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

“NRM NOT JUST PROMISING, BUT PRESENTING PROVEN ACHIEVEMENTS,” PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TELLS BUDAKA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, has said his party is not merely making promises but presenting tangible results from the past 40 years that it intends to consolidate in the next term. Speaking on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Saaza Grounds in Budaka District, President Museveni, who was on his second day of campaigning in the Bukedi sub-region, told thousands of supporters that the NRM’s record of peace, development, and wealth creation speaks louder than promises from other political parties. “We are together with other leaders to present to you the manifesto of the NRM for the period 2026–2031. The NRM is not just promising, but presenting what has already been done,” President Museveni said. The President outlined the NRM’s historical contributions to Uganda’s transformation, emphasizing that the foundation of all progress has been peace, followed by infrastructure and social development. “In the last 40 years, we first brought peace, and then development came in two parts: economic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water, telephones, and the railway; and social infrastructure like schools and hospitals,” he said. In Budaka, President Museveni highlighted key completed and ongoing infrastructure projects. He pointed to the completion of the Iganga–Mbale road, the Tirinyi–Pallisa–Kumi road, and the Pallisa–Kamonkoli–Mbale road, while noting that the Nabumali–Butaleja–Namutumba road is in the pipeline. “We have done a good job on roads. Electricity has reached many areas, and now everyone has a telephone in their pocket,” the President said. On water coverage, President Museveni reported that Budaka District has achieved 93% access to safe water, with 299 out of 323 rural villages connected to clean water sources. He said the Budaka Town Council Piped Water System, serving 21,262 people, and the Kamonkoli Piped Water System, serving 14,400 people, are now operational. Ongoing works include the digging of seven deep boreholes, six spring protection projects, and the rehabilitation of 19 boreholes. Plans are also underway to construct piped water systems in Naboa, Iki-Iki, and Kachomo town councils. Turning to education, President Museveni reported significant progress under the Universal Primary and Secondary Education programs. Budaka District, he said, has 59 government and 94 private primary schools, and 10 government and 23 private secondary schools. Of the district’s 76 parishes, 48 have at least one government primary school, while 28 still lack one. Ten of Budaka’s 20 sub-counties have government secondary schools, leaving 10 without, though five new secondary schools are under construction. “Our plan is to have one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county. Those who have not yet received will get. This is the plan,” President Museveni said. However, the President expressed disappointment over the continued practice of charging school fees in public schools, which he said undermines his free education policy. “I introduced free education 30 years ago, but some people have not implemented it fully. They are still charging school fees, and as a result, children drop out,” President Museveni said. To address the challenge, he said he initiated presidential skilling hubs to equip school dropouts with practical skills for self-employment. The Bukedi Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling hub, located in Tirinyi, Kibuku District, serves youth aged 18–35 from across the Bukedi sub-region. Candidate Museveni listened to testimonies from graduates of the skilling hubs who had transformed their lives. Among them was Michael Onganga from Budaka, who dropped out of primary school due to a lack of fees but was trained in welding and now employs two people. Another beneficiary, Jane Lagose, dropped out in Senior Two but trained in tailoring at the Bukedi Industrial Hub. After graduation, she started her own workshop with support from the President. “These children had lost hope because of school fees, but after six months of training, they are producing items that used to be imported. In the next term, we shall ensure no child is deprived of free education,” H.E. Museveni said. Health Infrastructure: The President also detailed improvements in the health sector. Budaka District has one Health Centre IV in Budaka Constituency, staffed with three doctors. Out of the 20 sub-counties, 14 have Health Centre IIIs, while six remain without a health facility. Planned health projects include upgrading Butove Health Centre II to a Health Centre III and constructing new Health Centre IIIs in Kakoli, Kamonkoli, Iki-Iki, Kachomo, and Kabuna