PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CALLS FOR GLOBAL HARMONY, PROSPERITY, AND MUTUAL COOPERATION AT NAM MINISTERIAL MEETING

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the world to focus on mutually beneficial cooperation and shared prosperity rather than domination and ideological conflict. He said this on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while chairing the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme: “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.” The meeting, which runs from October 13 to 16, 2025, brings together Ministers of Foreign Affairs from NAM’s 121 member states, alongside representatives from the United Nations, African Union, and other multilateral institutions. The conference serves as the Midterm Review Meeting following Uganda’s successful hosting of the 19th NAM Summit in January 2024. President Museveni, who is also the Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement, hailed the foresight of NAM’s founding leaders, saying their decision to pursue neutrality during the Cold War established a vital principle for global peace and cooperation. “I salute the Non-Aligned Movement. Our elders who started it did us a great service because they achieved neutrality,” H.E. Museveni said. “At that time, there was a conflict between the socialist camp and the capitalist camp, and our elders said, ‘No, we want to be neutral. We want to judge issues on merit.’ That helped us then, and it is even more important today.” He warned that the ambitions of hegemonism, where some powers attempt to control the world, were outdated and counterproductive. “Anybody who thinks they should control the world is wasting their time,” he said. President Museveni further emphasized the need for the global community to concentrate on “minimum mutually beneficial interests” such as trade, investment, and tourism, areas that unite rather than divide nations. “My advice to people in the world is that we concentrate on minimum mutually beneficial interests: trade, investments, tourism, and mutual support in any other area. Where we don’t agree, let us act by good example and not coercion. If you think you are right, show it by doing things properly in your own country so that others learn from you,” he said. Drawing inspiration from Christian teachings, quoting scripture: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father who is in heaven”, President Museveni explained that positive examples, not force, should guide relations among nations. He recalled the Thirty Years’ War in Europe, triggered by religious intolerance during the Middle Ages, and the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after failed attempts to suppress emerging social systems. “When one of the kings of England wanted to become Protestant, the Pope refused to allow anyone to change from Catholicism, and that caused a lot of chaos,” he said. “In the end, the Pope failed.” “When capitalism emerged in France after the Revolution, Metternich of Austria-Hungary tried to stop it but failed. Where is Austria-Hungary today? It disappeared because it wanted to stop the evolution of history, which is impossible,” H.E. Museveni stated, adding that each nation should be free to determine its own social and political systems. The President used examples from global industrial history to underscore how advancements in science and technology benefit all humanity rather than a select few. “Once there is an advance in the control of nature through science, we should be very happy, and there should be no conflict. I don't see why anybody would worry that country X and B, and C have come out of poverty and are more prosperous. After all, if you want to do business, why do you want to do business with a poor man, a poor partner? How much will he buy from you? Why don't we want all our partners to be prosperous so that you can do better business?” President Museveni said. He cited the example of China’s transformation, which he said indirectly benefited Uganda and other developing nations by making technology and materials such as steel more affordable. Turning to Africa’s economic situation, President Museveni reiterated his long-standing argument that global prosperity depends on raising purchasing power in all regions. “If Africa’s GDP per capita was $20,000, we would have a total GDP of about $30 trillion. At $25,000, it would reach $45 trillion. That would not only make Africa richer but would benefit our trading partners because we would buy more from them,” President Museveni explained. He urged NAM countries to promote industrialization, science, and human resource development to achieve equitable global affluence. The President also expressed gratitude to NAM member states for entrusting Uganda with the chairmanship. “We are very happy that you have come to Uganda in such big numbers. I thank you for honoring us with the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement. When I look around and see all of us together, I believe we may be the hope of the world,” he said. He emphasized that the movement’s unity, grounded in equality and mutual respect, can serve as a foundation for a fairer world order. The meeting also heard from representatives of the United Nations and the African Union, who commended Uganda for its active leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement and reaffirmed the relevance of NAM in the current multipolar world. The representative of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, congratulated Uganda for its successful stewardship of the movement. He praised NAM’s role in promoting dialogue, diplomacy, and South-South cooperation. H.E. Ambassador Musa Mohamed Omar, representing H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, also lauded Uganda’s leadership and NAM’s enduring vision. He noted that countries benefiting from the current world order were defending an unfair status quo and urged the Global South to stand united in reforming global governance. “Those who benefit from the current world order are defending the status quo. But if we put our efforts in common and align our vision with other frameworks such as the G77 plus China, we will be able to influence the construction of a new, fairer world order,” Ambassador Omar said. He emphasized that the African Union remains steadfast in supporting countries affected by coercive unilateral measures, calling them obstacles to peace and development. The January 2024 NAM Summit in Kampala, attended by over 120 member states and observers, was widely hailed as a diplomatic success that reaffirmed the movement’s role as a bridge between the Global North and South. This week’s Midterm Review Meeting is expected to build on those outcomes, with discussions centered on peacebuilding, technology transfer, trade facilitation, and climate resilience. The Non-Aligned Movement was founded in 1961 in Belgrade by leaders including Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia), Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt), Sukarno (Indonesia), and Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana). Its objective was to maintain independence from the power blocs of the Cold War while promoting peace, sovereignty, and cooperation among developing nations. Today, NAM remains the second-largest grouping of countries after the United Nations, representing over 55% of the global population and two-thirds of UN member states.

