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04 October 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RALLIES SUPPORT IN APAC, CALLS FOR UNITY, DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSEHOLD WEALTH CREATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today addressed a rally at Apac Booma Grounds, where he traced the history of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), outlined the progress made under his government, and called on Ugandans to embrace household wealth creation as the next phase of national transformation. The President said what is now known as the NRM has been active in Uganda for more than six decades, beginning with youth involvement in the Democratic Party, UPC, and Kabaka Yekka, before forming independent study groups in the 1960s. When the country descended into instability under Idi Amin, he noted, they took up arms as FRONASA to fight for liberation. He said the party’s contribution over the years has been grounded on nine guiding points, but he emphasized three central pillars at the Apac rally: peace, development, and wealth. On peace, President Museveni reminded Ugandans that the country had once been ungovernable due to sectarian politics of tribe, religion, and gender discrimination. He said the NRM rejected those divisions and instead built politics of unity, patriotism, and inclusivity. This, he explained, is why the NRM is firmly rooted across the country and why Uganda today enjoys a strong national army recruited from all regions. The second pillar he highlighted was development, which he said rests on both economic infrastructure—such as roads, electricity, water, and communications—and social infrastructure, including schools and health centers. He pointed to the expansion of roads, electrification of previously remote areas, and the growth of secondary schools and health facilities in Lango as evidence of NRM’s commitment to equal development. He pledged that the government will continue to upgrade health centers and extend services to areas still underserved. He added that Uganda’s oil, expected to begin flowing soon, will provide additional resources to accelerate infrastructure investment across the country. The third pillar, he said, is wealth creation at the household level. He stressed that while roads and schools are important, they are shared by all, yet poverty remains personal. “At night you don’t sleep on the road, you sleep in your house, and poverty will be waiting for you there,” he said. The President urged citizens to embrace initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which sends Shs 100 million annually to each parish. He cited success stories like Apio from Lira, who transformed a one-million-shilling loan into a thriving farming venture, and Rose Akoi from Kole, who invested in livestock and expanded her income. President Museveni said such examples show that the PDM can lift households out of poverty if funds are used wisely. He also announced new proposals in the NRM manifesto, including additional funds for parish leaders, a dedicated fund for unemployed university graduates, and support to religious and cultural leaders through SACCOs. “Life is not a game where some are players and others are spectators. Everyone must be a wealth creator,” he emphasized. President Museveni concluded by appealing to the people of Apac to vote for the NRM and all its flag bearers. “Vote for the old man with a hat,” he said, assuring them that the next phase of NRM leadership will focus on sustaining peace, deepening development, and ensuring that every household participates in wealth creation. The Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo echoed the call for wealth creation, urging residents to fully utilize government programs such as PDM and Emyooga. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among hailed the President for transforming Apac and pledged her support for a Skilling Hub in the district to empower the youth. The Government Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Obua affirmed that the people of Apac have endorsed President Museveni as the NRM candidate in the forthcoming election, citing his track record of peace, unity, and development.

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03 October 2025
AL-HAJJI KIGONGO COMMENDS GHETTO YOUTH FOR SHUNNING SELFISH POLITICIANS WHO WANT TO USE THEM IN CRIMINALITY

The First National Vice Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo has commended the ghetto youth in Busoga subregion for shunning opposition politicians with selfish interests. He said some selfish opposition politicians wanted to use the youth to commit crime especially in this election period, but the youth shunned them. Al-Hajji Kigongo made the remarks today while meeting ghetto youth leaders at Mafubira, Jinja City North Division. In the recent past, Mafubira had the highest crime rate in Jinja city. During the meeting the ghetto SACCOs were flagged off to dispatch the funds to the eligible beneficiaries. He also requested the ghetto youth who benefited from the Shs100 million empowerment fund given to the 12-ghetto youth SACCOs in Busoga to use the funds well, in order to uplift their livelihoods. “If you use the funds well, the government will give you more financial support,” he assured. On the other hand, Al-Hajji Kigongo thanked the ghetto youth for supporting the NRM government and requested them to vote for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and other party candidates in the forthcoming elections for continued development. The Director of Crime Intelligence, also coordinator of the ghetto structures project, Maj. Gen Christopher Ddamulira thanked President Museveni for fulfilling and extending financial support to the ghetto SACCOs in Busoga. He also thanked some ghetto youth for being peaceful and law-abiding citizens and assured them that police will work with them to fight crime in the ghettos. “For those who are persistent to change and still getting involved in crime we shall arrest you,” he assured. Maj. Gen. Ddamulira further hailed the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization also Deputy Spokesperson, Haji Faruk Kirunda for being a good coordinator and mobiliser. On his part, Haji Kirunda assured Al-Hajji Kigongo of peace and security in the sub-region especially during this electoral process period. He also appealed to the government to add more ghetto youth funds to Jinja City because the city has two District-like divisions with many ghettos which are densely populated. Additionally, Haji Kirunda requested the ghetto youth to vote for President Museveni so that he consolidates the achievements of the NRM party. He reminded them that the President has always associated with the ghetto people, citing an example of Zubairi Bakari who he worked with closely during the FRONASA days in the 1970s. The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RCC) of Jinja City North Division, Mr. Hamis Kiganira requested for a government Ambulance and police patrol for easy response to assistance calls from citizens.

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03 October 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI APPEALS TO LANGO TO SUPPORT NRM FOR MORE DEVELOPMENT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement’s Presidential flag bearer, today appealed to the people of Kwania and the wider Lango sub-region to support him and the NRM in the 2026 Presidential elections. The campaign is running under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.” While addressing thousands of supporters at Aduku Town Council, he urged them to continue supporting the NRM government's work of transforming Uganda’s economy and lifting households out of poverty. “I appeal to you to support the NRM and the NRM flag bearers and the old man with the hat so that we continue with this work and do more,” President Museveni said. President Museveni also highlighted ongoing projects and strategies aimed at boosting local economic growth. “We discovered oil in the Albertine region, and we are now laying the pipeline to pump it out of the ground. When our oil starts flowing, we shall be getting an extra $2 billion per year in addition to what we have been getting now. We shall be able to use them for roads, the railway, electricity, and the education system,” he said. He cited the example of local communities still struggling with poor infrastructure and pledged to work on them. “Like our people in Apoi, Apala, Adwari, and Baralegi, who are still suffering with that murram road, we shall be able to fix it quickly. And the road from Dokolo, Amolatar, and Namasale will also be improved.” Highlighting the impact of local entrepreneurship on wealth creation, President Museveni showcased a model farmer Mr. Joel Okello from Amolatar. He said: “Okello is not in Asia, Europe, or America. He is from here in the North, earning shs. 280m annually after deducting costs. You may say Okello is educated and an engineer and has money, but there are educated people who don’t do what Okello is doing.” President Museveni reminded the audience of the NRM’s philosophy since the 1960s. “The message of the NRM from the 1960s is not to use the people for politics but to show them how to transform their lives, so that you move away from poverty. Now you have the money,” he said. He further encouraged citizens to engage in wealth creation. “Chase poverty from your homes and do it by bringing something that will put food on your table and money in your pocket. The government has already given you the means through the PDM; shs. 100m per parish per year. In five years, that is shs. 500m in one parish. In the third year, those who started first give back to the SACCO. The money will never return to the government; it will remain at the parish,” he added. On fisheries, President Museveni emphasized organized support. “We are going to start a SACCO for fishermen because fishing requires more money than PDM. We also need to do a lot of fish farming. Individuals cannot do it alone because it requires more capital. The government will facilitate the fishponds,” he said. He also announced targeted funds for religious leaders, saying: “We shall start funds for dioceses and sheikhs. This is not for ordinary citizens; it’s just for leaders, and it will not be annual.” President Museveni also emphasized participation in wealth creation among Ugandans. “When it comes to wealth creation, we don’t want spectators. With football or athletics, you have sportspeople and spectators, but with wealth creation, everyone must be a player,” he noted. On livestock programs, President Museveni explained a new initiative for cattle compensation in Northern Uganda. “Recently I called some of your leaders and asked why we don’t have a democratic formula for restocking. I suggested five cows to each homestead. The majority supported it. I have already received consent from leaders in Teso and Lango, and I am now instructing the government to plan for it because it is a big project. Northern Uganda will benefit from five cows per homestead,” he added. Development Progress in Kwania District: Kwania District, comprising 11 Sub-Counties/Town Councils, 49 Parishes, and 447 villages, is home to a population of 216,125, according to the 2024 census. Over the years, government programs have targeted economic empowerment, education, and compensation for war-affected communities. Under the Parish Development Model, Kwania has received a cumulative shs. 15.05bn and 21,593 households have benefited. Out of the district’s 48,861 households, 27,249 remain in the subsistence economy, leaving 27,268 households yet to benefit from the program, according to UBOS 2024. Emyooga SACCOs: The district hosts 36 Emyooga SACCOs made up of 447 parish-based associations with 10,656 members. These SACCOs have received shs. 1.16 billion in seed capital from the government, and collectively, members have saved over shs. 420 million, supporting local businesses and community investments. Education: Kwania has 29 government primary schools. The district also has seven government secondary schools, providing Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Post-Ordinary Level Education and Training (POLET), with a total enrollment of 4,031 students. Cattle Compensation: Between FY 2021/2022 and 2024/2025, the government released a cumulative shs. 139.49bn out of a planned shs. 200bn to compensate war debt claimants in the Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions. Breakdown of payments includes: Acholi: 3,993 claimants received shs. 37.43bn Lango: 10,549 claimants received shs. 43.02bn Teso: 10,038 claimants received shs. 55.79bn The event was also graced by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, among others.