sub-counties. “When these are complete, all the 20 sub-counties will have Health Centre IIIs, and one of the existing facilities will be upgraded to a district hospital,” President Museveni said. Wealth Creation: President Museveni reiterated that while the government builds infrastructure, families must take responsibility for wealth creation. “Development is ours, but wealth and poverty are yours. Roads and electricity are for everyone, but what you have in your home depends on you,” he said. The President urged residents to adopt the 4-acre model, first introduced in the 1996 NRM manifesto: one acre for coffee, one for food crops, one for pasture, and one for fruits, supplemented by piggery, poultry, and fish farming. He cited the example of farmer Joseph Ijala of Serere District, who earns Shs6.8 million per day from eggs and milk despite lacking tarmac roads. Locally, President Museveni praised Budaka farmers such as Florence Nabutono, who upgraded from local to improved pig breeds under the Parish Development Model (PDM). The President also referenced his model farm in Baralegi, Lira District, where he practices the 4-acre model plan with fish ponds, zero-grazing, and banana farming. “From one fish pond of half an acre, I earn Shs100 million annually and save Shs.70 million after costs. You people of Budaka are very blessed because your wetlands can support fish farming and fruit growing,” President Museveni said. Job Creation: The President said job creation is the fourth pillar of NRM’s achievements after peace, development, and wealth creation. “The question is: where do jobs come from?” he asked. “They come from enterprises — from people who use land productively.” President Museveni showcased a video of Hon. Fred Byamukama from Kagadi, whose 4-acre model farm employs 26 workers and generates about Shs700 million in annual profits. “Factories are another source of jobs. I am glad that the people of Budaka are asking for an industrial park; that is the right direction,” he added, highlighting the Sino-Mbale Industrial Park as an example, employing 12,000 people in one location. Across Uganda, he said, factories now employ 1.3 million people compared to 480,000 in government service. “Factories are employing three times more than the government. That is NRM’s fourth contribution - jobs,” President Museveni said, emphasizing that the NRM’s 2026–2031 manifesto is rooted in “protecting and consolidating the gains” made over four decades. The rally was attended by several senior NRM leaders, including the Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, who thanked the President for bringing peace and development to the Bukedi sub-region. “Before you came, we used to run away from these areas because of the Karimojong rustlers and Lakwena rebels. Now, our youth sleep in peace. Thank you for the peace you have brought,” said Rt. Hon. Among. She also appreciated the improved road network and pledged Bukedi’s overwhelming support for Museveni’s 2026 bid. “We will deliver over 80 percent of the votes for NRM. Uganda belongs to all of us, and we believe in politics of ideology, not tribal interests,” she said. NRM National Treasurer, Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo presented the “Bukedi Service Delivery Handbook,” a document detailing NRM’s achievements and remaining gaps in the region. “Our campaign theme is ‘Protecting the Gains.’ The handbook highlights what NRM has accomplished in Bukedi and identifies the gaps we still need to fill,” Amb. Nekesa said, expressing confidence that Bukedi will again rally behind President Museveni and the NRM because of the tangible progress under his leadership. “We have made tremendous strides in development, wealth creation, and service delivery. The Bakedi will not only vote for the President but for all NRM flag bearers,” she said. Budaka District NRM Chairperson, Eng. Kyebene Musa welcomed the President and raised several local concerns, including the need to extend electricity to Katira, Mogiti, and Nasa sub-counties through the Rural Electrification Agency. He also appealed for compensation for residents affected by cattle rustling and urged the government to establish an industrial park in Katira Sub-County, where land is available. “We are also part of Butebo, where compensation is ongoing. Our people submitted requests, but they have not yet been handled. We also request an industrial park to create jobs for our youth,” Kyebene said. The Budaka rally drew thousands of residents and featured senior government and NRM officials, including Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hon. Hellen Asamo, and Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara. Others included members of the NRM Central Executive Committee, sitting and former Members of Parliament, religious and traditional leaders from across Bukedi.