2025-10-15

COL. NAKALEMA HAILS JAPAN FOR CONTRIBUTING HIGHLY TO UGANDA'S ECONOMY

The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema has today hosted the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, H.E Sasayama Takuya at the unit's offices in Kampala. During the courtesy call, the Ambassador was accompanied by his First Secretary, Mr. Hiroyuki Hayashi and a highly valued investor, Mr. Kan Yamamoto, the General Manager of Sumitomo Corporation. Col. Nakalema informed her guests that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is very cognizant of the role that foreign missions like that of Japan play in promoting investment opportunities in Uganda. “It is therefore our honour to have you visit us this afternoon and we are grateful that you are open to discussing how we can make Uganda even friendlier to Japanese investors,” she said, adding that the President established the unit in May, 2023 to specifically expedite government services to investors. Col. Nakalema also revealed that the unit was particularly grateful for the cooperation which the government of Uganda has enjoyed with Japan especially in the area of infrastructure. “We thank the government of Japan for the support towards the construction of the spectacular and modern bridge across the Nile in Jinja. In terms of business, I'm aware that in 2024, Uganda imported about USD 449.15 million worth of goods from Japan. This volume of transactions signifies the strong economic relations between the two countries,” she stated. Col. Nakalema further noted that on part of Uganda, the country has made efforts to boost investments from Japan through strategic initiatives including the Uganda National Day in Japan and the World Expo 2025. “In addition, meeting with the Head of the Mission as it is happening today is definitely instrumental in assisting our unit to strengthen its role to coordinate Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) so as to expeditiously resolve any unnecessary delays experienced by investors,” she said. “We are therefore positive that your coming over this afternoon will take us forward in realizing our common aspirations as entities designated to safeguard the interests of investors. We are grateful for your time and commitment to promote collaboration between the economy of Japan and the Republic of Uganda through investment.” In the same meeting, Col. Nakalema highlighted the role of the Electronic Investors Protection Portal (EIPP) in protecting the investors from fraud and frustrations during the investment process. EIPP is an online platform managed by the unit to empower investors to get authentic information, inquire, verify and receive feedback. On his part, H.E. Takuya expressed gratitude for the great bilateral relations between Uganda and Japan. He said Japan has been part and parcel in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries through different initiatives such as investments and hosting several developmental engagements. H.E Takuya assured Col. Nakalema that he will create awareness of the EIPP to the Japanese investors, saying that it will be very useful as far as investing in Uganda is concerned. He also promised to bring in more investors to Uganda. “This year is very significant for Japan and Uganda’s relationship. Uganda’s Vice President and the Prime Minister visited Japan recently. I have also visited the SHIPU to introduce more investors who can invest in Uganda,” the Ambassador said.

2025-10-15

BENEFICIARIES OF PRESIDENTIAL INDUSTRIAL SKILLING HUBS TRAINED IN PROPER MANAGEMENT OF PRESIDENT MUSEVENI'S SHS8.8 BILLION EMPOWERMENT FUNDS