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02 October 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RALLIES LANGO, PROMISES WEALTH CREATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE NEXT TERM

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Presidential Flagbearer for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the 2026 general elections, has concluded his second day of campaigning in the Lango sub-region with twin rallies in Amolatar and Dokolo districts. Addressing thousands of supporters at Dokolo Technical School grounds on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, President Museveni urged Ugandans to renew their trust in him and the NRM government, citing areas of achievements and outlining new pledges aimed at propelling the country into middle-income status. The rally, attended by senior government officials, party leaders, and defectors from opposition parties, marked a high-energy continuation of his regional campaign trail under the theme “Protecting the gains as we make a qualitative leap into a high middle-income status.” President Museveni’s central message in Dokolo revolved around wealth creation and household incomes, which he described as the “medicine for Uganda’s prosperity.” He lamented that despite economic progress, many Ugandans still engage in subsistence farming, working merely for survival. “The problem we have had since 2013 is that 68% of the people in Uganda were working only to eat, for the stomach. If you only work for the stomach, where do you get money to buy clothes and do other things for yourself?” President Museveni asked, drawing applause from the crowd. He further called for all households to embrace commercial agriculture and other income-generating activities. Using practical examples, President Museveni highlighted success stories from Lango, including a farmer named Okello from Amolatar who earns substantially from commercial agriculture, and a woman named Apio who transformed her life after investing the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in maize and livestock. “These are testimonies of how small support, when properly utilized, can change families forever,” H.E. Museveni said. The NRM’s Presidential candidate devoted a significant portion of his address to the Parish Development Model PDM, a flagship program that allocates UGX 100 million to each parish annually to support household wealth creation. President emphasized that unlike commercial bank loans with high interest rates, PDM funds are meant to give Ugandans time to grow enterprises before repayment. “If it was money from lenders, you borrow one million shillings and after a year you pay up to five million shillings. But PDM money is payable after two years because we want you to plant, harvest, and get money to pay back,” he explained. He further announced a proposed increment of UGX 15 million per parish in the next term, specifically earmarked for local leaders, who had previously not directly benefited from the scheme. The President also cautioned against mismanagement of PDM resources. “Don’t let anyone play around with this PDM money. If anybody tries to, expose them and we arrest them,” President Museveni warned. The President further encouraged the people of Lango to adopt the four-acre farming model, an initiative from the 1996 NRM manifesto. Under this model, one acre is planted with coffee, another with fruits, one for pasture to support dairy farming, and one for food crops. Additional small ventures such as poultry, piggery, and fish farming on the periphery of wetlands could further boost incomes. “Even if you don’t have a tarmac road in your village, you can still be rich. Wealth begins at the homestead. That is what I want to emphasize here,” President Museveni stressed, further advising communities to use wetlands responsibly by prioritizing irrigation and fish farming over destructive rice cultivation. Turning to education, President Museveni reflected on how limited opportunities were in the 1960s compared to today. The President hailed NRM’s expansion of schools across Uganda, from primary to secondary, and pledged further investment in human capital development. “When I was at Ntare School in 1961, we had boys from Lango because in the whole of Uganda there were only six A-Level schools - Kisubi, Buddo, Ntare for boys, then Namagunga, Gayaza and Nabbingo. Now you check how many schools you have in Lango,” he said. He also touched on health services, acknowledging challenges such as drug theft in health centers, which he said could be tackled through community vigilance. “If I get my people of God to monitor, we can stop drug theft. We must work together to end this problem,” President Museveni said. The President cited the country’s infrastructure gains as one of the NRM’s enduring legacies. He recalled that when NRM took power in 1986, electricity only reached Lira. Today, he said, it extends to all major centers in the region. The growth of telecommunication also stood out in his speech. He recounted a 1979 mission to Iraq with the late Akena Pajok, where they were shocked to learn Iraq had 800,000 telephones compared to Uganda’s 40,000 at the time. “In 1986, we had 23,000 telephones. Today, we have 28 million. All of you now have telephones in your pockets,” President Museveni said, linking connectivity to economic empowerment. On roads, the President pledged to work on the Lango–Namasale road to reduce travel time to Kampala, as well as upgrade the Lira–Barlege road. President Museveni tied job creation to wealth generation, arguing that when households engage in commercial farming and enterprise, they not only improve their own welfare but also create jobs for others. He cited examples like Joseph Ijara from Serere, who reportedly makes UGX 1 billion annually with UGX 800 million in profits while employing numerous Ugandans. “Therefore, my recommendation is for all families to join the money economy using the PDM, then we shall add on some interventions,” he said. The President also addressed the long-standing issue of cattle compensation in northern Uganda, a grievance dating back to the insurgencies. He appreciated the people of Lango for welcoming his proposal of 5 cows per affected household. He acknowledged receipt of reports of affirmation from Teso and Lango sub-regions, who are supporting it. “Therefore, I have directed the government and the technical team to see how to implement it. We may not do it in one year, but we shall cover everybody with time. Please support the NRM again. NRM are not talkers, they’re doers,” President Museveni said. “Even this corruption we can fight it, for example, the stealing of drugs in the health centers, we can manage it in the 2000 health centers across the country if I were to get my people of God who will check for me the stealing of those drugs. Let's think about it. How can we stop the stealing of drugs? Let's discuss it,” he added. At the Dokolo rally, President Museveni, in his capacity as NRM national chairman, handed party flags to parliamentary flagbearers from the district and welcomed several defectors from opposition parties. Local leaders assured him of overwhelming support in the region. Mr. Geoffrey Opio Ekong, the NRM chairperson for Dokolo, boldly promised to deliver up to 100% of the votes for President Museveni. “Our target is to give you 85% or even 100% of the votes. It is possible in Dokolo,” Mr. Ekong said. The rally also featured endorsements from prominent leaders, such as Rt. Hon. Anita Among, Speaker of Parliament and NRM Vice Chairperson for Women, who praised the government for establishing a good road network in the Lango districts. Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, Government Chief Whip and Ajuri County MP, highlighted the region’s three fundamental gains under the NRM: peace, development, and wealth creation. He cited infrastructure projects such as Akibua Stadium, Lira University, and the ongoing Lira–Kamdini road upgrade. The NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong rallied supporters to protect the party’s gains, while other dignitaries, including Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Youth Minister, Hon. Balam Barugahara, and several cultural leaders, attended in solidarity. Having energized supporters in Amolatar and Dokolo, President Museveni’s next stop in the Lango campaign trail is Otuke and Alebtong districts, where he is expected to continue reinforcing the NRM’s message of stability, development, and wealth creation. By the end of the week, the President is expected to have traversed all nine districts and Lira City in the Lango sub-region, cementing his campaign foundation in northern Uganda.