2025-11-13

COL. NAKALEMA REASSURES INVESTORS OF UGANDA’S COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT AND PROTECT THEIR INVESTMENTS

The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema has reassured investors of Uganda’s commitment to supporting and protecting their investments in the East African country. “Collaborating with government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to maintain investor confidence levels in Uganda at an all-time high is the raison d'etre of SHIPU. This move was and still is the President’s reassurance to investors,” she said. Col. Nakalema made the remarks today while meeting with the members of the Netherlands - Uganda Trade and Investment Platform (NUTIP) at SHIPU offices in Kampala. NUTIP is a Ugandan association that harnesses the economic power of cooperation between Dutch and Ugandan entrepreneurs. The meeting was attended by key MDAs including Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and it aimed at reassuring NUTIP of the government's commitment to supporting their investment decision and to address the areas of interest raised by the association. Col. Nakalema informed the investors that by investing in Uganda, they chose the best investment destination. “Uganda was consistently named Africa’s top investment destination by AIM UAE in both 2023 and 2024 and also won the investment catalyst award at the Go Global Awards in 2023 by the International Trade Council,” she said. She further assured them that all their challenges will be addressed in order to create a more thriving investment climate in Uganda. In the same meeting, Col. Nakalema also appreciated the relentless effort by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in promoting modern agricultural practices through the “Best Farmers” annual bank-sponsored agribusiness study tour to the Netherlands which has been running for over a decade. “I'm aware that the Netherlands has years of experience in agriculture and its location at the mouth of two large rivers that flow through some of the most productive areas in Europe makes it well-endowed to stand out as an agricultural giant. It is only sensible that Uganda, as an agricultural economy, would seriously consider partnerships in order to gain from the opportunities to commercialize agriculture here.” The Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, H.E Bouwe-Jan Smeding thanked Col. Nakalema for organising the meeting, saying that such engagements are key in negotiating and solving challenges affecting the investors. “Businesses will only thrive if stakeholders know how things are done,” he said. “Despite the conducive investment climate, there are always challenges faced by businesspeople like disputes and such challenges threaten people from investing in the country.” Mr. Smeding also underscored the Netherlands’ contribution to the economic development of Uganda. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands is the biggest source of Foreign Direct Investment in Uganda,” he said. The Director of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Mr. Moses Kaggwa assured investors that Uganda’s economy is growing steadily. “It's good to be in Uganda at this time when we are seeing the takeoff of this country,” he said. Mr. Kaggwa added that Uganda is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and the country is moving towards lower middle-income status. “We have also managed to keep our inflation under control, below 4 percent,” he said. Mr. Kaggwa further revealed that the government has an ambitious plan known as tenfold growth strategy which aims to increase the country’s GDP from USD62 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040. Additionally, Mr. Kaggwa reaffirmed to the investors that Uganda is ready for business and where things are not moving on well, the government is also ready to adjust. On behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr. Cleopas Ndorere, Commissioner in Charge of External Trade, said they are ready to give all the necessary support to make trade possible among businesspeople in Uganda. “We have negotiated markets in and around Uganda and with the market, it makes trade possible,” he said. Mr. Isaac Mugerwa, a board member of NUTIP, said the association kicked-off operations in 2013 and currently has 75 members. According to Mr. Mugerwa, NUTIP aims at promoting trade and investment between Uganda and the Netherlands. He also appreciated SHIPU’s swift response in addressing their long-standing concern within just two days. During the same meeting, the investors raised an issue of being tossed around by some government agencies such as URA. In response, Ms. Julian Sabiiti, an official from URA informed them that the authority has already set up a Stakeholders Relations Office to deal with such matters.