State House Officials led by Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, the Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs have today met and held discussions with beneficiaries of the Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs, SACCO leaders and district leaders from Greater Masaka, Mubende and Mukono at Mengo Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Kayunga District. The deliberations focused on training the beneficiaries on how best they can utilise the Shs8.8 billion which President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recently injected into the various districts SACCOs, with an aim of supporting the beneficiaries of the hubs to start up small enterprises after the 6-months skills training. Representing, Ms. Jane Barekye, the State House Comptroller, Eng. Kamugisha revealed that each SACCO under the various industrial skilling hubs around the country received Sh50 million and beneficiaries of the initiative will borrow the funds from their respective SACCOs to start-up income generating projects. “This is an announcement to all the students who trained from these hubs, you are going to get cash, the President has already disbursed Shs8.8billion for you,” he said. “We have 19 hubs across the country with 176 administrative units, and these include districts, cities and municipalities and they are all beneficiaries.” Eng. Kamugisha further assured the trainees that if capital has been their only challenge, the President has now addressed the issue. He further cautioned the eligible beneficiaries against misusing the funds. “Every qualified beneficiary will receive their share after the ongoing training across all industrial hubs is complete. Your share will be deposited in your Wendi account in Post Bank,” he said. Referring to the President’s vision as per his manifesto, Mr. Kamugisha noted that the establishment of a university for TVET is part of the plan for skilling hub students aimed at enhancing practical education and innovation. He therefore urged the youth to put their skills to productive use. “We can use this small money and become very powerful. The President wants you to use your skills to empower yourselves. That's why he wants to put a university for skilling,” Eng. Kamugisha told the trainees. He added that those who trained in welding and other simpler courses would each receive Shs1.5 million as a loan while those in advanced courses like shoe-making that require machinery would be supported in pairs so that they work together and succeed. Eng. Kamugisha further assured the trainees that the initiative will continue beyond the current phase. He said that the government will continue monitoring the SACCOs to ensure accountability and sustainability. He added that after completion of phase one, a second phase will be launched to assess which beneficiaries are performing well and deserve additional support. “After phase one, we shall level to phase two, we shall monitor and see who is performing well and we shall add them more money,” he said. He concluded by calling on those who don’t have national identity cards registered in their names to get them as this will be a requirement to get a loan. “Those without national identity cards should register, I will go to the office of the Executive Director of NIRA to help those without identity cards get them,” Eng. Kamugisha asserted. Mr. Joseph Lutalo, the Assistant Registrar of Cooperatives from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, emphasized proper management and accountability among the SACCOs and the beneficiaries. “This money is not a reward that you studied from here but a chance since the interest rate is very low, save as soon as you get the money so that you have what to pay back after the one year grace period,” Mr. Lutalo said. On the other hand, Mr. Golooba Lwanga the Manager of Financial Inclusive, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development urged the participants to make sure that the SACCO loans are managed transparently and benefit the intended beneficiaries. “The President has entrusted you with these funds to uplift yourselves, it’s your duty to handle this money with seriousness and honesty, you are not paying anything to get this loan, but if you fail to pay it back and all recovery effort fail, you will be liable to facing the law” he warned. According to Mr. Golooba, the ongoing training across the Presidential Skilling Hubs is aimed at equipping SACCO leaders and beneficiaries with financial management skills to ensure the sustainability of the program. He explained that by training the leaders on how to handle the loans responsibly, the government hopes to prevent mismanagement and maximise the impact of the President’s initiative to fight unemployment among the youth. The loans from the Presidential Skilling SACCOs shall be financed up to an amount approved by the SACCOs board and approval depends on the nature of the trade and available funds. The maximum amount given to each borrower is Shs1.5 million with an annual interest rate of 6 percent. Testimonies were heard from former students of the Skilling Hubs like Sebalamu Isaac who is now a welder in Munyonyo and he is doing well. Having specialized in welding, Sebalamu revealed that the skills he gained have enabled him to start his own workshop and employ other youth in his community. “I want to thank President Museveni for giving us the skilling opportunity. We were recruited on merit and trained for 6 months without paying anything and I’m now able to get money and employ other youth,” he added. Akankwasa Brian Bruno, the former Guild President of Mengo Zonal Industrial Presidential Skilling hub also thanked President Museveni for the initiative. He said he was a senior six dropout but was lucky to get skills in welding. “I want to thank President Museveni for introducing the skilling hubs. I was a senior six drop out without any hopes of ever going back to school, but my aunt informed me of the skilling hubs where I applied and got a chance. I graduated in welding and I now have my own business employing two people and getting profits of Shs20,000 per day.”