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01 October 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES WEALTH CREATION, EDUCATION REFORMS AND FISHERIES BOOST

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today outlined the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) achievements and future commitments in wealth creation, health, education, and fisheries as he held his first campaign rally in Lango Sub-region in Amolatar District. Reflecting on the NRM’s 40-year journey, President Museveni said the party’s work can be summarized under the immense development achieved so far, which has transformed livelihoods. He recalled that in 2013, only 68% of Ugandans were engaged in the money economy, prompting him to launch Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and subsequent wealth creation programs years later. He cited success stories such as that of Apio from Lira, who received one million shillings, hired land, planted maize, and eventually expanded into sheep rearing after discovering a ready market among South Sudanese. President Museveni urged Ugandans to broaden their view of employment beyond government jobs. “In colonial times, people thought that being a clerk was the only job. That is wrong. A farmer who feeds the nation has a job. Agriculture is a job. Fishing is a job. When you create wealth, you also create jobs,” he said. The President also praised Uganda’s immunization efforts, which have eradicated diseases like polio, but expressed concern over theft of drugs in health centers. “These health centers are not in Congo or Sudan; they are here with us. Stop stealing drugs. I will set up my own spy network to catch those stealing government drugs and even Parish Development Model (PDM) money,” he warned. Turning to education, President Museveni admitted that government schools have been undermined by school charges that drive children out of classrooms. He highlighted the achievements of the Presidential Zonal Skilling Hubs, which provide free training in skills such as carpentry, welding, bakery, shoemaking, and construction. “When I started the skilling hubs, children who had lost hope came back. In just six months, they are producing quality products. I want to appeal to the NRM fraternity: in the next government, let’s abolish school charges. We shall recruit 50,000 more teachers to remove shortages,” he said. He emphasized day schooling in government schools as the best model for Uganda’s future. “One primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county is enough. Boarding schools bring unnecessary costs that have nothing to do with education,” President Museveni stressed. The President underlined the importance of national unity in supporting markets for goods and services. “If the Acholi grow simsim, who will buy it? That is why the NRM hates tribalism. You need a united market for whatever you produce,” he said. Addressing a long-standing grievance in Northern Uganda, President Museveni confirmed that the government had adopted his proposal of compensating five cows per homestead. “I have already instructed the government to work on it. We shall do it slowly, but it will be done,” he said. On fisheries, President Museveni pledged more support for fishing communities through a specialized SACCO. He also encouraged fish farming as a better use of wetlands. “I saw people planting rice in swamps — that is a misuse of wetlands. Fishponds will give you much more. In Limoto, farmers are earning over 70 million shillings. The government will raise money for fishponds in Lango, Teso, Busoga, and Bukedi,” he said, adding that only the government can handle the high capital requirements of large-scale fish farming. Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, thanked President Museveni for restoring peace in Northern Uganda. The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua echoed the rally’s theme of “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status”, urging the people of Lango to support President Museveni to consolidate peace and development. He also revealed plans to build a technical school in Amolatar District in memory of the late Latigo Olara, in line with the government's plan of one technical school per district. Amolatar LCV Chairman, Mr. Geoffrey Ocen requested the President to upgrade health facilities and accelerate cattle compensation process, while also promising to deliver “100% votes” for him from Amolatar.

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01 October 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES WEALTH CREATION, EDUCATION REFORMS AND FISHERIES BOOST

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today outlined the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) achievements and future commitments in wealth creation, health, education, and fisheries as he held his first campaign rally in Lango Sub-region in Amolatar District. Reflecting on the NRM’s 40-year journey, President Museveni said the party’s work can be summarized under the immense development achieved so far, which has transformed livelihoods. He recalled that in 2013, only 68% of Ugandans were engaged in the money economy, prompting him to launch Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and subsequent wealth creation programs years later. He cited success stories such as that of Apio from Lira, who received one million shillings, hired land, planted maize, and eventually expanded into sheep rearing after discovering a ready market among South Sudanese. President Museveni urged Ugandans to broaden their view of employment beyond government jobs. “In colonial times, people thought that being a clerk was the only job. That is wrong. A farmer who feeds the nation has a job. Agriculture is a job. Fishing is a job. When you create wealth, you also create jobs,” he said. The President also praised Uganda’s immunization efforts, which have eradicated diseases like polio, but expressed concern over theft of drugs in health centers. “These health centers are not in Congo or Sudan; they are here with us. Stop stealing drugs. I will set up my own spy network to catch those stealing government drugs and even Parish Development Model (PDM) money,” he warned. Turning to education, President Museveni admitted that government schools have been undermined by school charges that drive children out of classrooms. He highlighted the achievements of the Presidential Zonal Skilling Hubs, which provide free training in skills such as carpentry, welding, bakery, shoemaking, and construction. “When I started the skilling hubs, children who had lost hope came back. In just six months, they are producing quality products. I want to appeal to the NRM fraternity: in the next government, let’s abolish school charges. We shall recruit 50,000 more teachers to remove shortages,” he said. He emphasized day schooling in government schools as the best model for Uganda’s future. “One primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county is enough. Boarding schools bring unnecessary costs that have nothing to do with education,” President Museveni stressed. The President underlined the importance of national unity in supporting markets for goods and services. “If the Acholi grow simsim, who will buy it? That is why the NRM hates tribalism. You need a united market for whatever you produce,” he said. Addressing a long-standing grievance in Northern Uganda, President Museveni confirmed that the government had adopted his proposal of compensating five cows per homestead. “I have already instructed the government to work on it. We shall do it slowly, but it will be done,” he said. On fisheries, President Museveni pledged more support for fishing communities through a specialized SACCO. He also encouraged fish farming as a better use of wetlands. “I saw people planting rice in swamps — that is a misuse of wetlands. Fishponds will give you much more. In Limoto, farmers are earning over 70 million shillings. The government will raise money for fishponds in Lango, Teso, Busoga, and Bukedi,” he said, adding that only the government can handle the high capital requirements of large-scale fish farming. Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, thanked President Museveni for restoring peace in Northern Uganda. The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua echoed the rally’s theme of “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status”, urging the people of Lango to support President Museveni to consolidate peace and development. He also revealed plans to build a technical school in Amolatar District in memory of the late Latigo Olara, in line with the government's plan of one technical school per district. Amolatar LCV Chairman, Mr. Geoffrey Ocen requested the President to upgrade health facilities and accelerate cattle compensation process, while also promising to deliver “100% votes” for him from Amolatar.

