PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES OFFICER CADETS TO UPHOLD HEALTH, DISCIPLINE, PATRIOTISM AND MILITARY COMPETENCE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today presided over the commissioning of 352 officer cadets of intake 04/22-25 and professional Cadet short course intake 08/25 at the Uganda Military Academy Kabamba, Mubende District. In his address, President Museveni who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) urged the cadets to live by four guiding principles — health, discipline, patriotism (uzalendo), and military competence — as they begin their careers in the army. The President noted that without good health, soldiers cannot endure the rigors of military service, stressing that cadets must avoid lifestyles that compromise fitness. He emphasized discipline as the cornerstone of military effectiveness, since soldiers operate in groups, not as individuals. He further called on the officers to embrace uzalendo, or patriotism, as the unshakable commitment to defend their country. Finally, the President underscored the importance of competence in modern warfare, reminding the officers that advanced armies now operate in four domains — land forces, naval forces, air forces, and emerging cyber/space capabilities. “There is no option for Africa but to master these phases,” he said, urging the UPDF to continue adapting to evolving global standards of defense. The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, commended President Museveni for providing strategic leadership to the UPDF. He said the President’s vision has transformed the army into a professional and disciplined force, capable of ensuring Uganda’s stability and contributing to regional peace. The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba hailed the commissioning as a renewal of the UPDF and a reinforcement of its institutional strength. He pledged the army’s loyalty to President Museveni and assured Ugandans that the UPDF would remain steadfast in safeguarding the country. “We pledge to always stand by you, to follow your command, and to support you unreservedly in your mission to transform Uganda from an underdeveloped country into a modern, first-world nation,” Gen. Muhoozi said. He praised the cadets for their courage in choosing a path of service and sacrifice, noting: “To be a soldier is the highest vocation in the whole of human experience. Nothing else compares.” The CDF highlighted welfare improvements within the force, including better accommodation, uniforms, transport and logistics, and expanded access to education and health services. He revealed that the UPDF National Referral Hospital has already started offering outpatient services ahead of its official commissioning. Gen. Muhoozi reminded the graduates that the commissioning was only the beginning of a lifelong journey of training and service. “We will continue to sharpen your skills until you become the best warriors and commanders, ready to face whatever challenges may arise in the line of duty. The UPDF has never failed in any mission, and we expect you to uphold this tradition,” he said. The Commandant of Uganda Military Academy- Kabamba, Brig. Gen. Saad Katemba, congratulated the graduates on their resilience and successful completion of training. He reported that a total of 352 cadets were commissioned, comprising 105 graduates of the Bachelor of Defence Studies program, 218 professional cadets, 11 trained abroad, and 18 drawn from sister countries including Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Kenya, and the Central African Republic. He also noted that the Bachelor of Defence Studies program, running for three years, combines academic study with intensive military training in tactics, leadership, administration, survival, and skills at arms. The professional cadet course lasted between six and eight months. Brig. Gen. Katemba further noted that plans are underway to improve infrastructure in the area, including upgrading the road connecting Kabamba to Kalama, to support training and logistics.

2025-10-06

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

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

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

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