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

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

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

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI IMPLORES BUSOGA TO SHUN DISUNITY, POLITICS OF IDENTITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cautioned the people of Busoga against disunity and politics of identity, explaining that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) doesn't believe in such, that's why it came up with the four core principles; Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic Transformation and democracy. President Museveni made the appeal on Friday 26 September 2025 while meeting leaders, mobilizers, government officials, religious leaders, informal sector groups and the private sector from Busoga Sub-region at State Lodge Nakasero, Kampala led by Haj. Faruk Kirunda whom the President commended for serving government diligently and the people of Uganda without discrimination in tribe and religion. “This is what leaders are supposed to do and not to divide the people or to promote sectarianism, the President advised”. The President also reiterated that, in Busoga, the government has set up several infrastructures such as good roads and factories to steer development in the sub-region. “It's not true for some people to say that the NRM government has done nothing for Busoga. Many factories have been set up in the subregion in areas like Jinja, Njeru and Masese with the purpose of development,” he said. “Many new roads have been worked on, and the old ones have been or are being rehabilitated like the Jinja-Kamuli road, Musita-Mayuge-Busia Road, Iganga-Mbale, among other roads.” President Museveni assured them that the road from Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli is going to be tarmacked as well as that from Kimaka-Mbulamuti-Kamuli. He also tasked the leaders to sensitize their people to utilize the funds from government empowerment programs well in order to fight poverty. “The government has injected a lot of funds in programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and SACCOs, among other initiatives. These programs will continue running and the leaders should audit performance of these programs,” he said. “Therefore, you should use this opportunity from the government and work to uplift your lives.” On the issue of electricity, the President said that many households across Busoga have been able to get connected and this is due to the fact the government has been able to set up additional power dams, apart from the Owen Falls Dam and to expand the National grid to all the regions in the country. On the other hand, President Museveni appealed to the people of Busoga to support the NRM and all its candidates in the forthcoming general elections for more development. During the meeting, Ms. Namutamba Resty withdrew from the Luuka Woman Member of Parliament race in favor of Ms. Nabirye Annet, the NRM flag bearer. Also, Haji Jafari Basajabalaba withdrew from the LC 5 race of Bushenyi District in favor of the NRM flag bearer, Tumwebaze Prosper. The President commended them for accepting to withdraw from the race in favor of the flag bearers saying that this is in line with the NRM principles. “Vote for leaders who promote unity amongst our people but not divisionism,” the President said. President Museveni tasked religious leaders who attended the meeting to spread the gospel of peace and unity among believers. He said the peace that was brought by the NRM government, was paramount in the country and Ugandans needed to preserve it in all ways possible. “This peace we are talking about was brought by the NRM after the liberation struggle where even some people in Busoga were part. We fought to bring stability in our country, and I urge you to sensitize our people, especially the youth, to desist from activities that may cause instability in our country,” he noted before wishing them a peaceful election. President Museveni further thanked the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization, Haji Faruk Kirunda who coordinated the meeting, for mobilizing and promoting unity among the people in the various areas of the country. The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda thanked the President for sparing some time off his busy schedule to meet the group. On his part, Haji Kirunda informed the President that this delegation from Busoga will work collectively to ensure that the sub sub-region develops and is stable. He also assured the informal sector and vendors that the government will support them so that they are able to fight poverty and create wealth through presidential initiatives under State House. The religious leaders pledged to work with the President and the NRM government and assured him that they will mobilize the faithful to desist from the politics of identity but rather take keen interest in embracing government's poverty alleviation programs. The Busoga religious leaders under their umbrella of the Inter-religious Council though Bishop Naimanhye Paul Mukembo, thanked President Museveni for hosting them and assured him that the clergy is with him for the development and peace of Uganda. He said the prevailing peace and freedom in the country is the reason why they are able to freely worship anytime they want. Bishop Mukembo also noted that as religious leaders they will be visiting rivaling politicians in the sub-region with the purpose of reconciliation. Among the Bishops who attended were Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo from Tororo, Bishop Munene Edward from the Born-Again Faith in Busoga, Bishop Dr. Naimanhe Mukembo from Busoga Diocese, Bishop Suubi Hannington from Busoga East Diocese, Bishop Dr. Kajura Jimmy from SDA Busoga Field, Vicar General Benedict Wakabi from Jinja Diocese, Sheik Bowa Muhamad Hussein the Regional Mufti, Rev. Canon Dikange Lazarus representing Central Busoga; Hon. Daudi Migereko representing Elders and Owek. Richard Mafumo the Head of Busoga Clans, among others.