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05 October 2025
BWANA GAWAYA TEGULLE, THIS IS WHY UGANDANS HAVE CONTINUOUSLY VOTED YOWERI MUSEVENI

In his Sunday Monitor column of 30th September 2025, Gawaya Tegulle outed a piece, titled, ‘2026 polls: Gen Muntu the stone that builders rejected’, where he made very patronising observations about Ugandans especially the many millions that have continuously voted for president Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Movement party over the years. Using a barrage of overbearing English words, Bwana Gawaya thinks Ugandans are dimwits and carry no brains to chose what is good for themselves. In his view, Ugandans should accept to suffer whatever form ‘indignations’ that come their way because they are permanently making wrong decisions of choosing President Museveni to be their leader time and again. How wrong he can get. Simple facts should inform Bwana Tegulle to appreciate why majority Ugandans are forever grateful to Yoweri Museveni and hence the continued trust. President Museveni inherited a complete failed state in 1986 and there is no debate about it. Imagine taking over a country that had had 7 presidents in a period of just 24 years. Indeed, we weren’t changing leadership through a democratic process, but changes were occasioned through military coups and brutal takeovers like the one championed by Milton Obote in 1966. The story of the Idd Amin’s and his reign of terror is well known to Ugandans and the rest of the world especially among the baby-boomers and Generation X like Gawaya Tegulle. Since 2006, when the last group of war mongers of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) were completely defeated and fled to the Central African Republic (CAR), Uganda has had total peace from all corners of its territory. As a result, we are now home to over 1.6 million refugees from across the world and second refugee hosting nation in the whole world. This is on top of being ranked number one in the world with the best refugee hospitality policies. Those troubled in their countries find peace in Uganda courtesy of Yoweri Museveni. This total peace and stability witnessed for the first time in very man years is what has led to massive Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in Uganda hence creating the much-needed jobs, skills, innovations plus growing the size of our economy. Then one wonders why Ugandans are still voting Museveni…? Uganda’s economy has strengthened its resilience to domestic and external shocks and been growing at estimated 6% over the last 30 years. In nominal terms, the size of the economy is now USD 66.3 billion compared to 1.5USD billion in 1986. This growth is broad-based, including in agriculture, industry and services like ICT. Uganda is on course to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning through Universal Education from Primary to Secondary levels. In this way, we have been able to restore gender parity with the enrollment of females and males almost balanced. Science and Technology remain high on the agenda of the country. Following the launch of UPE in 1997, gross enrolment in primary schools increased from a total of 2.5 million in 1996 to now over 8.6 million in 2023, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. Government has increased funding to the education sector, more classrooms have been constructed, teachers deployed, the number of primary school teachers almost doubled in years from 81,564 in 1996 to 136,819 in 2023. The Universal Education programme in Uganda demonstrates that a country with a committed NRM government can fight poverty through ensuring access to education for its citizens. Energy investments are transforming Uganda's economy by promoting new industries, creating jobs, enhancing energy access, and driving economic diversification through renewable energy and oil production.  Uganda's total electricity generation is 2,052 megawatts (MW) following the completion of the 600-MW Karuma Hydropower Plant compared to only 750 megawatts that were available in 1986. The electricity transmission capacity has now increased to 4,218 km of high voltage. More plans are underway to generate more electricity to meet our ever-increasing demands because of rapid industrialization we are experiencing. The investment in infrastructure to support regional and international trade includes upgrading Entebbe International Airport and designating other airports for international traffic. The focus is on creating a seamless, sustainable multi-modal transport system aligned with national and regional development goals is unimaginable. The national paved road network has grown to approximately 6,850 from 1000 by 1986. Uganda’s tenfold growth strategy government is stepping up efforts to accelerate diversification of the economy, add value to raw materials to boost exports and import substitution to continue reducing our import bill, and also build more basic industries to produce items that Ugandans use on daily basis such as sugar, soap, cooking oil, clothes, medicines, construction materials, etc. Uganda continues to register improvements in the health sector. Access to and utilization of health services has significantly improved over the years, with the population living within a 5km radius of a health facility increasing 86 percent. Uganda's overall routine immunization rates show improvement up to 2022, with DTP3 coverage at 89% and BCG and rotavirus coverage above 80% for children aged 12-23 months.  Therefore, as we prepare to go into the General Election come January 2026 President Yoweri Museveni’s progressive leadership will be without a doubt rewarded abundantly with another resounding vote. The writer is the AG Executive Director Uganda Media Centre

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20 September 2025
CHURCH, RELIGION AND THE WORSHIP OF FALSE TEACHINGS IN UGANDA

Last week, the Independent Electoral Commission, led by Justice Simon Mugyenyi Byabakama, announced a ban on fundraising in churches, mosques and other places of worship during these five months of the general election campaign season. It should be curious that religious institutions and priests have not made noise, but taken it lying low as if during the election God doesn’t need the money from politicians seeking office. However, I am not sure that Byabakama is in position to monitor or prevent politicians or their agents quietly passing financial donations to religious institutions and priests, in which case even a superficial accountability will be hard to obtain. During COVID-19 lockdown 2020-22, priests shifted prayers to people’s homes, where tithe and donations simply got tucked into their personal pockets. This should all be well, after all, over the years, experience has taught us that church, mosque, religion, and priests leading them, have not all been truthful or even correct in universal upliftment, emancipation and liberation of humanity. Religion, of every shade particularly as practiced in Uganda, is mostly superstition, invented to manipulate and control the mind, and keep us in failure. Poor people have donated the only pence they have to their church, mosque, and these days to predator ‘pastors’ who live large lifestyles, only for the givers to beg total strangers for money for food, health, or children’s school fees, while those priests give no damn. Religious faith has for centuries been a business model, often with no start-up capital, that no one has ever told you about or publicly admitted, and it is the reason religious institutions and leaders are rich, opulent yet most of their followers wallow in extreme poverty and want basic necessities of life. Yet it is in seasons like this that the religious, civil society and so-called democracy groups raise the tempo of their dubious activities, in such of money, usually under the dubious claims that Uganda is on the brink of election chaos, violence, and perhaps disintegration. Africans, especially Ugandans, should stop hiding behind prayers as a possible solution to many of the intractable problems we have historically gone through or are currently doing so. The God of Europe, Arab, or Asia, we have worshiped so much since the advent of colonial domination, subjugation and exploitation just like the gods of Africans who did not protect us from foreign predators, do not owe us a miracle just because we avoid our own responsibilities. Ugandans should stop honoring their priests than planning, hard creative work, and productivity. Religion and unquestioned faith are nothing more than mere imagination and manipulation that have built empires around obedience and loyalty. See, it is absurd that in Uganda today we can question the government, state institutions, and their leaders who hold instruments of coercion, yet we cannot vigorously question a man wearing a white collar passing for a religious priest. Churches, mosques and their leaders now raid our government coffers of the taxes you have paid in order for them to live in additional opulence including brand new SUVs, yet public schools and health facilities are not fully equipped, and you blame the government. Now don’t wonder anymore that schools under religious institutions, called “Church Founded” are declining in academic, management and discipline standards, while churches, cathedrals and bishops’ residential houses are expanding and looking really magnificent. And when church-run medical facilities confiscate dead bodies whose owners have not paid up the bills, it is a business model, not philanthropy as we had been made to unquestionably believe. Likewise, when priests refuse to preside over burial of the dead because they are not fully paid up, it amounts to retributive justice.

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13 September 2025
NRM MUST CLOSE RANKS; FIRMLY BLOWOUT SO-CALLED INDEPENDENTS

