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

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

2025-11-28

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES STRONGER DISASTER RESPONSE, MORE DEVELOPMENT AND WEALTH CREATION INITIATIVES IN SEBEI

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, on Monday 10th November 2025, held his first rally in the Sebei sub-region as part of his ongoing campaign trail ahead of the 2026 general elections, assuring residents of Bukwo District of stronger government support following the recent landslides that claimed several lives and destroyed property. Addressing thousands of supporters who gathered at Amanang Secondary School playgrounds, the President began by expressing his condolences to families affected by the disaster and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to assist them. “I extend condolences to the people of Bukwo for the death of our people who were swept by landslides in the mountains. We shall support the families of the victims. As President, I have already sent some small support, but the government as a whole will support them even more,” the President said. President Museveni emphasized the ecological and continental significance of Mount Elgon, describing it as one of the “mothers of the River Nile,” whose preservation is vital for Uganda and Africa at large. “This mountain is very precious and important for the Sebei, for Eastern Uganda, and for Africa as a whole,” he said. “All these rivers that start here end up in the Nile. So, we must know how to live and use this mountain wisely.” The President attributed the increasing frequency of landslides in the region to population pressure and unplanned human activity on the slopes. He noted that while population growth is a sign of progress, it calls for responsible land use and environmental management. President Museveni outlined plans to hold a detailed post-election discussion on a sustainable strategy for mountain settlements and livelihoods. He encouraged residents to explore alternative ways of utilizing the mountain beyond agriculture, citing examples from Europe. “Agriculture is not the only way to use this mountain. In Europe, people live in valleys and use the mountains for sports and tourism,” H.E. Museveni said, adding that he will “organize a trip to Europe for some people from Rwenzori and Elgon to see how others live in the Alps.” He cautioned residents against cultivating steep slopes, warning that such practices invite disasters. “The mountain is not the problem. We must learn how to live with it, especially with our bigger population,” he said. Peace and Security: President Museveni, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, reminded the crowd that the NRM’s greatest contribution over the last four decades has been restoring peace and stability across the country. “You, the people of Bukwo, know what lack of peace is,” he said, referring to past insecurity caused by cross-border conflicts with Pokot warriors in Kenya and rebel activity in Mount Elgon. “But now, the whole of Uganda is peaceful from east to south to west, and anybody who tries to bring trouble will be dealt with decisively,” he added. President Museveni credited this peace to the NRM’s ideological clarity, anchored in patriotism and African unity. “We believe in loving Uganda and Africa without caring about religion or tribe,” he said. “If you do good things, you’re with us. If you do bad things, we oppose you.” He added that this principle has enabled Uganda to build strong national institutions such as the army and police, which continue to safeguard the country’s peace and development. Development Gains in Sebei: Roads, Water, and Power President Museveni listed major infrastructure projects implemented under the NRM government to open up the Sebei and Bugisu sub-regions for trade and investment. He noted that despite limited resources in the early years, the government prioritized key road connections linking Mbale, Kapchorwa, and Bukwo. “We pushed from Mbale to Kapchorwa even when we had no money. I used the compensation money from Kenya to construct the Kapchorwa–Mbale road. Later, we constructed Kapchorwa–Suam road.” Over the last six years, the region has benefited from several road projects funded by both the Government of Uganda and development partners such as the African Development Bank. These include: Kapchorwa–Suam Road (75 km) – funded by the African Development Bank, Mbale–Bubulo–Lwakhakha Road (45 km) – funded by the African Development Bank, Kapenguria–Kwoti Road (10 km) – extending up to Tyree Training Centre, Nakalama–Tirinyi–Mbale (106 km) – funded by the Government of Uganda, Namusni– Sironko/Muyembe– Kapchorwa (29 km), and Tororo–Mbale–Soroti (150 km) rehabilitated under national works programs. Ongoing projects include the Muyembe–Nakapiripirit Road (92 km) and Namagumba–Budadiri–Nalugugu Road (39 km), while others such as Nabumali–Butaleja–Namutumba (90 km) and Bubulo–Bududa–Mbale Circular Road (28.5 km) are under procurement. President Museveni also noted that each district now receives Shs 1 billion annually for community road maintenance, a move aimed at improving rural accessibility and local economic activity. Turning to the water sector, President Museveni reported that Bukwo District has made significant strides in expanding access to safe water. Out of 784 rural villages, 354 currently have access to a safe water source, representing 45.2% coverage, while efforts are underway to push this figure beyond 50% by the end of the 2025/26 financial year. He highlighted several functional systems under the Umbrella-East management, including Bukwo Town Council Piped Water System serving 12,362 people, Suam Piped Water System serving 8,131 people, Cheptandan, Aralam, Kapnandi, Kaptali, Kamet, and Kabei systems serving a