2025-11-13

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CALLS FOR INCLUSIVE TRANSFORMATION AS HE RALLIES VOTERS IN KIBUKU

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to consolidate the peace and stability achieved under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) by embracing wealth creation and supporting government programmes that ensure inclusive development. Speaking during his campaign rally at Kibuku Primary School in Kibuku Town Council, Kibuku District today, the President said the transformation of Uganda depends on the unity between government efforts in infrastructure development and individual efforts in wealth creation. The NRM Presidential flagbearer reminded the people of Kibuku that the party’s first and most significant contribution to Uganda has been peace, which has laid the foundation for all other progress. “The first contribution is peace. We have been able to defeat cattle rustling and other wars, and that’s why there is peace in the whole of Uganda,” he said. President Museveni said peace has enabled the government to expand economic and social infrastructure, including roads, electricity, schools and hospitals, thus bringing services closer to the people. “Economic infrastructure includes roads, electricity and telephones, while social infrastructure includes schools and hospitals,” he said. The President explained that the government's plan is to ensure that every parish has a primary school and every sub-county has a secondary school so that no child is left behind. Regarding the health sector, he said efforts are underway to ensure that no sub-county remains without a government health facility. “Here in Kibuku, our plan is to upgrade Nabiswa, Kituti and Nakodo Health Centres from HCII to HCIII,” he said. “We are also upgrading Dodoi, Kenkebu, Nandere, Kalampete, Nankodo and Moru health centres. The district already has one Health Centre IV with doctors, and thirteen sub-counties have HCIIIs, but we must cover all of them. That is part of development.” President Museveni said such investments are meant to complement individual efforts, because the government can build hospitals and schools, but families must create their own wealth. “Development is good, but wealth is important because it is individual,” he said. “You can have development and people still remain poor. That’s why since 1996 we have been promoting the four-acre model—one acre for coffee, one for fruits, one for pasture and one for food for the family. In the backyard you can keep poultry or pigs, and those near swamps can do fish farming.” The President urged local leaders under the Parish Development Model to ensure that all households join the money economy, warning that poverty cannot be eradicated by handouts but by production and enterprise. “I want you to check how many people in your parish are still working for the stomach only. I want everyone to join the money economy,” he said. He also emphasized that jobs arise from wealth creation and productivity, not from government employment alone. “As I speak today, factories have employed 1.3 million people,” he said. “NRM is telling Ugandans to wake up—jobs come from wealth, from individual wealth, family wealth, from company wealth, services like hotels and transport and factories.” On education, the President reminded the people that free education in government schools started in 1996 but was being sabotaged by some head teachers who charge illegal fees. He said he established Presidential Skilling Hubs across the country to give young people practical skills that enable them to earn a living. “School fees are killing the future of many children in Uganda. One of the girls told me she was thinking of killing herself, but when she joined the skilling hub, she got hope. In six months, they are producing items we used to import from China,” he said. “I want the NRM to discuss free education after the elections so we can strengthen it further.” The President concluded by summarizing the NRM’s message as a vision for peace, development, wealth creation, jobs and free education—pillars he said must move together for Uganda’s continued transformation. The Second National Vice Chairperson of the NRM, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, rallied the people of Kibuku to vote for President Museveni and all NRM flag bearers, while the NRM District Chairperson, Hajji Shalif Ssebakaki, thanked the President for establishing the Presidential Skilling Hub, which has empowered youth in the district, and requested for its expansion to accommodate more learners.