2025-10-15

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMENDS STEADY PROGRESS IN MADI-OKOLLO

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hailed the progress made under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government in Madi-Okollo District, noting that peace, development, and expanding infrastructure have set a firm foundation for socio-economic transformation in the region. “When I come to Madi-Okollo and see electricity poles, a functional murrum road, and people holding phones, I feel very happy,” the President said. “In the coming government, if we are elected, the physical and social infrastructure will definitely be expanded. The old roads are being rehabilitated, and new roadworks are in the short- and medium-term plans.” President Museveni, who is the NRM Presidential Flagbearer for the 2026 elections, made the remarks today during a campaign rally in Madi-Okollo. He noted that Madi-Okollo currently has 95 primary schools, 69 of which are government-funded, and 16 secondary schools spread across 32 of the district’s 46 parishes. The President emphasized that these achievements are a result of deliberate and guided NRM policies. He highlighted major infrastructure investments across the West Nile region, emphasizing that road connectivity is key to improving trade, tourism, and household income. Completed projects include the Vurra–Arua–Koboko Road and the Atiak–Adjumani–Umi Road. Ongoing works cover the rehabilitation of Nebbi–Alwii and upgrading of Pakwach and Nebbi Town roads, and the rehabilitation of Olwiyo–Pakwach. He also said that the rehabilitation of Karuma–Olwiyo is ongoing and Koboko, Yumbe Moyo road works are in progress. President Museveni reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring education for all by eliminating illegal charges in public schools and addressing the shortage of teachers. “In the coming government, if you vote for us, we shall recruit over 50,000 teachers to fill gaps and stop the excuse of fees in government schools,” he said. The President added that when schools continued charging fees, he decided to establish Presidential Zonal Skilling Hubs where young people receive six-month hands-on training to create self- employment opportunities. On health, the President pledged to upgrade Rhino Health Centre III to Health Centre IV and build more health facilities, noting that improved social infrastructure complements peace and economic infrastructure. President Museveni further called on residents to embrace the Parish Development Model (PDM) to create household income. “Our next main agenda, which we have already started on, is household poverty alleviation. So far, UGX 14 billion has been disbursed to Madi-Okollo under the PDM scheme alone,” he said. The President also revealed plans to establish special funds for university graduates, religious leaders, and cultural leaders alongside a new fund for fishermen. “For areas near water like Madi-Okollo, the NRM has exciting plans for the goldmine that is fish farming,” he said. The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, thanked the people of Madi-Okollo for turning up in large numbers and reaffirmed the NRM government’s focus on improving household welfare. “When we come together like this, we are grateful to the NRM government for the achievements it has made. The NRM government has built the foundation on which Uganda stands today — schools, hospitals, and roads — and is now going into people’s families to promote wealth,” she said. The NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, Hon. Hamson Obua, applauded President Museveni for taking the lead in transforming Uganda and specifically Madi-Okollo District. He commended the President for prioritizing road construction, electrification, and social services that have improved livelihoods in the region. Madi-Okollo District has 12 Sub-Counties or Town Councils, 46 Parishes, and 287 villages. The population stands at 178,051 according to the 2024 National Population Census. In the last Presidential Elections, the district had 63,404 registered voters, out of which 39,498 (62.3%) voted. His Excellency the President polled 25,779 (69.5%), NUP polled 7,611 (20.5%), while others shared 3,694 (11.1%). In 2025, the number of registered voters has increased to 74,805—an increment of 11,401—while polling stations have risen from 121 in 2021 to 185. Through the Parish Development Model (PDM), Madi-Okollo District, with 46 parishes, has received a cumulative total of Shs. 14,128,900,000, of which Shs. 13,796,576,588 (97.65%) has been disbursed to 13,796 beneficiary households, representing 36% of the total 38,342 households in the district. The district has 69 government primary schools and 26 private primary schools, alongside six government and 10 private secondary schools. All government secondary schools offer Universal Secondary Education and Universal Post Ordinary Level Education and Training programs. A new Seed Secondary School under construction will reduce the number of sub-counties without a government secondary school from six to five. Out of 287 rural villages, 223 have access to safe water, representing 78% coverage. The Aliboro Solar-Powered Irrigation System, now 35% complete, is expected to transform local agriculture by ensuring a reliable water supply for farmers. Planned projects include an earth dam in Yachi, a communal valley tank in Peera, and ongoing design studies for the Aliboro Solar-Powered Irrigation Scheme. Environmental restoration is ongoing under the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate Smart Development (IFPA-CD) program, targeting 2,671 households with 530 hectares of agroforestry systems. A total of 324,338 assorted tree seedlings have already been planted under the Farm Income Enhancement and Forestry Conservation Project (FIEFOC). Madi-Okollo District is now connected to the national electricity grid, marking a major step in energy access and rural transformation.