The just concluded NRM primaries to elect flag-bearers from village to parliamentary candidates who are not set to face opposition groups, and the so-called ‘independents’ should now be behind us, especially to the committed party loyalists, regardless of the fallouts. NRM leaders at various levels, must now invite winners and losers to work jointly for harmony, unity and a collective NRM election victory in 2026. Speaker of Parliament, and Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Member, Central Executive Committee (CEC), Annet Anita Among, the new ‘girl’ on the NRM political bloc, has this week, created, a WhatsApp group, “NRM MP Flag bearers 202631,” pledging, joint and coordinated election campaign, to ensure a most effective outcome, which should be embraced. By Thursday, 318 flag-bearers had joined in. This could be replicated, down the ballot, with appropriate modifications. It is my submission, that in 2025, at the onset of the return to multiparty dispensation, NRM entrapped itself, and the country, by cozying-up to ‘independents’, many of whom, were simply disgruntled political indisciplinados, fair-weatherizes and opportunists. This phenomenon, has now become a thorny curse, in our collective walk, towards a functional multiparty democracy. While persuasion is still inevitable, it ought to be conducted on a case-by-case basis, as an exception to the rule, rather than the general principle, if NRM is to progress forward. The two decades, now, of NRM’s political stitch-ups with ‘independents’, has brought in so little dividends, except to entrench conveyor-belt self-serving convenience, and extremely inefficient patronage. People who are enjoying senior leadership position in NRM, and government like ministers ought to be made to retreat from running as ‘independents, or else be forced out of NRM so as to enforce internal party rules. And in fact, many of these touting being so-called ‘independents’ need the NRM political cover, than NRM needs them. Without President Yoweri Museveni’s personal political cuddling, they are destined to collapse like wet clay. In the more established electoral democracies like Britain, United States, India, Japan, Singapore and South Korea, we have recently witnessed the de-selection and dismissals of errant party leaders including from legislatures. Close-by Uganda, like Tanzania (CCM) and African National Congress (ANC), that the NRM calls ‘fraternal’ and travels regularly for ‘bench-marking’ with, even the slightest disagreement with the agreed party policy position, let alone constitution, attracts heavy sanctions that includes outright dismissal. In the dingy corner of Uganda, even the National Unity Platform (NUP), loosely cobbled has been able to show its former vice president in charge of Buganda, its only base, and Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP) Mathias Mpuuga, the exist without much political qualms. Yet in the NRM, many fear to call out these hangers-on, for what they really are, and instead are each, getting emboldened upon losing election, to run as an ‘independent’, and usually receiving covert financial support, from some top NRM leaders. The nomination returns for Isingiro district local government elections, released mid-week, by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chaired by Justice Simon Byakama Mugyenyi, where, the district chairperson and all thirty-two councilors were elected unopposed, is indicative of NRM’s support countrywide. If MPs Anthony Akol (Kilak county East) Amuru district and Dr Twaha Kagabo (Bukoto South) Lwengo district, formerly FDC and NUP respectively could boldly discard those tickets to join NRM, there is no reasonable excuse, for the NRM not to boot out its political renegades. Uganda’s multiparty democracy, on trial and tribulation, since 2005, cannot be refined, made more functional, responsive and consolidated, when the political front men and women, are allowed freewheel style each time they lose an election.

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01 September 2025
UGANDA IS NOT HOMOPHOBIC; WE ARE ONLY AGAINST THE DELIBERATE PROMOTION OF THIS DEVIANT BEHAVIOR

On 15th August 2025, four of their colleagues attacked them accusing them of promoting homosexuality tendencies amongst the student community. School administration was quick to react, and the four boys weren’t harmed in any way. Since then, some human rights defenders have castigated government making all manner of accusations. The saddest accusation was that Uganda is beginning to weaponize the Anti Homosexuality Act 2023. On May 2, 2023, the Parliament of Uganda passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, which had been returned to parliament for more improvement. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni accented to the bill. Hell broke loose largely from the Global North, which was calling the leadership in Uganda all manner of names. World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced the withdrawal of their support, and more sanctions were being planned until President Donald Trump assumed office as President of the USA and things changed dramatically. To them, curtailing the promotion and funding of LGTBQ campaigns within our communities is to commit gross human rights abuses like committing genocide. For the record, Uganda and Ugandans are not homophobic. For clarity’s sake, Ugandans have never killed their few homosexuals that exist within their communities. In fact, they treat them as unfortunate people with deviant behavior and then manage them with care and sympathy. The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 is intended to manage homosexuals in a way that can lead to rehabilitation and restoration. The Act, more importantly, curtails the deliberate campaign of spreading homosexuality among our children. For some time now, some entities from the Western world were funding the promotion of this vice among our poor and vulnerable communities using many uncouth approaches. They take advantage of our poor and needy communities, where they will throw some money, but with clear conditions that the recipients must promote LGBTQ campaigns among our people especially children. Of course, this behavior is not in our norms, and those assigned to promote it on behalf of the global community tend to land into problems that are at times fatal. The values of a society are significant because they determine the contents of its norms, which help maintain social order. Each value has a corresponding norm, or put differently, all norms express social values. Every individual, every family, and indeed, every society has principles and standards that are appreciated and held in high regard, as well as those that are abhorred. In fact, the main social challenges Uganda is facing are drug abuse by the youth and not homosexuality, i.e., alcoholism and drug consumption. However, Uganda has put in place laws and regulations to handle such challenges. Our Penal Code offers effective punitive measures to curtail such challenges. Besides, there are institutions and organizations that are professionally and technically equipped to counsel and guide such victims. Rehabilitation centers have been put in place. There are some that are run by the government and others by private organizations. They tackle such victims of abuse. Butabika National Referral Hospital has been expanded and equipped to handle victims of drug abuse. Therefore, it is not right for human right defenders to keep throwing themselves around with condemnations every time we take decisions that are meant to protect our social values. As a country, we took firm resolutions to refuse the idea of promoting the Gay Agenda to be part of our human development. To those that thought that by freezing us out of their development loans, we would bend on our knees and repeal the Anti homosexuality Act, must have now realized that that was a wrong idea. It is years now down the road and we are going strong economically. Finally, it is a wrong belief among our Western friends to think that to be civilized and humane is to swallow the Western way of life; to be barbaric and cruel is to be non-western. There is a racist tinge in this cultural rhetoric that presents the particular as universal. It echoes the spread of Christianity during the colonial encounter: African religions were called satanic. To have faith was to be Christian. As Africans, we have no identity except as carbon copies of "Western men." The Western effort to shape African nations and societies in their own image is written all over the place for everybody to see. While many Western actors in these endeavors genuinely believe they have our best interests at heart, and while they have many local allies who share their vision, they are not any different from their colonial ancestors who came here claiming to spread the three Cs: Christianity, Commerce, and Civilization. These efforts to shape us according to their fancies show contempt for our uniqueness. Africa needs to be given space to shape its future. The writer is the Acting Executive Director Uganda Media Centre

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30 August 2025
CDF, TAME ERRANT OFFICERS MISUSING SOLDIERS AND FIRE ARMS IN ELECTIONS

As the next election campaign season approaches, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba should reign in on UPDF Generals, and senior officers, serving and retired, who misuse personal guards to meddle in civil elections. Often, these officers who have connections with military installations around the country obtain unofficial soldiers who they deploy in support of their friends or relatives who are candidates. Without appearing to bad-mouth the UPDF, some are said to be on for hire by politicians in election campaigns. It is unclear how the UPDF reached this low point. In the just concluded NRM internal elections we witnessed such illegal deployments of UPDF soldiers in Busia, Gulu, Butaleja and Sembabule districts where they obstructed candidates, their supporters, and police officers on duty. There was a recently retired General from Karamoja who was so notorious in Busia where police officers were so hapless in the face of his bullying. Earlier, the country had watched in consternation and embarrassment when UPDF got overtly involved including the deployment of heavy military war hardware in the Kawempe North parliamentary bye-election, and act that dented NRM support and image too. Like the ongoing cracking of the whip on suspected corrupt officers including several Generals now in custody as investigations roll, errant behaviour by soldiers in civilian elections is bringing the UPDF into disrepute. For avoidance of any doubt, the official known role of the UPDF in securing stability including during elections is not contested. It is also imperative, that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba, provides strong and professional leadership and guidance to his officers and men so they can have confidence while in command to calmly withstand bullying and intimidation by these soldiers on illegal personal errands. A timid police officer in command, but unsure of his own orders, trembling and sweating in their uniform before an errant army officer, or irate politician, is a recipe for chaos during an election season, particularly bad on polling day. Similarly, over-board conduct by police officers, especially the District Police Commanders (DPCs) who sometimes take over the role of election officers upon being bribed by candidates, to announce the winners, must be checked. But as the old adage goes, “it takes two to tangle,” and so to have a clean election season, we the politicians, especially candidates and supporters must check ourselves as a collective. While election politics is emotive, in Uganda today, it seems that anything goes, violence, intimidation, blackmail, open bribery, and extortion are all wrapped-up in the name of freedom and democracy. Free speech is a cornerstone of democracy, but we have taken political rabble rousing down the line of slander and defamation against rivals in contests. Harmonization meetings often descend into shouting matches, or break-up even before they start, and so no mutual ground rules to govern the campaigns. Abrasive conduct by candidates and supporters even against the police, law enforcement officers and election officials has become normalized, and so few respect the rules, yet surely Uganda is not a jungle. And with opposition activists on a hostile confrontational path, emboldened by the open mischievous conducts of some elements within NRM, it is hard to see how a trajectory of respect for common rules will be engendered. The NRM is a huge party whose heart beats, but with a weak pulse because those at the centre probably do not feel or believe that they are powerful enough. To bring back discipline in the electoral process, my one pence proposal is that the NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong, should hand every flagbearer a golden rule on election misconduct. In this era of capricious digital warriors playing by their own rules and constantly conveying mischief, the NRM must, as of necessity, be more alert and two steps ahead to deliver a cleaner election.