2025-11-13

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI EMPHASIZES NRM’S SEVEN KEY PILLARS, PLEDGES CONTINUED STABILITY AND PROSPERITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has re-emphasized the seven pillars of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto, which include peace, development, wealth creation, job generation, service delivery, markets, and regional political federation as the foundation for Uganda’s continued progress and unity. Addressing journalists in the Sebei sub-region districts of Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo at Mbale State Lodge on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, President Museveni said the NRM’s manifesto represents four decades of tangible contributions that have transformed Uganda from instability to a country of peace, development, and economic recovery. “This group, which is now called NRM, crystallized around 1965 from the old political parties - DP, UPC, and Kabaka Yekka - because of ideology. Those groups were emphasizing identity, religion, and tribe, and they didn’t want to talk about women. Women didn’t matter. But we said, no, that is not the way forward,” President Museveni said, while tracing the ideological roots of the NRM. The meeting, attended by key party leaders including the Speaker of Parliament, also NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, Hon. Calvin Ecodu, Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, and NRM Director of Information and Publicity, Hon. Emmanuel Lumala Dombo, marked the latest engagement in a series of regional media briefings aimed at clarifying the party’s development priorities ahead of the 2026 general elections. The President explained that the current NRM manifesto does not revisit those historical divisions, but instead focuses on the practical achievements since 1986, number one being peace, which he attributed to the NRM’s ideological clarity that prioritizes action and productivity. “We don’t look at who you are, but at what you do. That’s what guides us. Because of that, we’ve been able to build a national political party and institutions like the army, which have kept Uganda peaceful,” he said. “Peace was achieved because we built institutions based on logic, not emotion. In Karamoja alone, we removed 41,000 illegal guns. That’s why peace remains our number one contribution,” he added. The second pillar of the NRM manifesto, President Museveni said, is development, particularly in the area of infrastructure and social services. He noted that the NRM government has invested heavily in expanding road networks, constructing schools, hospitals, and other social infrastructure, which have collectively improved Uganda’s economic base and connectivity. “Development is the second key contribution. We have worked on roads, schools, hospitals, and all infrastructure that supports both economic and social progress,” President Museveni said. Highlighting the third point in the NRM manifesto, the President emphasized the centrality of wealth creation as the most dynamic component of Uganda’s economic transformation. He explained that the NRM government’s economic philosophy promotes household-level prosperity, urging every family to engage in productive enterprises that generate income. “We don’t believe in a culture of poverty. Every home must have wealth. Before colonialism, there was no unemployment. People had families of blacksmiths, carpenters, and artisans; everyone was productive. Unemployment is a colonial phenomenon,” H.E. Museveni said, citing the Emyooga initiative as a revival of Uganda’s traditional specialization system, enabling skilled individuals such as carpenters, welders, tailors, and farmers to create wealth and contribute to national income. The President underscored that wealth creation is the cornerstone of a self-sustaining economy, explaining that taxes and government revenues originate from citizens’ consumption and productivity. “If I have cows and sell them, I provide beef and milk for the country, but I also earn money and build a good house. That house contributes taxes through the cement used. So, wealth benefits the individual and the nation,” he noted. President Museveni commended the people of Sebei for their hardworking nature but urged them to engage in fast-return enterprises to increase cash flow and investment capacity. “Our people cultivate maize, which takes eight to nine months to mature. We encourage them to go for enterprises that bring quick returns. We have moved from 32% to 67% of Ugandans in the money economy, but we must bring the remaining 33% on board,” he added. Regarding job creation as the fourth point of the NRM manifesto, President Museveni cautioned that job opportunities cannot be created in isolation from wealth and production. He criticized the misconception that jobs are a government-provided resource, saying the public sector alone cannot absorb Uganda’s growing labor force. “Government jobs are only 480,000 against a population of 50 million, which will be 100 million in 30 years. So where will jobs come from? Jobs in modern society come from commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT,” he explained. The President reiterated that the NRM’s approach links job creation directly to wealth