combined 27,180 residents. Ongoing projects include the extension of the Riwo Piped Water System to Kapterewo Sub-County, rehabilitation of a spring in Kongasis Village, and drilling of a new deep borehole in Bukwo Sub-County. However, concerns were raised by local leaders about corruption affecting service delivery in water projects. President Museveni responded by calling on citizens to actively monitor the use of public funds through the Local Council (LC) system. “The anti-corruption formula is the LC system because they are elected by you. So please follow the money of the roads from the central government to the district. We send Shs1 billion per year to each district to maintain the murram roads.” On education, the President revealed that Bukwo District currently has 49 government and 44 private primary schools, alongside 10 government and 9 private secondary schools. He said the government plans to ensure every parish has a primary school and every sub-county a secondary school. President Museveni said the ongoing construction of three Seed Secondary Schools in Bukwo will reduce the number of sub-counties without government secondary schools from 11 to 8. He further mentioned the Sebei Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Kween District, where over 1,149 youths have been trained in practical trades such as carpentry, tailoring, welding, and bakery. He reiterated his commitment to free education, which he started in 1996, expressing concern that some local administrators still impose charges in government schools, thus keeping many children out of school. “In the next government, I want all of us to agree that we should have free education for children in primary and secondary government schools,” H.E. Museveni said. In the health sector, President Museveni acknowledged that Bukwo District, with 21 sub-counties, currently has one Health Centre IV and 12 Health Centre IIIs, leaving 8 sub-counties without any facility. To bridge this gap, President Museveni announced new projects, including, upgrading Bukwo HCIV to a General Hospital, upgrading Kapnandi, Kamet, and Kapsarur HCII facilities to HCIIIs, and constructing new HCIIIs in Riwo, Kabei, Senendet, Bukwo, and Suam Sub-Counties. These interventions, he said, are part of the government’s broader agenda to bring health services closer to the people. Wealth Creation: President Museveni once again emphasized the difference between development and wealth, reminding citizens that while the government provides infrastructure, individual prosperity depends on personal enterprise. “Yes, there is peace and development, but you must add wealth,” he said. “Development is ours, but wealth is yours.” He praised residents who have embraced the government’s 4-acre model of mixed commercial farming, citing success stories from across the country. “When I came here, I found you growing maize, which takes eight months. Adopt the 4-acre model—use one acre for coffee, another for fruits, another for food crops, and another for pasture and zero-grazing dairy,” President Museveni advised. Under the Parish Development Model (PDM), Bukwo District has received Shs 33.4 billion, with 99.74% disbursed to 35,227 beneficiary households, representing 62.2% of all households. President Museveni encouraged residents to use the funds productively, stressing that jobs and income growth primarily come from wealth creation, not government employment. “The government has 480,000 jobs, but we are over 40 million Ugandans,” he said. “Jobs mainly come from the wealth of individuals, families, and companies.” He cited successful examples of individuals like Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, who diversified his income streams using the 4-acre model and now employs 26 Ugandans. To inspire local investment, President Museveni screened a short video showing the Sino Industrial Park in Mbale, which he described as “a town of factories.” The park, he said, symbolizes Uganda’s transformation from an importing to a manufacturing economy. “These factories produce most of what we used to import. This is the way to go,” he told the cheering crowd. Local leaders, led by Bukwo NRM District Chairperson Abubaker Nyandani, assured the President of continued strong support for the ruling party, pledging over 87% of the votes in the 2026 elections. Nyandani cited the government’s achievements in peace, infrastructure, and social transformation through programs like PDM and Emyooga. He, however, requested that the status of Bukwo District Hospital be reinstated and several health centers upgraded. He also called for the creation of another district named Too’ and the construction of inter-boda markets to boost local trade and revenue collection. “Bukwo district doesn’t have a single market. Markets help in revenue generation and improving livelihoods,” Nyandani said. He further appealed for compensation for families affected by cattle rustling and recent landslides, reporting that 35 houses were destroyed, 21 displaced, and 19 people confirmed dead. The rally was also attended by the Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Among who thanked the President for supporting landslide victims and reaffirmed the region’s loyalty to the NRM. NRM’s Support in Bukwo: According to electoral statistics, Bukwo District had 44,126 registered voters in 2021, of whom 32,895 (74.6%) turned up to vote. President Museveni garnered 27,888 votes (87.4%), while the National Unity Platform candidate polled 9.5%. As of 2025, the district’s registered voters have increased to 56,636 across 163 polling stations, up from 140 in the previous election, a sign of demographic growth and mobilization. Local NRM officials expressed confidence that the party’s performance will improve further due to visible progress in peace, education, roads, and agricultural financing.