2025-10-13

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES ARUA TO STAND UNITED WITH NRM, PROMISES MORE DEVELOPMENT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer, has today urged the people of Arua to continue supporting the ruling party, highlighting the party’s role in bringing peace, unity, and development to the region. Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President made the remarks during a campaign rally at Arua City Golf Course, Arua City. The campaign is running under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status”. President Museveni emphasized the tangible progress in education, health, infrastructure, and economic empowerment in Arua District and Arua City. “In Arua District and Arua City there are a total of 120 government primary schools, the primary schools in Arua District are 50 and in Arua City are 70. In Arua District, there are 7 government secondary schools, and 9 in Arua City. For somebody who has been here for a long time, when I see this, I am very happy,” President Museveni said. “In 1961, I was at Ntare School and there were so many boys from West Nile, they were coming to Ntare because there was no single A’ level school in the home of Northern and Eastern Uganda. There were only six A’ level schools in Uganda. So, when I see that in Arua City alone, there are 9, I am very happy.” On the challenges facing education, the President said: “On the issue of education, the children in the Presidential Zonal Skilling Hubs are giving testimonies on how their lives had been ruined. They had left school because of the school charges. So when I started the skilling hubs, they came to study for free. They are now producing good products and skills like shoemaking, metal work, carpentry, building, all just in six months and I teach them for free.” He made an appeal: “So I want to appeal to the NRM fraternity, in the next government, let’s get rid of school charges in government schools. They have been talking about the shortage of government teachers. We shall increase the teachers by 50,000 so that there is no shortage of teachers, and there is no reason for charging money. That’s why we should emphasize day schools, one primary school per parish, one secondary school per sub-county, so that children study and go home.” On health, the President announced that the NRM’s plan in the next government is to upgrade Orivu Health Centre III to a Health Centre IV in Ayivu Division East, and to upgrade Lazebu Health Centre II to a Health Centre III in Arivu Sub-County. President Museveni further stressed the importance of income generation and local production. “If you don’t have income in your homes, you are causing problems for your family but also for your country because the government gets taxes from what you buy. When you have no money, you are not contributing to your family and to your nation,” he said. “Government jobs are only 480,000. Factories alone have created 1.2 million jobs. I really feel sorry for Africa when people call themselves leaders just talking. When you produce a good, who buys what you produce? The internal market is not enough. That’s why the NRM says: let’s have Uganda unite maximally. When I produce milk in Mbarara, I am happy when the people of Arua buy it, so we need a broader market of Uganda, East Africa, and Africa.” The President concluded the rally by handing party flags to NRM flag bearers for Members of Parliament. President Museveni also welcomed 300 new party members who were introduced by Mr. Lawrence Dangote, the NRM flag bearer for the mayorship of Arua City. On her part, the First Lady urged the people of Arua to remain patriotic and support the National Resistance Movement in the upcoming elections. “Thank you for being patriots, for being strong nationalists, for being people who love their homeland, for never forgetting where we have come from, because NRM is a party of the people, for the people of Uganda. Thank you for realizing that and really sticking with NRM,” she said. Maama Janet emphasized the need for deliberate action to ensure Uganda continues to grow. “It is important to be deliberate in everything we are doing so that Uganda can grow from strength to strength as a country. The world has got used to thinking that African countries are weak and confused, that’s why many countries go abroad. But by God’s grace, we shall ensure that Uganda grows from strength to strength.” She reminded citizens of their responsibility on voting day. “Therefore, ensure that no one in your village stays in your house on voting day, and make it your responsibility to ensure that all votes go to NRM. Please know that your vote is for your family, for your children, and for Uganda’s peace. Therefore, vote for President Museveni and for the NRM. Line up with your leaders in your areas.” Maama Janet concluded by thanking Arua residents for their loyalty. “I thank you so much that you have refused to forget. Remember, you have a responsibility to ensure that NRM gets all votes of Arua and vote for Museveni to end the whole line of NRM. I thank you, Arua. God bless you.” Ms. Joyce Amaguru, Arua City NRM Party Chairperson, highlighted the President’s role in transforming the city. “We are grateful, President, for giving us this city, Your Excellency. We are going to talk about the huge many achievements. Thank you for the peace; if you see many people here today, we are grateful to you for giving this peace. We are also grateful because you ushered health for all. A lot of our health facilities have been upgraded, at the same time we have free education for all and tarmacking has been done. Recently you connected our region to the national grid. We have Adumi health centers, and we are in the process of getting a heart and lung institute at Muni University.” On education, Amaguru noted significant progress in schools across Arua. “On the Education Sector in Arua District: There are 50 Government primary schools with 64,668 pupils; 7 Government secondary schools with 3,780 students. In Arua City: 70 Government primary schools with 110,136 pupils; 9 Government secondary schools with 4,616 students. All schools offer Universal Secondary Education (USE) and UPOLET programs. All this has happened because of your private sector development, which is one of your developments.” She also highlighted improvements in water and markets. “In the water sector, we have 15% access to proper water in our households. In the market sector, you helped us and funded, through both government and private sector, the completion of the Ojipala Market (Vurra). A special fund for the PDWs Sh65m and the elderly received Sh20m.” Amaguru appealed for additional support to improve service delivery and pledged loyalty to the NRM. “We can’t thank you enough, Your Excellency. We promise that as Arua City we shall give you, our votes; you can expect 90%.” The NRM Arua District Chairman, Mr. Arion Bonifance expressed his gratitude to President Museveni while highlighting key infrastructure and community needs. Reflecting on his personal experience, Bonifance added: “I was born in Congo, not because I didn’t want to be born in Uganda, but because of the security situation at that time. So, we thank you so much, Your Excellency, for the love that you have given us.” The event was also graced by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-10-13