generation, industrialization, and innovation, emphasizing that entrepreneurship and private investment are the primary engines for sustainable employment. The fifth point in the manifesto, President Museveni said, is strengthening service delivery across key sectors such as education, health, and governance. He acknowledged ongoing challenges in healthcare and education but maintained that the government has built the necessary foundation to sustain progress in these sectors. “Service delivery involves all the essential areas: education, health, security, governance, and entertainment. We are addressing these continuously,” he said. On the sixth pillar, the President addressed the issue of markets, stressing that Uganda’s production levels have now outgrown domestic consumption capacity. “Everything we are producing - sugar, cement, milk, bananas - is in surplus. The internal market is not enough. We need a regional market,” he said. He criticized sections of the political class for focusing on elections and power instead of discussing strategic economic issues such as market access and trade integration. “Our politicians talk about power, not markets. But what are you going to do with power if you don’t have a market for your people’s products?” he asked. He explained that economic integration within the East African Community (EAC) is essential to address the surplus production and ensure sustainable industrial growth. The seventh and final pillar in the NRM manifesto, President Museveni said, is the pursuit of political federation in East Africa, aimed at creating a unified bloc capable of addressing regional economic and security challenges. “If there were a Federation in East Africa, we would have a center of gravity for Africans and the black race. The Americans, Russians, and Chinese are exploring space while Africa still remains divided. A political Federation would strengthen our strategic security,” he emphasized. Addressing Landslides in Sebei: Turning to local issues, President Museveni addressed the recurrent problem of landslides in the Sebei region, saying they result from human activity in fragile mountainous areas. “In the past, we never used to hear about landslides. People are cultivating steep slopes where forests once stood. These forests used to hold the soil. When you cut trees and cultivate carelessly, you endanger your lives,” he warned. The President revealed that the government has already begun a resettlement program for families living in high-risk areas and plans to convene a post-election conference to discuss sustainable environmental practices in Sebei. “We are resettling the affected people, but in the long run, I have proposed that we should really have a conference after the elections, and we can talk about it; we can even hear from the elders about what used to be done in the past. How were things being done? We need a serious discussion on how to manage these areas,” he said. Responding to concerns about corruption and embezzlement of government funds in Sebei, President Museveni said the NRM government developed an anti-corruption plan that empowers citizens to monitor local leaders and government programs. He recounted his early opposition to corruption during the colonial era, saying it motivated him to advocate for community-level oversight systems. “When we were in the bush, I said the only way to fight corruption is to empower people to elect monitors of government services. That’s why you must elect leaders who are on your side,” he said. President Museveni emphasized that community members are the most effective watchdogs against corruption because they are the direct victims of financial mismanagement. “The owner of the money is the most angry. You are the victims when PDM or road funds are stolen. That’s why you, the electorate, are our most reliable allies,” he told the journalists. Rt. Hon. Among praised President Museveni for presenting what she called a credible and practical manifesto that reflects the NRM’s long-standing record of delivery. “We thank you, Your Excellency, for presenting a clear, credible, and achievable manifesto. You have talked about peace and development, and we believe under your leadership, peace will continue to prevail,” she said. She also highlighted infrastructure development in Sebei, noting that the region now enjoys some of the best road networks in Uganda, which have boosted connectivity and tourism potential. “Sebei has some of the best roads in the country. We are impressed by what we have seen - the scenery and the roads are amazing,” she added. Rt. Hon. Among further applauded the NRM’s focus on job creation and youth empowerment, saying the manifesto provides a clear path for inclusive economic growth.

2025-11-12

“SIDELINE YOUTH FROM PDM FUNDS AND YOU’LL BE SACKED,” PRESIDENT MUSEVENI WARNS CHIEFS IN BUKEDI