2025-11-11

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES YOUTH MOBILIZERS TO FOCUS ON REAL CHANGE, NOT EXCITEMENT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday held an engagement with groups of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth mobilizers at State Lodge - Mbale, urging them to ground their political work by understanding people’s daily struggles, especially poverty. The youth mobilizers were led by Ms. Hellen Seku, Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC). The groups present included the Buganda Youth Caucus, the National Youth Council (Executive), Buganda Ku Museveni, the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps, the Yellow Power Movement and district-level NRM mobilizers. In a candid interaction, the President told the mobilizers that true political mobilization goes beyond excitement and singing. He said it requires first understanding whether communities are in good or difficult situations and then guiding them on how to solve their problems. “When you talk of mobilization, you must ask, how are these people? Are they in a good situation or a bad situation, especially poverty? The real mobilization is to get people out of poverty. The real mobilization is to know people’s problems and show them how to get out of poverty,” President Museveni said. He added that while crowds may turn up for rallies out of excitement, lasting support comes from communities recognizing that their leaders have real solutions. “People should understand their problems and how to solve them instead of just moving around singing. They may support you for networking, but the impact is small. People trusted us because they thought we had ideas and answers to their problems,” he said. The President noted that the growing crowds at current NRM rallies reflect two things; basing on the peace ushered in after years of conflict, especially in previously war-affected areas, and the fact that the Parish Development Model has begun reaching households directly. “In the past, programs passed through intermediaries and our own people ended up being involved in their own things. That is how I stopped Operation Wealth Creation,” he said. Drawing parallels to the Luweero Triangle’s support during the liberation struggle, President Museveni reminded the youth that people rallied behind him and his colleagues at that time because they analyzed their problems well and offered practical answers. He emphasized that effective mobilization does not require large budgets. “This mobilization does not need a lot of money. The only money you may need is your own transport for fuel, not refund,” he said. He encouraged the mobilizers to reflect on how the NRM built trust before forming government. “I am glad you came. You are young people. When we started, we were like you. We showed the people the way forward. We refused gender divisions and religious divisions. We taught them how to get out of poverty, and to be well behaved. Let your light shine before men.” President Museveni again highlighted the Four Acre Model, first introduced in the 1996 manifesto, as the foundation for sustainable household wealth. He explained that one acre should be planted with coffee, one with fruit trees like citrus or mangoes, one dedicated to pasture for livestock, and one for food crops. He later broadened his discussion into a deeper analysis of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, noting that mobilizers must understand the three parts of society, the people, their economic wellbeing, and their politics. He gave an example of the traditional Banyankole communities who lived as nomads and worked only for the stomach despite owning cows. The President explained: “We studied the world. In America, Australia and New Zealand, they also had cows, but the cows were valuable in terms of money. Our idea was: why can’t our people be like the ranchers in America?” The President added that a proper diagnosis revealed four major obstacles keeping cattle corridor communities out of the money economy, lack of water due to absence of natural springs, bush burning during the dry season, tick-borne diseases, and the cultural habit of keeping cattle for prestige rather than commerce. “We had to sit down and read their minds, to find out what was stopping them from joining the money economy,” he said. “For water, we said: you must trap water from the roof. For bush burning, we told them to stop burning grass in the dry season. For ticks, they kept running away instead of treating diseases, yet we had Mbarara Stock Farm.” He said proper mobilization must always begin with such deep diagnosis of community challenges. Mr. Henry Luzinda, a mobilizer from Wakiso District, thanked the President for empowering young people through programs like the Parish Development Model and the proposed Graduate Fund. “Youth livelihoods are changing Your Excellency, thank you for the 30% of PDM funds that you are giving to the youth, thank you so much for the graduate fund. We commit to take this message village to village so that the youth who graduate after two years and haven’t found a job can benefit from this fund which is your initiative,” he said. Ms. Sawuya Nambatta, Chairperson of Buganda Ku Museveni, said PDM has already transformed lives in many communities, and mobilizers are spreading that success story across villages. Another mobilizer, Mr. Pauson Twinamatsiko, also expressed gratitude to the President for supporting youth-led initiatives.

