and development. I urge you to vote for the President and the entire NRM team so that Uganda can continue to progress,” she said. The NRM Second National Vice Chairperson also Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among praised the President for his unwavering leadership and highlighted the district’s inclusion in the newly approved US$270 million NUSAF IV program aimed at transforming livelihoods in Northern Uganda. “Thank you, Mr. President, for the UGX 500 million for a modern theatre at Kaberamaido Hospital. The women here are very happy,” she said. The NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, Mr. Calvin Echodu commended President Museveni for “braving both rain and heat” during the campaign, a gesture he said symbolized renewed energy and dedication. “We in the eastern region are ready to protect our gains and ensure continuity,” Mr. Echodu affirmed. Kaberamaido’s voting record: In the 2021 general elections, President Museveni garnered 18,589 votes (56.4%) out of 34,278 valid votes cast in Kaberamaido. The district now has 64,167 registered voters and 147 polling stations, up from 95 in 2021. The rally was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, security chiefs, religious and cultural leaders.

2025-10-31

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI IMPRESSED BY IMPROVED WATER ACCESS IN NAKAPIRIPIRIT, APPLAUDS NRM’S TRANSFORMATIVE WORK

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed delight over the remarkable improvement in water access across Nakapiripirit District. He described it as proof of how the National Resistance Movement (NRM)'s long-term investments in infrastructure are transforming lives in Karamoja. Speaking during a campaign rally at Namboole II Grounds in Nakapiripirit yesterday, President Museveni, who is also the NRM Presidential flag bearer, said he was impressed to learn that 82% of villages in the district now have access to safe water, one of the highest coverage levels in the subregion. “I was looking at water coverage, and I’m happy to see that Nakapiripirit is doing well. Out of 209 villages, 172 have access to water. This 82% is very good. Some districts like Amudat and Abim are still lower, but we shall study why and address it,” said President Museveni who was in the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni. He noted that the progress reflects the government’s deliberate effort to provide economic and social infrastructure to all corners of Uganda, especially previously marginalized regions. Under the NRM government’s Water for Production initiative, he mentioned that several major facilities have been completed in Nakapiripirit, including the Aooyalet Valley Tank in Loregae Sub- County with a capacity of 40 million litres, and the Komaret Valley Tank in Moruita holding 20 million litres. “Four additional valley tanks Karengeze, Lomogol, Lokitela-Alokwa, and Lomosomosoi as well as a wind-powered abstraction system have also been completed,” he said. Looking ahead, the President revealed that the government is finalizing plans for the Namalu Large Scale Irrigation Scheme, which will store 11.8 billion litres of water and irrigate up to 750 hectares under Phase One. “These are the kinds of interventions that ensure water is not just for drinking but for production to support farming and livestock,” the President said. President Museveni emphasized that the NRM’s development philosophy rests on building economic and social infrastructure to create the foundation for wealth creation. He pointed out that Nakapiripirit has benefited from new roads, electricity connections, and telecommunication networks that have opened up the area to trade and services. Among key road projects completed in the district are Namalu–Nakapiripirit (17 km), Akisim–Moroto–Lokitanyala (92 km), and the ongoing Muyembe–Nakapiripirit (92 km) road upgrade. “These roads are not just for decoration, they are for movement of goods, services, and people. They are the arteries of the economy,” he said. On social infrastructure, the President highlighted the construction of schools and health centers to bring essential services closer to the people. “Nakapiripirit currently has 27 government primary schools and seven government secondary schools, while the Ministry of Health is upgrading several lower-level facilities to Health Centre IIIs and IVs to improve service delivery,” he said. Turning to household income, President Museveni called on the people of Nakapiripirit to embrace commercial agriculture and enterprise development, saying that wealth creation must begin at the homestead. He cited examples like Hon. Fred Byamukama, the State Minister for Transport, who earns over Shs 55 million per month from poultry farming, as proof that agriculture can be highly profitable when approached commercially. “Please listen carefully to the NRM message. Plan number one is commercial agriculture. From there, we go to manufacturing and then services, including digital. These are the pillars that will transform Uganda,” he said. He also praised the impact of the Presidential Zonal Industrial Hubs, where youth are acquiring practical skills for self-employment. Gloria Nayol, a beneficiary from Napak Industrial Hub, shared her story of how a tailoring course changed her life. “After completing my training, I started my own small business with friends. We later received Shs 50 million through the Graduate SACCO. We are buying materials and expanding. Thank you, President Museveni, for supporting us,” she said. Karamoja is Home: On her part, Maama Janet described her visit to Nakapiripirit as a “homecoming,” expressing gratitude for the warmth and progress she witnessed in the region. “Coming to Karamoja is always a homecoming for me. I thank you for the traditional love and warmth of the Karamoja people that I cherish so much,” she said. Maama Janet noted that the transformation in Karamoja from insecurity and hunger to stability and productivity reflects God’s grace and the NRM’s commitment to inclusive development. “The new generation of Karamoja must live in better houses, have better food and livelihoods. Karamoja has always been a blessing to me. God bless Karamoja, and God bless Uganda,” she added. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, who also serves as the NRM’s Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), commended the government for improving social services in the subregion. She particularly praised the district’s new mobile laboratory and the modern emergency units at Moroto Hospital, describing them as life-saving facilities that reflect tangible progress. “When you see the road from Mbale–Muyembe–Nakapiripirit, it is one of the best roads. We have security, development, and a conducive environment to create wealth. We thank you, Mzee, for your leadership,” she said. Mr. Lochap Daniel Matovu, the NRM Chairperson for Nakapiripirit, said residents remain firmly behind President Museveni, citing the district’s 94.8% support in the 2021 elections. He said Nakapiripirit’s progress under NRM from education and health to water and roads is visible and unmatched. According to district data; Nakapiripirit has 9 sub-counties, 35 parishes, and 209 villages with a population of 111,681 people. Through the Parish Development Model, the district has received Shs 10.5 billion, benefiting over 10,300 households. Under Emyooga, 35 SACCOs with 8,635 members have received Shs 1.78 billion to support small enterprises. “We are determined to protect these gains as we move towards achieving middle-income status,” Mr. Matovu said. As the campaign rally concluded, President Museveni urged the people of Nakapiripirit to stay on the course with the NRM, assuring them that the government will continue expanding infrastructure and wealth creation programs to uplift every household. “What we have done here in Nakapiripirit shows what happens when people and the government work together. Let’s continue building on these foundations,” he said. Meanwhile, the campaign is running under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, As We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status”. The event was graced by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-10-30