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a stern warning to parish and sub-county chiefs in the Bukedi Sub-region, cautioning that any local leader who sidelines the youth, women, or persons with disabilities from benefiting under the Parish Development Model (PDM) will face dismissal. Speaking at a campaign rally in Pallisa District on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the President, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, said his government will not tolerate misuse or misallocation of funds meant for specific groups under the PDM. He set out how PDM allocations should be divided and placed responsibility squarely on local leaders to ensure transparent distribution. “Within the 100 million shillings per parish, 30% belongs to the youth, 30% to the women, and 10% to the disabled. So, I don't want to hear that story again,” Museveni said. “If I hear that the youth, the women, or the disabled are not getting their share, I will go for the parish chief first, and I will dismiss them, plus the sub-county chiefs,” he added. The President’s warning comes amid growing public scrutiny over the implementation of the PDM, a flagship wealth creation and poverty reduction initiative launched in 2022, following reports of mismanagement, favoritism, and delays in disbursement across some parishes. President Museveni underscored that local leaders bear the greatest responsibility in ensuring transparent and fair distribution of government funds, emphasizing that the success of PDM depends on honest administration at the parish level. “Let everybody get their share. But also, you, the youth, should join the SACCOs. Go to the Muluka chief and ask them to join the parish SACCOs. Nobody will stop you as long as you’re over 18 years old,” he told the cheering crowd. The Parish Development Model provides each parish with Shs. 100 million in seed capital to support household enterprises, savings cooperatives, and agricultural productivity. President Museveni reiterated that these resources were designed to transition rural communities from subsistence to commercial production. According to official statistics presented at the rally, Pallisa District—with 90 parishes—has so far received Shs. 27.7 billion under the program, with about 98.2% of the funds disbursed to 27,343 beneficiary households. This accounts for 45% of the district’s total 60,882 households, leaving 55% yet to benefit. Wealth Creation at the Centre of the NRM Message: Turning to his broader campaign theme, President Museveni revisited the historical evolution of Uganda’s poverty alleviation policies since the NRM took power in 1986. He said many Ugandans still confuse “development” with “wealth creation,” a misunderstanding he has worked to correct over the years. “Development is for all of us, but wealth is for individuals. What is mine is better than ours. The wealth that you personally create is what sustains your household,” H.E. Museveni explained, citing previous government programs, such as Entandikwa, NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Emyooga, and now PDM, as part of a consistent effort to empower citizens economically. “From the beginning, we have said that if you want to be well, you must add wealth,” President Museveni said. “We have been pleading with Ugandans to get out of poverty since 1986. Some ignored the message, but others listened, and they are now prosperous.” To illustrate his point, President Museveni screened video clips of successful farmers who have benefited from government initiatives. Among them was Joseph Ijala of Serere District, who reportedly earns over Shs. 6 million daily from poultry and dairy farming. “When I visited him, I found him earning 6 million shillings per day from eggs alone, plus Shs.800,000 from milk. That’s Shs. 6.8 million per day,” President Museveni narrated. “Serere may not have tarmac roads, but there is wealth there. That’s what we mean when we talk about transforming livelihoods.” He also showed a video of Bugangaizi West MP and Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, whose four-acre model farm, comprising coffee, fruits, food crops, dairy cattle, and poultry, generates about Shs. 700 million annually while employing 26 people. “This is how wealth creates jobs. Government jobs are only about 480,000, yet we have millions of Ugandans. If every household focuses on productive enterprises, we can create jobs through wealth,” President Museveni said. The NRM Presidential candidate also announced plans to expand the PDM program to new categories, including local leaders, as well as a special fund for religious leaders, fishermen and unemployed university graduates. “We are going to add 15 million shillings for local leaders and create special funds for church and mosque leaders, as well as cultural institutions,” he said. “We shall also start a fund for fishermen, zone by zone, because they need more than one million to buy boats and nets. For university graduates without jobs for two years, we shall also create a fund.” Push for Industrialization in Pallisa: The President also addressed the issue of industrial development in Bukedi, revealing that Pallisa District had offered 100 acres of land for an industrial park, but he deemed the size inadequate. “You have given me very little land. I want a square mile or more. When you get more land, come back to me,” President Museveni said. He referenced the Sino-Uganda Industrial Park in Mbale, which hosts 75 factories, as an example of how industrialization can generate mass employment. Addressing the region’s natural resources, President Museveni encouraged residents of Bukedi to exploit their swampy areas for fish farming instead of depending solely on rice cultivation. “You, the