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES TO FIX ZOMBO ROAD NETWORK, IMPROVE SERVICES AS HE COURTS WEST NILE VOTE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer in the forthcoming 2026 general elections, has promised to address the long-standing problem of poor road infrastructure in Zombo District and to further expand other economic and social facilities in the area. The President, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, pledged on Saturday 11th, October 2025, while addressing a campaign rally at Zombo Upper Primary School playground. The rally drew thousands of residents from across the district and surrounding areas as the NRM leader sought to consolidate support in the West Nile sub-region. President Museveni told the cheering crowd that his government has already made concrete plans to rehabilitate and upgrade the main road network in Zombo, saying the project will commence next year. “The contract for the construction of the road from Nebbi to Zombo will be signed in April 2026. It will then be followed by the road from Zombo to Vura,” President Museveni revealed, drawing loud applause from supporters. He explained that the road from Nebbi through Goli to Zombo and onward to Vura is part of the wider national road network development plan that the NRM government has been implementing progressively across the country. “When NRM came into power, the tarmac road ended at Karuma. We have since extended it to Gulu, and from there to Koboko. From Malaba up to Bundibugyo, from Nimule to Kisoro, the tarmac now stretches across Uganda. The Nebbi–Zombo–Vura Road is part of this plan,” President Museveni said. He dismissed claims that the government had ignored the area, noting that national priorities had first focused on opening up the main transit corridors before extending to interior roads such as those in Zombo. “The Nebbi–Goli road is only 16 kilometers and from Goli to Vura is 118 kilometers. You cannot say NRM cannot do that because we have already done over 1,000 kilometers elsewhere,” he said, adding that maintenance of existing murram roads would continue until all major road projects are completed. President Museveni emphasized that road connectivity is vital for trade and cross-border relations, especially for a district like Zombo which shares boundaries with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan. Peace and Stability: President Museveni used the rally to underline the NRM’s track record in ensuring national stability, asserting that peace remains the foundation for all development efforts. “It is only the NRM that has managed to secure peace from border to border because of our politics of unity and caring for the people,” he said. He recalled that the NRM’s roots go back over six decades, when he and other young activists broke away from the old political parties such as the Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), and Kabaka Yekka (KY) after realizing their limitations. “NRM has been active for 65 years. We saw the problem with the old parties — they were based on religion, tribe, and sectarianism. That is why they failed to manage the country. You cannot build a national army or achieve stability through divisive politics,” President Museveni stated. He cited past instability in Northern Uganda and West Nile, saying that the old armies collapsed because they were built along tribal lines. “Because of sectarianism, even good soldiers like Brigadier Hussein were killed. But now we have peace because of two things — unity and a strong national army,” President Museveni said. He reminded residents that, being close to DRC and South Sudan, they have firsthand experience of the instability in neighboring countries and should appreciate Uganda’s peace. “You know what happens in Congo and South Sudan. Refugees come here because we have peace and stability. That is why NRM must continue,” he said. Expanding access to education in Zombo: On education, the President pledged to ensure that all sub-counties in Zombo District have at least one government secondary school within the next term. Zombo District currently has 15 sub-counties, of which seven have government secondary schools, while eight still lack one. There are eight government secondary schools and one private secondary school serving a total enrollment of about 3,831 students. “In the next term, we shall ensure that all sub-counties without a government school get one,” President Museveni assured. He pointed to the ongoing construction of four Seed Secondary Schools, Atyak, Abanga, Kango, and Alangi — which will significantly reduce the gap once completed. For primary education, the district has 92 government primary schools and 14 private schools spread across 61 parishes, though 17 parishes still lack a government primary school. President Museveni said government efforts will continue until all parishes