2025-09-29

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI LAUNCHES NRM MANIFESTO 2026–2031, CALLS FOR PROTECTION OF GAINS AND DRIVING UGANDA TO HIGH MIDDLE-INCOME STATUS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the National Chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), has today officially launched the party’s manifesto for the 2026–2031 term. At a grand ceremony hosted at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort Hotel which drew Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, senior NRM officials, party secretariat leaders, under the theme: “Protecting the Gains and Securing a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status”, President Museveni retraced the NRM’s 60-year historical struggle while also laying out ambitious commitments for the next five years. President Museveni expressed gratitude to the NRM delegates for once again entrusting him with leadership. He noted that the party had not only re-elected him as National Chairman for the 2025–2031 term but also nominated him as the flag bearer for the 2026 elections. “I want to thank you for supporting my candidature, first of all, electing me Chairman of the NRM again for another five years, 2025 to 2031, and then also electing me as flag bearer,” H.E. Museveni said, reminding the gathering that the NRM’s role in Uganda’s liberation stretches back decades. He described the liberation struggle between 1965 and 1986 as a decisive period when NRM leaders risked all to free the country from dictatorship and chaos. The President declared that the NRM’s most important gift to Uganda has been peace and security, which has been assured largely by the people of Uganda—the wanainchi—and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). “Our army is very strong. Nobody can bring war here. If you bring war here, we will destroy you,” he stated firmly, drawing applause. President Museveni also cautioned that peace must be distinguished from security. He acknowledged that crime, particularly theft, continues to frustrate citizens and undermine the government’s development programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM). “People get money for PDM. They buy pigs, goats, chicken—they are stolen. And you find the policemen colluding with the thieves. The judiciary releases them. You leaders should not accept this in your areas,” President Museveni warned. He urged leaders to enforce discipline and reject any culture of leniency towards crime. “Any thief who steals properties of the villages must go to jail and stay there and pay for what he has stolen before he comes out. Be very strict—don’t play around.” Beyond peace and security, President Museveni highlighted three pillars of Uganda’s transformation; development, infrastructure, and wealth creation. He explained that development covers both economic and social infrastructure: roads, electricity, schools, hospitals, and ICT. Wealth creation, however, remains the key to consolidating the NRM’s legacy. “You, the leaders, should really know that to strengthen the NRM more and durably, you must do what we in the student movement did in the 1960s when we started the campaign in the cattle corridor,” President recalled. He narrated how the cattle corridor, once plagued by nomadism and poverty, was transformed through dairy farming campaigns into a prosperous region. “Despite infrastructure challenges, regions like Ngoma and Matongo are now prosperous, with residents owning cars and having money,” H.E. Museveni said. With 40 million acres of arable land, he stressed that Uganda has the capacity to create over 105 million jobs if even 7 million acres are properly utilized. “There will be so many jobs that even refugees in the camps will get out and work,” he quipped. On the matter of employment, President Museveni criticized the outflow of Ugandans to the Middle East in search of jobs. He insisted that Uganda has enough opportunities if productivity is maximized. “People going to the Middle East to look for jobs—what are you going to look for? The Middle East should be coming here to work. You leave jobs here, you go to work in the Middle East,” he remarked, provoking laughter and nods among delegates. The President also highlighted Uganda’s scientific innovations, especially in health. He said that Ugandan scientists have developed medicines for cancer, diabetes, malaria, and other global diseases. “Our people have discovered medicines; we are going to save the world from so many problems,” he said, framing science and innovation as another frontier of Uganda’s transformation. The NRM First National Vice Chairperson, Al-Haji Moses Kigongo, thanked President Museveni for accepting to run again for Presidency and assured him of victory in the 2026 elections. “We are ready. The country is ready. And I can assure Your Excellency that we are going to win the election,” Alhaji Kigongo said. He however cautioned party members against indiscipline and infighting. “If we don’t pull up on discipline, things might be difficult for us. I appeal to you, honorable members, first of all, to love one another. Let us work together. This infighting must stop and stop now. Let us move together as one group,” he urged. The Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson Rt. Hon. Anita Among praised President Museveni’s visionary leadership and consistency, saying the NRM’s evolution from the 10-Point Programme has been deliberate and transformative. “It is now time for us to protect the gains we have registered in the transformation of our beloved country,” she emphasized. The NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong explained that the 2026–2031 manifesto, themed “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into Higher Middle-Income Status”, builds systematically on past manifestos. Reflecting on the party’s history, Rt. Hon. Todwong reminded members that NRM manifestos have evolved consistently since 1986, beginning with the famous 10-Point Programme that emphasized democracy, security, national unity, elimination of sectarianism, economic independence, and social services restoration. From “Tackling the Tasks Ahead” in 1996, to “Prosperity for All” in 2006, “Peace, Unity and Transformation for Prosperity” in 2011, “Steady Progress” in 2016, and “Securing Your Future” in 2021, the NRM has maintained consistency, he argued. “The size of the economy has doubled in spite of global shocks such as COVID-19 and disruption in external markets,” Rt. Hon. Todwong said, projecting that by the end of FY 2025/26, Uganda’s economy will expand to Shs. 254.2 trillion ($66.1 billion). He dedicated significant time to highlighting achievements from the outgoing 2021–2026 manifesto, which carried the theme “Securing Your Future.” He said: Poverty levels declined from 21.4% in 2016 to 16.1% in 2025, Jobs rose from 258,286 in 2020/21 to 345,039 by 2025, recovering from COVID-19 disruptions and the Ugandan Shilling remained the most stable currency in Africa in 2024/25. He added that factories increased to 50,000, up from 37,559 in 2019/20, export earnings reached $13.3 billion in 2024/25, driven by coffee, gold, dairy, cocoa, and manufactured goods and electricity generation rose to 2,051 MW in 2024, powered by Karuma and Isimba hydropower plants. About health, Rt. Hon. Todwong said life expectancy improved to 68 years from 45 in 1986; maternal and infant mortality drastically declined and UPE and USE boosted school enrollment to 9.1 million learners by 2025, while literacy rates rose to 74%. “These are not just numbers—they are lives transformed,” he said. Looking ahead, Rt. Hon. Todwong outlined the core themes of the new manifesto. He also announced that PDM funding for Greater Kampala Metropolitan will rise to Shs. 300 million per parish, with special grants for persons with disabilities, village leaders, and religious leaders. On education, Rt. Hon. Todwong pledged curriculum reforms to focus on job creators, recruitment of 49,406 new teachers, and progressive salary enhancement for civil servants, including arts teachers. On governance, he reiterated zero tolerance to corruption, decentralization, land reforms, and stronger security guarantees. Regionally, NRM committed to supporting East African political federation, a single currency, and the elimination of non-tariff barriers.