2025-11-11

KWEEN: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES TO SETUP INDUSTRIAL PARK AND UNIVERSITY IN SEBEI

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to establish an industrial park and a public university in the Sebei Sub-region, along with a range of other interventions aimed at protecting the environment, fighting corruption and supporting victims of landslides. The President made the commitments today while addressing thousands of residents at his campaign rally in Kween District, where he also outlined the NRM’s achievements and plans for the region. “I want to address the issues affecting Sebei particularly,” President Museveni said as he began his address. He revealed that parts of Sebei affected by past cattle rustling would be included in the government’s ongoing restocking programme being implemented in Teso, Lango, and Acholi. “In Teso, Lango, Acholi we are giving five cows per family to restock, but I have realized that neighboring areas like Abim, Bulambuli and some parts of Sebei were also affected. We are going to include you in this programme,” he said. Turning to environmental protection, President Museveni said he had learned that the boundary demarcations of Mount Elgon National Park had not been completed and promised to have them finalized. “These mountains, wetlands and forests are like the blood supply in our system, and once they are affected it is bad. The boundary should be guided by science, not opinion,” he emphasized. “Without these mountains—the Elgon, the Rwenzori—Uganda would be a desert. Now that the population has grown, let us not destroy these places.” On the challenge of landslides, President Museveni acknowledged that many residents live in high-risk mountainous areas and announced a plan to hold a scientific conference in Sebei to find sustainable solutions. “This mountain is really steep, almost 90 degrees—how do you live there?” he asked. “We shall have a conference here with experts to advise how people can live safely. Trees hold the soil; when you cut them, the soil becomes loose. We must study this science and see how to live here.” He said the government had already bought land to resettle families displaced by landslides, each to receive two acres of land and Shs10 million to aid relocation and house construction. “In the meantime, our plan is to settle those who were affected by the landslides. Once we settle you, each family will be given two acres free and 10 million shillings cash to help in relocation,” he said. President Museveni also assured the people that the government would study the issue of compensating families evicted from forest reserves. Responding to long-standing demands from leaders, the President confirmed that Sebei would receive a public university in line with government policy of establishing one per zone. “It is already our policy to have a public university per zone, and we shall have one in Sebei. It’s just a question of budgeting,” he said, noting that universities have already been set up in Lango, Teso and Acholi. On corruption, the President warned that he would deploy auditors to investigate misuse of government funds in Kween. “I will send my auditor here to find out who is misusing government money. The leaders should be the ones to fight corruption. That’s why the NRM brought the LC system—so that people elect their own leaders and hold them accountable,” he said. President Museveni reminded the citizens of the seven contributions of the NRM since 1986, including among others; peace, development, wealth creation, job creation, and education. “The first one is peace, and the NRM has been able to create peace in Sebei and across Uganda. The second one is development—you have good roads and other services. But do you sleep on these roads? No—you need wealth creation,” he said. He urged residents to embrace commercial farming under the Four-Acre Model, and to utilize government initiatives like Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga to fight household poverty. He said that jobs are a direct result of wealth creation through key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT. “The Mbale Industrial Park alone is employing over 12,000 people, and factories across Uganda now employ 1.3 million. So, our fourth contribution is clarifying where jobs come from,” he said. On education, President Museveni reminded the public that free education was introduced by the NRM in 1996 but has been frustrated by school administrators. “Free education in government schools was established in 1996 but has been sabotaged by headteachers. That’s why I started skilling hubs where children are trained for six months for free and are able to produce goods,” he said. He ended by thanking the people of Sebei for allocating 500 acres of land for an industrial park, promising to build one similar to the Mbale Industrial Park. Rt. Hon. Anita Among, the NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) and Speaker of Parliament, thanked the President for his visionary leadership but raised concern about the poor use of the Shs1.3 billion sent annually to Kween District for road maintenance. NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, Hon. Calvin Echodu, thanked the President for supporting families in Sebei who lost their loved ones during recent mudslides. The NRM Chairperson for Kween District, Mr. Chemutai Mongusho Stephen, also commended the President for the many developments in Kween, including schools and roads, but echoed the need for accountability of road funds. He further requested government support for the resettlement of families evicted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