National News

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RALLIES SUPPORT IN APAC, CALLS FOR UNITY, DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSEHOLD WEALTH CREATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today addressed a rally at Apac Booma Grounds, where he traced the history of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), outlined the progress made under his government, and called on Ugandans to embrace household wealth creation as the next phase of national transformation. The President said what is now known as the NRM has been active in Uganda for more than six decades, beginning with youth involvement in the Democratic Party, UPC, and Kabaka Yekka, before forming independent study groups in the 1960s. When the country descended into instability under Idi Amin, he noted, they took up arms as FRONASA to fight for liberation. He said the party’s contribution over the years has been grounded on nine guiding points, but he emphasized three central pillars at the Apac rally: peace, development, and wealth. On peace, President Museveni reminded Ugandans that the country had once been ungovernable due to sectarian politics of tribe, religion, and gender discrimination. He said the NRM rejected those divisions and instead built politics of unity, patriotism, and inclusivity. This, he explained, is why the NRM is firmly rooted across the country and why Uganda today enjoys a strong national army recruited from all regions. The second pillar he highlighted was development, which he said rests on both economic infrastructure—such as roads, electricity, water, and communications—and social infrastructure, including schools and health centers. He pointed to the expansion of roads, electrification of previously remote areas, and the growth of secondary schools and health facilities in Lango as evidence of NRM’s commitment to equal development. He pledged that the government will continue to upgrade health centers and extend services to areas still underserved. He added that Uganda’s oil, expected to begin flowing soon, will provide additional resources to accelerate infrastructure investment across the country. The third pillar, he said, is wealth creation at the household level. He stressed that while roads and schools are important, they are shared by all, yet poverty remains personal. “At night you don’t sleep on the road, you sleep in your house, and poverty will be waiting for you there,” he said. The President urged citizens to embrace initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which sends Shs 100 million annually to each parish. He cited success stories like Apio from Lira, who transformed a one-million-shilling loan into a thriving farming venture, and Rose Akoi from Kole, who invested in livestock and expanded her income. President Museveni said such examples show that the PDM can lift households out of poverty if funds are used wisely. He also announced new proposals in the NRM manifesto, including additional funds for parish leaders, a dedicated fund for unemployed university graduates, and support to religious and cultural leaders through SACCOs. “Life is not a game where some are players and others are spectators. Everyone must be a wealth creator,” he emphasized. President Museveni concluded by appealing to the people of Apac to vote for the NRM and all its flag bearers. “Vote for the old man with a hat,” he said, assuring them that the next phase of NRM leadership will focus on sustaining peace, deepening development, and ensuring that every household participates in wealth creation. The Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo echoed the call for wealth creation, urging residents to fully utilize government programs such as PDM and Emyooga. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among hailed the President for transforming Apac and pledged her support for a Skilling Hub in the district to empower the youth. The Government Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Obua affirmed that the people of Apac have endorsed President Museveni as the NRM candidate in the forthcoming election, citing his track record of peace, unity, and development.

2025-10-04

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AL-HAJJI KIGONGO COMMENDS GHETTO YOUTH FOR SHUNNING SELFISH POLITICIANS WHO WANT TO USE THEM IN CRIMINALITY

The First National Vice Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo has commended the ghetto youth in Busoga subregion for shunning opposition politicians with selfish interests. He said some selfish opposition politicians wanted to use the youth to commit crime especially in this election period, but the youth shunned them. Al-Hajji Kigongo made the remarks today while meeting ghetto youth leaders at Mafubira, Jinja City North Division. In the recent past, Mafubira had the highest crime rate in Jinja city. During the meeting the ghetto SACCOs were flagged off to dispatch the funds to the eligible beneficiaries. He also requested the ghetto youth who benefited from the Shs100 million empowerment fund given to the 12-ghetto youth SACCOs in Busoga to use the funds well, in order to uplift their livelihoods. “If you use the funds well, the government will give you more financial support,” he assured. On the other hand, Al-Hajji Kigongo thanked the ghetto youth for supporting the NRM government and requested them to vote for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and other party candidates in the forthcoming elections for continued development. The Director of Crime Intelligence, also coordinator of the ghetto structures project, Maj. Gen Christopher Ddamulira thanked President Museveni for fulfilling and extending financial support to the ghetto SACCOs in Busoga. He also thanked some ghetto youth for being peaceful and law-abiding citizens and assured them that police will work with them to fight crime in the ghettos. “For those who are persistent to change and still getting involved in crime we shall arrest you,” he assured. Maj. Gen. Ddamulira further hailed the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization also Deputy Spokesperson, Haji Faruk Kirunda for being a good coordinator and mobiliser. On his part, Haji Kirunda assured Al-Hajji Kigongo of peace and security in the sub-region especially during this electoral process period. He also appealed to the government to add more ghetto youth funds to Jinja City because the city has two District-like divisions with many ghettos which are densely populated. Additionally, Haji Kirunda requested the ghetto youth to vote for President Museveni so that he consolidates the achievements of the NRM party. He reminded them that the President has always associated with the ghetto people, citing an example of Zubairi Bakari who he worked with closely during the FRONASA days in the 1970s. The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RCC) of Jinja City North Division, Mr. Hamis Kiganira requested for a government Ambulance and police patrol for easy response to assistance calls from citizens.