2025-09-29

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI GRACES YOWERI MUSIC ALBUM LAUNCH

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, yesterday presided over the launch of the Yoweri Music Album at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. The event was organized by the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) under the leadership of Edrisa Musuza, popularly known as Eddy Kenzo. President Museveni thanked Eddy Kenzo and Minister of State for Mineral Development, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro for organizing the creative industry, noting that while the government may not do everything, it can contribute to its growth. He expressed delight at the diversity of the album, which features songs in different indigenous languages representing all regions of Uganda. He explained that when the NRM government took power, it began with basics like health and peace, adding that the creative industry is now thriving because of the stability and good health care the government has ensured. He stressed that the sector had not been forgotten, but rather, with things stabilized, the government is now ready to fully support it. “I am happy for the indigenous songs; the music is very good, I like it. This is a gold mine, and I shall support it,” President Museveni said. He further assured the musicians that the government would enhance its support to the creative industry after the elections. “We shall support you, even if you want 20 or 30 billion, as long as it is a one-time investment,” he noted. In his remarks, Eddy Kenzo expressed gratitude to the President for honoring their invitation, saying the album was prepared as a gesture of appreciation. He acknowledged that the creative industry cannot thrive without peace, which he credited President Museveni for ensuring. Kenzo also hailed the President as “the most hardworking human being I have ever seen,” praising his relentless efforts in holding meetings and driving transformation to guarantee peace and stability in Uganda. Reflecting on his personal journey, Kenzo thanked the President for giving all Ugandans a platform to shine, noting that even as a former street child with little formal education, he has been able to build a successful career from his talent. He further assured the President that the support extended to the Uganda National Musicians Federation has been put to good use. He explained that the funds helped establish regional studios, build common user facilities, and strengthen their SACCO, ensuring that musicians across the country benefit. The album launch was attended by cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, music promoters, comedians, artists, and other key stakeholders in the creative industry.

2025-09-28