Bukedi people, are blessed with swamps. Fish farming is very lucrative. In my Lira farm, the fishponds yield 100 million shillings per year. In Limoto here, farmers are getting 56 million per acre-more than what they earned from rice,” he said. The President promised that the government would support pond construction for farmers, saying fish farming is a major income source. President Museveni also used the Pallisa rally to review the NRM government’s development record in the sub-region. He noted that Bukedi, once ravaged by cattle rustling and insurgency in the 1980s, now enjoys peace and infrastructure growth. “For 40 years, we have ensured peace. Pallisa was once attacked by cattle rustlers and was a battleground for Lakwena. But now there is stability because of the institutions we built-the army, police, and a united party,” he said. He listed peace as the first of NRM’s “seven key contributions” to Uganda, followed by development in transport, electricity, telecommunications, and water access. “When NRM came to power, the only tarmac road in eastern Uganda passed through Tororo. We made the Iganga–Nakalama–Tirinyi–Mbale road, and later the Tirinyi–Pallisa–Kumi road,” President Museveni said. However, he criticized local authorities for neglecting rural roads, saying maintenance units in Mbale and the districts receive funds and equipment but perform poorly. “They just graded this road because they knew I was coming. I have warned Minister Katumba. We gave each district one billion for roads, so the RDC and LC5 must ensure accountability,” President Museveni stated. Improving Water Access: According to data shared at the event, 477 of Pallisa’s 498 rural villages (96%) have access to safe water sources. Completed projects include the Pallisa Town Council Piped Water Supply and Sanitation Project, serving 54,000 people, and the Limoto Irrigation Scheme in Bolliso Sub-County, benefiting 100 farmers. Ongoing projects include the Nakitende Solar-Powered Irrigation Scheme in Najeneti Sub-County, while plans involve new piped water systems in Kibale and Kamuge Town Councils. Education and Skilling Youth: President Museveni said that while Pallisa District has made progress in expanding access to education, with 76 government and 160 private primary schools, and 9 government and 23 private secondary schools, some parishes and sub-counties still lack institutions. “Our policy is one government primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county. Those that lack will be prioritized,” he said. He recalled how, in 1961, Uganda had only three A-level schools for boys and three for girls nationwide. “In 1961, when I was at Ntare school, we had many boys from Bukedi, like Dr. Steven Malinga and others who were coming to Ntare because there were only 3 A-level schools for boys in the whole of Uganda. When I come here today and find that Pallisa has nine government secondary schools, I say Eyalama Edeke (thank you God),” President Museveni remarked. Still, he expressed concern over continued charges in government schools, which he said kept some children out of education. To address this, he highlighted the introduction of 19 skilling hubs across Uganda. In Bukedi, the hub is in Kibuku District and has trained 927 youth in welding, carpentry, tailoring, hairdressing, baking, and leather design. Currently, 234 are undergoing training. “These children had no hope, but in just six months, they are producing goods we used to import,” he added. The President also addressed gaps in the health sector. Out of Pallisa’s 21 sub-counties, only one has a hospital, while 14 have Health Centre IIIs. Six sub-counties have no health facilities at all. “Our plan is to have a health centre II in every parish, a health centre III in every sub-county, and a district hospital,” President Museveni said. Planned upgrades include turning Obutete, Kaukura, and Limoto Health Centre IIs into Health Centre IIIs, and constructing new facilities in Kamuge Rural, Agule Rural, and Oboliso Sub-counties. The Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, who welcomed the President to Bukedi, praised the NRM government for transforming the region’s infrastructure. “Especially the road from Tirinyi to Pallisa up to Kumi—now we have the best road in eastern Uganda,” she said. The Speaker also commended President Museveni for “defending Uganda’s traditional values” and for “bringing money to the people.” The NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, Mr. Calvin Echodu, said the massive turnout in Pallisa reflected public confidence in the President’s leadership. “It’s a testament to how the people of Bukedi believe in what you and the NRM have done,” he said. Hon. Derrick Orone, Gogonya County MP and NRM District Chairperson for Pallisa, presented seven key requests from the people of Pallisa. These included the elevation of Pallisa General Hospital to referral status, more technical schools, and political appointments for local NRM cadres. “We shall give you above 90% in the upcoming election,” Hon. Orone said, drawing cheers from the crowd. The rally drew thousands of residents, government officials, and party supporters, including NRM Secretary General, Rt Hon. Richard Todwong and several Members of Parliament from Bukedi and neighboring regions.

2025-11-12