2025-10-03

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI APPEALS TO LANGO TO SUPPORT NRM FOR MORE DEVELOPMENT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement’s Presidential flag bearer, today appealed to the people of Kwania and the wider Lango sub-region to support him and the NRM in the 2026 Presidential elections. The campaign is running under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.” While addressing thousands of supporters at Aduku Town Council, he urged them to continue supporting the NRM government's work of transforming Uganda’s economy and lifting households out of poverty. “I appeal to you to support the NRM and the NRM flag bearers and the old man with the hat so that we continue with this work and do more,” President Museveni said. President Museveni also highlighted ongoing projects and strategies aimed at boosting local economic growth. “We discovered oil in the Albertine region, and we are now laying the pipeline to pump it out of the ground. When our oil starts flowing, we shall be getting an extra $2 billion per year in addition to what we have been getting now. We shall be able to use them for roads, the railway, electricity, and the education system,” he said. He cited the example of local communities still struggling with poor infrastructure and pledged to work on them. “Like our people in Apoi, Apala, Adwari, and Baralegi, who are still suffering with that murram road, we shall be able to fix it quickly. And the road from Dokolo, Amolatar, and Namasale will also be improved.” Highlighting the impact of local entrepreneurship on wealth creation, President Museveni showcased a model farmer Mr. Joel Okello from Amolatar. He said: “Okello is not in Asia, Europe, or America. He is from here in the North, earning shs. 280m annually after deducting costs. You may say Okello is educated and an engineer and has money, but there are educated people who don’t do what Okello is doing.” President Museveni reminded the audience of the NRM’s philosophy since the 1960s. “The message of the NRM from the 1960s is not to use the people for politics but to show them how to transform their lives, so that you move away from poverty. Now you have the money,” he said. He further encouraged citizens to engage in wealth creation. “Chase poverty from your homes and do it by bringing something that will put food on your table and money in your pocket. The government has already given you the means through the PDM; shs. 100m per parish per year. In five years, that is shs. 500m in one parish. In the third year, those who started first give back to the SACCO. The money will never return to the government; it will remain at the parish,” he added. On fisheries, President Museveni emphasized organized support. “We are going to start a SACCO for fishermen because fishing requires more money than PDM. We also need to do a lot of fish farming. Individuals cannot do it alone because it requires more capital. The government will facilitate the fishponds,” he said. He also announced targeted funds for religious leaders, saying: “We shall start funds for dioceses and sheikhs. This is not for ordinary citizens; it’s just for leaders, and it will not be annual.” President Museveni also emphasized participation in wealth creation among Ugandans. “When it comes to wealth creation, we don’t want spectators. With football or athletics, you have sportspeople and spectators, but with wealth creation, everyone must be a player,” he noted. On livestock programs, President Museveni explained a new initiative for cattle compensation in Northern Uganda. “Recently I called some of your leaders and asked why we don’t have a democratic formula for restocking. I suggested five cows to each homestead. The majority supported it. I have already received consent from leaders in Teso and Lango, and I am now instructing the government to plan for it because it is a big project. Northern Uganda will benefit from five cows per homestead,” he added. Development Progress in Kwania District: Kwania District, comprising 11 Sub-Counties/Town Councils, 49 Parishes, and 447 villages, is home to a population of 216,125, according to the 2024 census. Over the years, government programs have targeted economic empowerment, education, and compensation for war-affected communities. Under the Parish Development Model, Kwania has received a cumulative shs. 15.05bn and 21,593 households have benefited. Out of the district’s 48,861 households, 27,249 remain in the subsistence economy, leaving 27,268 households yet to benefit from the program, according to UBOS 2024. Emyooga SACCOs: The district hosts 36 Emyooga SACCOs made up of 447 parish-based associations with 10,656 members. These SACCOs have received shs. 1.16 billion in seed capital from the government, and collectively, members have saved over shs. 420 million, supporting local businesses and community investments. Education: Kwania has 29 government primary schools. The district also has seven government secondary schools, providing Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Post-Ordinary Level Education and Training (POLET), with a total enrollment of 4,031 students. Cattle Compensation: Between FY 2021/2022 and 2024/2025, the government released a cumulative shs. 139.49bn out of a planned shs. 200bn to compensate war debt claimants in the Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions. Breakdown of payments includes: Acholi: 3,993 claimants received shs. 37.43bn Lango: 10,549 claimants received shs. 43.02bn Teso: 10,038 claimants received shs. 55.79bn The event was also graced by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, among others.

2025-10-03

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RALLIES LANGO, PROMISES WEALTH CREATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE NEXT TERM

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Presidential Flagbearer for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the 2026 general elections, has concluded his second day of campaigning in the Lango sub-region with twin rallies in Amolatar and Dokolo districts. Addressing thousands of supporters at Dokolo Technical School grounds on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, President Museveni urged Ugandans to renew their trust in him and the NRM government, citing areas of achievements and outlining new pledges aimed at propelling the country into middle-income status. The rally, attended by senior government officials, party leaders, and defectors from opposition parties, marked a high-energy continuation of his regional campaign trail under the theme “Protecting the gains as we make a qualitative leap into a high middle-income status.” President Museveni’s central message in Dokolo revolved around wealth creation and household incomes, which he described as the “medicine for Uganda’s prosperity.” He lamented that despite economic progress, many Ugandans still engage in subsistence farming, working merely for survival. “The problem we have had since 2013 is that 68% of the people in Uganda were working only to eat, for the stomach. If you only work for the stomach, where do you get money to buy clothes and do other things for yourself?” President Museveni asked, drawing applause from the crowd. He further called for all households to embrace commercial agriculture and other income-generating activities. Using practical examples, President Museveni highlighted success stories from Lango, including a farmer named Okello from Amolatar who earns substantially from commercial agriculture, and a woman named Apio who transformed her life after investing the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in maize and livestock. “These are testimonies of how small support, when properly utilized, can change families forever,” H.E. Museveni said. The NRM’s Presidential candidate devoted a significant portion of his address to the Parish Development Model PDM, a flagship program that allocates UGX 100 million to each parish annually to support household wealth creation. President emphasized that unlike commercial bank loans with high interest rates, PDM funds are meant to give Ugandans time to grow enterprises before repayment. “If it was money from lenders, you borrow one million shillings and after a year you pay up to five million shillings. But PDM money is payable after two years because we want you to plant, harvest, and get money to pay back,” he explained. He further announced a proposed increment of UGX 15 million per parish in the next term, specifically earmarked for local leaders, who had previously not directly benefited from the scheme. The President also cautioned against mismanagement of PDM resources. “Don’t let anyone play around with this PDM money. If anybody tries to, expose them and we arrest them,” President Museveni warned. The President further encouraged the people of Lango to adopt the four-acre farming model, an initiative from the 1996 NRM manifesto. Under this model, one acre is planted with coffee, another with fruits, one for pasture to support dairy farming, and one for food crops. Additional small ventures such as poultry, piggery, and fish farming on the periphery of wetlands could further boost incomes. “Even if you don’t have a tarmac road in your village, you can still be rich. Wealth begins at the homestead. That is what I want to emphasize here,” President Museveni stressed, further advising communities to use wetlands responsibly by prioritizing irrigation and fish farming over destructive rice cultivation. Turning to education, President Museveni reflected on how limited opportunities were in the 1960s compared to today. The President hailed NRM’s expansion of schools across Uganda, from primary to secondary, and pledged further investment in human capital development. “When I was at Ntare School in 1961, we had boys from Lango because in the whole of Uganda there were only six A-Level schools - Kisubi, Buddo, Ntare for boys, then Namagunga, Gayaza and Nabbingo. Now you check how many schools you have in Lango,” he said. He also touched on health services, acknowledging challenges such as drug theft in health centers, which he said could be tackled through community vigilance. “If I get my people of God to monitor, we can stop drug theft. We must work together to end this problem,” President Museveni said. The President cited the country’s infrastructure gains as one of the NRM’s enduring legacies. He recalled that when NRM took power in 1986, electricity only reached Lira. Today, he said, it extends to all major centers in the region. The growth of telecommunication also stood out in his speech. He recounted a 1979 mission to Iraq with the late Akena Pajok, where they were shocked to learn Iraq had 800,000 telephones compared to Uganda’s 40,000 at the time. “In 1986, we had 23,000 telephones. Today, we have 28 million. All of you now have telephones in your pockets,” President Museveni said, linking connectivity to economic empowerment. On roads, the President pledged to work on the Lango–Namasale road to reduce travel time to Kampala, as well as upgrade the Lira–Barlege road. President Museveni tied job creation to wealth generation, arguing that when households engage in commercial farming and enterprise, they not only improve their own welfare but also create jobs for others. He cited examples like Joseph Ijara from Serere, who reportedly makes UGX 1 billion annually with UGX 800 million in profits while employing numerous Ugandans. “Therefore, my recommendation is for all families to join the money economy using the PDM, then we shall add on some interventions,” he said. The President also addressed the long-standing issue of cattle compensation in northern Uganda, a grievance dating back to the insurgencies. He appreciated the people of Lango for welcoming his proposal of 5 cows per affected household. He acknowledged receipt of reports of affirmation from Teso and Lango sub-regions, who are supporting it. “Therefore, I have directed the government and the technical team to see how to implement it. We may not do it in one year, but we shall cover everybody with time. Please support the NRM again. NRM are not talkers, they’re doers,” President Museveni said. “Even this corruption we can fight it, for example, the stealing of drugs in the health centers, we can manage it in the 2000 health centers across the country if I were to get my people of God who will check for me the stealing of those drugs. Let's think about it. How can we stop the stealing of drugs? Let's discuss it,” he added. At the Dokolo rally, President Museveni, in his capacity as NRM national chairman, handed party flags to parliamentary flagbearers from the district and welcomed several defectors from opposition parties. Local leaders assured him of overwhelming support in the region. Mr. Geoffrey Opio Ekong, the NRM chairperson for Dokolo, boldly promised to deliver up to 100% of the votes for President Museveni. “Our target is to give you 85% or even 100% of the votes. It is possible in Dokolo,” Mr. Ekong said. The rally also featured endorsements from prominent leaders, such as Rt. Hon. Anita Among, Speaker of Parliament and NRM Vice Chairperson for Women, who praised the government for establishing a good road network in the Lango districts. Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, Government Chief Whip and Ajuri County MP, highlighted the region’s three fundamental gains under the NRM: peace, development, and wealth creation. He cited infrastructure projects such as Akibua Stadium, Lira University, and the ongoing Lira–Kamdini road upgrade. The NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong rallied supporters to protect the party’s gains, while other dignitaries, including Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Youth Minister, Hon. Balam Barugahara, and several cultural leaders, attended in solidarity. Having energized supporters in Amolatar and Dokolo, President Museveni’s next stop in the Lango campaign trail is Otuke and Alebtong districts, where he is expected to continue reinforcing the NRM’s message of stability, development, and wealth creation. By the end of the week, the President is expected to have traversed all nine districts and Lira City in the Lango sub-region, cementing his campaign foundation in northern Uganda.