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI DECLARES: “CRIMINALS WILL NEVER BE A PROBLEM AGAIN IN KARAMOJA”

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured Ugandans that insecurity and cattle rustling in Karamoja are permanently defeated, declaring that criminals will never be a problem again under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government. The President made the remarks while addressing journalists in Karamoja subregion at the Morulinga State Lodge, Napak District on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The address was part of his ongoing campaign trail ahead of the 2026 general elections. In his detailed briefing, President Museveni traced the historical roots of cattle rustling and the resurgence of insecurity in Karamoja, attributing them to systemic failures in earlier administrations and corruption within local security structures. He noted that upon his direct intervention, the government restored order and neutralized the rustlers who had destabilized the sub-region. “But when we came, there was corruption in the army, starting with the failure to pay the vigilantes. When we came to Barlegi, we found the real problems, and of course, the army had the capacity to defeat these people, and we defeated them,” the President said. H.E. Museveni explained that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), working hand-in-hand with local communities, managed to restore security in the region. He revealed that during an earlier period when the UPDF 5th Division went for training, some rustlers tried to take advantage of the temporary gap, but they were swiftly defeated. “They learnt a lesson, and anybody who tries will be defeated as long as the NRM is in charge,” H.E. Museveni said firmly. The President underscored the need for effective community policing and robust communication systems at the grassroots. He expressed concern that some sub-counties in Karamoja still lacked a sufficient police presence, despite a standing directive that each sub-county should have at least 18 police officers. “The lack of community policing in some areas has been due to incomplete deployment of police officers,” he noted, adding that improved communication technology provides a new frontier in crime prevention. “It’s not really difficult to deal with these criminals, especially now that we have a good network of telephones. This good network is very important in anti-crime efforts,” President Museveni said, adding that every sub-county should center security around the police station, where everyone knows the emergency telephone number. “If anything happens, people should ring immediately,” he said, emphasizing that the police must be well-equipped with means of mobility, such as motorcycles and pickup vehicles, to respond swiftly to incidents. In addition, he recommended the deployment of police dogs and surveillance technology such as drones and aircraft to track criminal activity. “If the criminal has already left, the police dog can follow. At another level, we have surveillance equipment like UAVs and aircraft that can fly by day or night. There’s no way criminals can manage. If you combine all this, there’s no way they can survive,” the President stated. President Museveni added that modern surveillance technology has made it nearly impossible for rustlers to hide. “Some commanders said these rustlers are now staying in the bush instead of their homes, but that’s even easier because if they use a telephone, you can locate it. That telephone becomes a death trap for them,” he warned. Regarding national politics, candidate Museveni attributed the NRM’s enduring popularity to its consistent ideological foundation built on four key pillars — patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. “The big support of NRM that you are seeing is because of our work for the last 65 years. I have been active since 1960. Initially, I was a member of the Democratic Party (DP), which was promoting a sectarian cause. I told them that the federal system they were talking about was dangerous for a young country like Uganda. We needed unity,” he said. He recounted the political chaos of the early 1960s, when sectarianism dominated Uganda’s politics through parties like DP, UPC, and Kabaka Yekka, explaining that the coalition politics of that time sowed seeds of division that later erupted into violent conflict. “By 1964, Obote discovered that what he had promised Buganda could not be done, things like having its own High Court and police force. Those were ridiculous ideas. When he failed to implement them, the fallout led to the 1966 crisis,” he explained. President Museveni linked the NRM’s political philosophy to its development agenda, saying Uganda’s transformation is anchored on household wealth creation and value addition through agriculture and industry. “My first plan is wealth. That’s what I did in the cattle corridor in the 1960s. For economics, I say: Seek ye first the homestead incomes, and the rest shall be added unto you," he said, outlining a detailed model for household prosperity based on the “four-acre model plan”, urging every family to engage in commercial agriculture. “Each home must engage in commercial agriculture, using high-value enterprises. The first acre can go to coffee, the second to fruits, the third to pasture for zero-grazing cows, and the fourth to food crops like cassava. Then you can add backyard poultry, piggery for those who eat pork, and fish farming in wetlands,” he elaborated. The President highlighted the NRM’s ongoing push for industrialization, particularly agro-processing industries that add value to agricultural produce. “The factory is based on agriculture. If you produce a lot of milk, coffee, and fruits, you must process them,” he said, adding that agro-processing will link with the rural economy. He also mentioned that Karamoja and its surrounding regions have vast potential for mineral-based industrialization. In addition to agriculture and industry, the President identified tourism as another key economic pillar for Karamoja’s development. “We have natural beauty and culture here that can attract visitors. Tourism will complement agriculture and mining,” he said. President Museveni reiterated that Uganda’s progress cannot be isolated from Africa’s unity and economic integration. He said the NRM’s vision extends beyond national borders and seeks to promote a self-sustaining African market.

2025-10-30