2025-11-11

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS JOSHUA CHEPTEGEI'S HOTEL IN KAPCHORWA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today commissioned Joshua Cheptegei's hotel in Kapchorwa district. Mr. Cheptegei is Uganda’s top long-distance runner who has won several international medals. During the commissioning, President Museveni congratulated and thanked Mr. Cheptegei for not squandering the money he has earned from his talent. “So, we are going to support him. We are not allowed to make pledges during elections but in principle we have been supporting other people like manufacturers, even hotels, so we shall support him, the policy is already there,” he assured. Mr. Cheptegei informed the President that he opted to set up a hotel in his home district in order to contribute to Uganda’s national development goals. He noted that once complete, the hotel will create more jobs for Ugandans, with a projection of over 400 job opportunities. “Already we have over 100 people working on this project since February this year, up to date,” Mr. Cheptegei said. “Your Excellency, I'm your student and I think I'm getting it fairly right. Mzee this project is from the savings I have been earning. I first bought land in 2017 and added on it gradually. The project is going to take Shs26 billion to complete with the first phase taking Shs13 billion.” He also thanked President Museveni for the continuous support to him and other athletes. “We have been able to achieve a lot because of your support.”

2025-11-11

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CASTIGATES PEOPLE NOT SUPPORTING HIS FREE EDUCATION POLICY, SAYS THEY'RE CREATING A TIME BOMB