2025-10-02

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES WEALTH CREATION, EDUCATION REFORMS AND FISHERIES BOOST

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today outlined the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) achievements and future commitments in wealth creation, health, education, and fisheries as he held his first campaign rally in Lango Sub-region in Amolatar District. Reflecting on the NRM’s 40-year journey, President Museveni said the party’s work can be summarized under the immense development achieved so far, which has transformed livelihoods. He recalled that in 2013, only 68% of Ugandans were engaged in the money economy, prompting him to launch Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and subsequent wealth creation programs years later. He cited success stories such as that of Apio from Lira, who received one million shillings, hired land, planted maize, and eventually expanded into sheep rearing after discovering a ready market among South Sudanese. President Museveni urged Ugandans to broaden their view of employment beyond government jobs. “In colonial times, people thought that being a clerk was the only job. That is wrong. A farmer who feeds the nation has a job. Agriculture is a job. Fishing is a job. When you create wealth, you also create jobs,” he said. The President also praised Uganda’s immunization efforts, which have eradicated diseases like polio, but expressed concern over theft of drugs in health centers. “These health centers are not in Congo or Sudan; they are here with us. Stop stealing drugs. I will set up my own spy network to catch those stealing government drugs and even Parish Development Model (PDM) money,” he warned. Turning to education, President Museveni admitted that government schools have been undermined by school charges that drive children out of classrooms. He highlighted the achievements of the Presidential Zonal Skilling Hubs, which provide free training in skills such as carpentry, welding, bakery, shoemaking, and construction. “When I started the skilling hubs, children who had lost hope came back. In just six months, they are producing quality products. I want to appeal to the NRM fraternity: in the next government, let’s abolish school charges. We shall recruit 50,000 more teachers to remove shortages,” he said. He emphasized day schooling in government schools as the best model for Uganda’s future. “One primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county is enough. Boarding schools bring unnecessary costs that have nothing to do with education,” President Museveni stressed. The President underlined the importance of national unity in supporting markets for goods and services. “If the Acholi grow simsim, who will buy it? That is why the NRM hates tribalism. You need a united market for whatever you produce,” he said. Addressing a long-standing grievance in Northern Uganda, President Museveni confirmed that the government had adopted his proposal of compensating five cows per homestead. “I have already instructed the government to work on it. We shall do it slowly, but it will be done,” he said. On fisheries, President Museveni pledged more support for fishing communities through a specialized SACCO. He also encouraged fish farming as a better use of wetlands. “I saw people planting rice in swamps — that is a misuse of wetlands. Fishponds will give you much more. In Limoto, farmers are earning over 70 million shillings. The government will raise money for fishponds in Lango, Teso, Busoga, and Bukedi,” he said, adding that only the government can handle the high capital requirements of large-scale fish farming. Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, thanked President Museveni for restoring peace in Northern Uganda. The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua echoed the rally’s theme of “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status”, urging the people of Lango to support President Museveni to consolidate peace and development. He also revealed plans to build a technical school in Amolatar District in memory of the late Latigo Olara, in line with the government's plan of one technical school per district. Amolatar LCV Chairman, Mr. Geoffrey Ocen requested the President to upgrade health facilities and accelerate cattle compensation process, while also promising to deliver “100% votes” for him from Amolatar.

2025-10-01

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES WEALTH CREATION, EDUCATION REFORMS AND FISHERIES BOOST

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today outlined the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) achievements and future commitments in wealth creation, health, education, and fisheries as he held his first campaign rally in Lango Sub-region in Amolatar District. Reflecting on the NRM’s 40-year journey, President Museveni said the party’s work can be summarized under the immense development achieved so far, which has transformed livelihoods. He recalled that in 2013, only 68% of Ugandans were engaged in the money economy, prompting him to launch Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and subsequent wealth creation programs years later. He cited success stories such as that of Apio from Lira, who received one million shillings, hired land, planted maize, and eventually expanded into sheep rearing after discovering a ready market among South Sudanese. President Museveni urged Ugandans to broaden their view of employment beyond government jobs. “In colonial times, people thought that being a clerk was the only job. That is wrong. A farmer who feeds the nation has a job. Agriculture is a job. Fishing is a job. When you create wealth, you also create jobs,” he said. The President also praised Uganda’s immunization efforts, which have eradicated diseases like polio, but expressed concern over theft of drugs in health centers. “These health centers are not in Congo or Sudan; they are here with us. Stop stealing drugs. I will set up my own spy network to catch those stealing government drugs and even Parish Development Model (PDM) money,” he warned. Turning to education, President Museveni admitted that government schools have been undermined by school charges that drive children out of classrooms. He highlighted the achievements of the Presidential Zonal Skilling Hubs, which provide free training in skills such as carpentry, welding, bakery, shoemaking, and construction. “When I started the skilling hubs, children who had lost hope came back. In just six months, they are producing quality products. I want to appeal to the NRM fraternity: in the next government, let’s abolish school charges. We shall recruit 50,000 more teachers to remove shortages,” he said. He emphasized day schooling in government schools as the best model for Uganda’s future. “One primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county is enough. Boarding schools bring unnecessary costs that have nothing to do with education,” President Museveni stressed. The President underlined the importance of national unity in supporting markets for goods and services. “If the Acholi grow simsim, who will buy it? That is why the NRM hates tribalism. You need a united market for whatever you produce,” he said. Addressing a long-standing grievance in Northern Uganda, President Museveni confirmed that the government had adopted his proposal of compensating five cows per homestead. “I have already instructed the government to work on it. We shall do it slowly, but it will be done,” he said. On fisheries, President Museveni pledged more support for fishing communities through a specialized SACCO. He also encouraged fish farming as a better use of wetlands. “I saw people planting rice in swamps — that is a misuse of wetlands. Fishponds will give you much more. In Limoto, farmers are earning over 70 million shillings. The government will raise money for fishponds in Lango, Teso, Busoga, and Bukedi,” he said, adding that only the government can handle the high capital requirements of large-scale fish farming. Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, thanked President Museveni for restoring peace in Northern Uganda. The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua echoed the rally’s theme of “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status”, urging the people of Lango to support President Museveni to consolidate peace and development. He also revealed plans to build a technical school in Amolatar District in memory of the late Latigo Olara, in line with the government's plan of one technical school per district. Amolatar LCV Chairman, Mr. Geoffrey Ocen requested the President to upgrade health facilities and accelerate cattle compensation process, while also promising to deliver “100% votes” for him from Amolatar.

2025-10-01