are adequately covered. Health services: The President also addressed concerns over limited healthcare services in the district, promising to elevate Paidha Health Centre III to Health Centre IV and to follow up on plans for establishing a district hospital in Zombo. “I will take up the issue of your district hospital,” President Museveni assured the crowd. On wealth creation, President Museveni urged residents to take full advantage of the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other government initiatives designed to lift households out of poverty. “Even if we tarmac the roads, and you have no wealth in your homes, it will not benefit you. Everyone must participate in wealth creation,” the President said. He explained that NRM’s philosophy emphasizes both development — such as public infrastructure — and wealth, which is personal and generated within households. “NRM from the beginning added the word ‘wealth’ because it is private and personal. When you go back home after using a tarmac road, poverty will welcome you unless you are productive,” President Museveni said. He noted that Zombo District, with 61 parishes, has so far received Shs 18.7 billion under PDM. Of this, Shs 18.3 billion (97.7%) has been disbursed to 18,646 beneficiary households, representing about 26% of the total 71,491 households in the district. President Museveni said the government plans to increase PDM parish SACCO funding by Shs 15 million to support local leadership and to ensure that more families move from subsistence to the money economy. “What I appeal to you is that every family should get out of poverty. Once you have wealth, you will be able to buy more goods, pay for electricity, and support churches and mosques,” he said. “In football, we have players and spectators. In wealth creation, we don’t want spectators — everyone must be a player.” The President also announced plans to establish a special fund for university graduates who have spent at least two years without employment to enable them to start their own enterprises. He further hinted at creating a fund for church and mosque leaders to support their work in community mobilization. On her part, Maama Janet commended the people of Zombo for supporting government programs and reaffirmed the commitment to improving the education sector. “I thank you for the warm welcome. Let us continue to vote for NRM so that we keep the peace and unity that our children and grandchildren deserve,” she said. “Uganda must remain united and free from divisions. The refugees we host are a reminder that our peace should never be taken for granted.” Consistent support for NRM: Zombo has historically been a stronghold of the NRM, having consistently voted for President Museveni in past elections. In the 2021 presidential elections, President Museveni secured 45,578 votes, representing 76.08% of the total 64,591 votes cast. The National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate polled 9,111 votes (15.2%), while other candidates shared 5,217 votes (8.8%). At the time, Zombo had 123,432 registered voters, with a voter turnout of 52.3%. According to the Electoral Commission register for 2025, the district now has 149,412 registered voters and 363 polling stations, up from 220 in 2021 — reflecting a significant growth in voter registration and administrative expansion. Zombo District, with a population of 312,621 according to the 2024 population census, has two constituencies, 15 sub-counties/town councils, 61 parishes, and 752 villages. Despite its strong NRM support base, local leaders acknowledged that poor road infrastructure remains a major challenge affecting service delivery and mobilization. President Museveni’s rally in Zombo followed his campaign meeting earlier in the day at Namrwodho Primary School in Nebbi District. The NRM presidential flag bearer launched his West Nile campaign trail in Pakwach earlier in the week, focusing on consolidating support and reinforcing NRM’s message of peace, development, and prosperity. The Zombo event was attended by several senior government and party officials, including Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, Minister of State for Investment, Hon. Evelyn Anite, NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, Hon. Dennis Hamson Obua, and NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Region Hon. Jonard Asiimwe, as well as Members of Parliament, religious leaders, and the general public. Hon. Obua urged residents to vote for President Museveni and NRM to sustain the gains made in peace and infrastructure development. “President Museveni knows the plans he has for Zombo District, including the roads and education. Let us protect the peace and development that Northern Uganda has enjoyed for the first time since independence,” Hon. Obua said. The NRM candidate will resume his campaign rallies on Monday next week.

2025-10-12