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer, has stressed the importance of free education in government schools. “Those who don’t support my policy of free education are creating a time bomb, conserving ignorance, and destroying the future of our children along with their potential. You have seen in just six months in the Presidential Skilling Hubs what these children are producing,” he said. The President who was in the company of the First Daughter, Mrs. Natasha Karugire Museveni, made the remarks today while addressing a campaign rally in Kapchorwa district. According to President Museveni, some of these policymakers will even deny themselves a place in heaven, because when a child says, “My parents died, but I want to go to school’. Who will take responsibility? Uganda is one big family. If a parent dies, the family of Uganda, through its government, must take care of those children. That is what the NRM stands for. Let us stop this wastage of human resource. These children are our greatest wealth.” President Museveni also revisited the unresolved boundary issue between Mount Elgon National Park and surrounding communities. “Our mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and wetlands are not political issues. They are matters of science and survival. Just as the human body depends on organs working in harmony, our environment must remain intact to sustain us. Interfering with these ecosystems can have severe consequences,” he said. The President assured the people of Kapchorwa that the survey team would return to finalize boundary verification and resolve the matter decisively. Highlighting the role of local talent and entrepreneurship, President Museveni pointed to athletics superstar Joshua Cheptegei, who has expanded his community service into tourism. “Mountains are not only for agriculture. They can support tourism and other enterprises,” he said. On disaster response, the President emphasized support for landslide-affected families. “Each household will receive two acres of land, Shs10 million, and compensation for crops and property lost. After the elections, we will hold a comprehensive discussion on long-term resettlement solutions,” he said. The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Kapchorwa District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, the Speaker of Parliament, also the NRM Second National Vice Chairperson said, “We thank you for the peace and development in Sebei. The Parish Development Model has brought wealth and opportunities to our people.” Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub beneficiary speaks out: Ms. Peace Chelangat, a former primary seven dropout from Tegeres, Kapchorwa District thanked President Museveni for turning around her life through the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub initiative. Today, she owns a thriving salon and employs three people. Ms. Chelangat, who used to earn a living by selling tomatoes in her village, said a friend encouraged her to join the Kapchorwa Presidential Industrial Skilling hub. “I joined the hub to learn hairdressing. After completing six months of training, I sold my phone and used the money as capital to buy accessories. Today, I own a salon and employ three people. The hub completely changed my life,” she testified. “Thank you for the Sh50m through the hub beneficiary SACCOs. We are benefiting and making wonders in our small businesses.” Kapchorwa statistics: Kapchorwa District comprises two constituencies, 15 sub-counties and town councils, 85 parishes, and 641 villages. According to the 2024 census report, the district has a total population of 133,621 residents. The Parish Development Model (PDM) has provided substantial support to households across Kapchorwa. The district’s 85 parishes have cumulatively received Shs. 17.91 billion, of which 94.96% has already been disbursed to 17,168 beneficiary households. Kapchorwa Municipality’s 27 parishes have received Shs. 8.29 billion, with 92.88% disbursed to 8,084 households. Under the Emyooga program, the district’s two constituencies host 36 SACCOs with 25,226 members. Government support totals Shs. 1.49 billion, empowering residents to start and expand income-generating activities. When it comes to education, Kapchorwa District has 24 government primary schools serving 19,499 pupils and five secondary schools with 2,678 students. Kapchorwa Municipality has 16 government primary schools enrolling 11,754 pupils and four secondary schools with 1,738 students. All secondary schools offer Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Universal Post-Ordinary Level Education and Training (UPOLET). To further expand access to education, plans are underway to construct three new secondary schools under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) program and the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP). Once completed, only four sub-counties will remain without a government secondary school. Kapchorwa District currently has one hospital, one HCIV, and eight HCIII facilities. Five sub-counties still lack a health facility of HCIII standard or above. Planned upgrades include Amukol HCII and Chepterech HCII, both set to be elevated to HCIII to enhance access to quality healthcare services. Access to safe water remains a priority. Out of 641 villages, 328 (49%) have safe water, leaving 313 villages (51%) underserved. Piped water systems serve 65,450 residents in Kapchorwa Municipality and 10,800 in Sipi Town Board. Ongoing projects include the Chemosong Gravity Flow Scheme and Matera Piped Water System, extending services to mountainous communities. Plans are also underway to augment and extend the Sipi Water System to meet growing domestic and tourism-related demands. Water-for-production initiatives are expanding. The Cheptui Irrigation Scheme in Kapsinda Sub-county benefits 14 farmers directly through a demonstration garden and 45 out-growers engaged in horticulture. Expansion works and performance improvement studies are ongoing, with new climate-smart demonstration sites planned at Kapropen and Teryet to increase high-altitude agricultural productivity. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-11-11