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 WARNS AGAINST FOREIGN MEDDLING, VOWS TO SAFEGUARD UGANDA’S PEACE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned against external interference in African affairs, saying foreign actors are attempting to destabilize the region because they are threatened by Uganda’s growing industrial base and upcoming oil production. The President made the remarks yesterday during a radio talk show at Mbale State Lodge in Mbale City, where he engaged journalists in the Bugisu Sub-region. “Most of these children being misled in Tanzania and other countries are being confused by European powers that are worried about Uganda’s progress. Our industries are growing, our oil is coming — and they want to control Africa’s resources. But I must warn those confusing them that we shall crush them,” he said firmly. President Museveni reiterated that peace and stability remain the foundation of Uganda’s success under the NRM, noting that unity and discipline have enabled the country to build strong national institutions. “Number one is peace. We created peace because we don’t believe in sectarian politics. That is why we have been able to build a strong national army capable of defending our country,” he said. Tracing the NRM’s roots to 1965, the President said the Movement emerged in response to the politics of identity that had divided Ugandans along tribal and religious lines. “What is important for the people is their needs, not their tribes. Prosperity comes from production and markets, not from tribal identity,” he said. He emphasized that the NRM’s ideology is based on four key pillars — peace, development, wealth creation, and regional integration. “When the earlier sectarian groups collapsed and Amin came in, we decided to fight for a new Uganda built on unity and purpose,” he said. On development, President Museveni said that while Uganda has achieved major progress in infrastructure — including roads, electricity and schools — poverty persists in some communities because people have not fully embraced wealth creation. “Africa has been underpopulated for a long time. People can survive without progressing unless leaders wake them up — that’s what I did with the Banyankore,” he noted. He encouraged Ugandans, especially the youth, to create jobs through commercial agriculture, ICT, services and industries rather than depend on government employment. “Before colonialism, Africans had emyooga (talents), but the colonialists diverted people into administration. Jobs come from production, not from government offices,” he said. The President revealed that a new industrial park will be established in Busumbu, Mbale, to process vermiculite — a mineral used in satellite technology. “We are focusing on four sectors: commercial agriculture, factories, ICT, and services. It is wealth creation that creates jobs,” he said. He also urged residents living on high-risk mountain slopes to adopt safer farming practices and explore alternative livelihoods to prevent disasters such as mudslides. “We can sit down and agree on how best to use the mountain sustainably,” he said. On youth empowerment, President Museveni announced a forthcoming funding scheme for university graduates to support start-ups, organized by zone, and pledged to continue supporting value addition initiatives in agriculture, especially coffee processing. Reaffirming his commitment to stability, President Museveni declared: “Nobody can disturb our peace. Anybody who tries will be dealt with.” The interactive session was attended by the NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, the Party’s Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, Mr. Calvin Echodu, and several leaders from the Bugisu Sub-region.

2025-11-09

BUDUDA: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES TO TARMAC BUDUDA-BUBULO CIRCULAR ROAD, HAILS NRM’S RECORD ON PEACE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer, has pledged to tarmac the long-awaited 25.8km Bududa–Bubulo circular road linking the districts of Manafwa, Bududa and Namisindwa. The President made the commitment today during a campaign rally at Bukigai Primary School playground in Nangako Town Council, Bududa District. The President was accompanied by the first daughter, Mrs. Natasha Karugire Museveni. “I have come here to ask you to continue supporting the NRM because we do not just talk. We show results,” President Museveni said, drawing applause from the crowd. The President noted that although the circular road has taken time, the government has now secured funds to complete it. “We have been pushing for the Bubulo–Namisindwa–Bududa circular road. It was delayed, yes, but now we have the money and we are going to work on it,” he said. President Museveni highlighted ongoing progress in Bududa, including the completed tarmac road from Mbale along the Bumbobi–Bubulo–Lwakhakha section, describing it as part of the wider economic infrastructure the NRM has been building for the last 40 years. “The first contribution of the NRM is peace, and you are witnesses to that. Development comes next. Electricity and roads are the backbone of transformation,” he said. He recalled the electricity shortages Uganda faced in 2005 before decisive investment was made. He said, “Because of that electricity, you can now see the industrial park in Mbale. It would never have come.” President Museveni emphasized the need for leaders and communities to prioritise long-term development over short-term demands. “Some things take time. You must guide your Members of Parliament on priorities. We recently had teachers striking for higher salaries, but we must first invest in what grows the economy,” he said. The President also drew on history to illustrate Uganda’s transformation. “In 1961, when I was at Ntare School, boys from Bugisu were coming there because the whole country had only six A’Level schools. Today, Bududa alone has more than 10 secondary schools. This is the steady progress of the NRM,” he said. He cautioned the public not to confuse development with wealth creation, stressing that prosperity lies in engaging in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT. “Government jobs are only 480,000, yet we are 50 million people. Where will everyone work? Jobs come from factories, farms, hotels, transport and ICT,” he explained. President Museveni also reaffirmed his commitment to quality free education. “I introduced UPE in 1996 because I wanted every child to study. But some people did not implement it the way I wanted. Fees in government schools remain the real enemy pushing children out of school.” To bridge the skills gap, the President pointed to the Presidential Skilling Hubs. He celebrated testimonies such as that of Cathy from the Bugisu Zonal Industrial Hub, who trained in tailoring and used her start-up capital to open a workshop in Bududa. “She said the programme gave her life meaning. These are the gains we must protect,” he said. President Museveni concluded his address by summarizing the core pillars of the NRM manifesto. “In our seven-point programme, I have reminded you of four today: peace, development, wealth and jobs. These are the foundations that will secure the future of our people.” The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Bududa District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. The Speaker of Parliament also the Second National Vice Chairperson-NRM, Rt. Hon. Anita Among thanked the President for compensating families affected by past landslides in Bududa. “It is unfortunate that some people claim it is the President who causes landslides. These are acts of God, not decisions of President Museveni,” she said. The NRM Chairperson for Bududa, Mr. Mukwana Wekhola Kolota welcomed the President on behalf of the district’s 268,970 residents, praising his visionary leadership and patriotism, which he said had transformed communities across the country. He outlined government achievements under the PDM programme. “Bududa District, with 160 parishes, has cumulatively received Shs 48.8 billion since 2020/21. Of this, 97.5 percent has gone directly to 47,647 beneficiary households, representing 62.8 percent coverage,” he said. “PDM has changed the lives of our people. We are now supplying cows and beef to eastern Uganda and even Kampala. That is because of your support, Your Excellency.” NRM impact in Bududa: Bududa District currently has; 89 government primary schools , 8 government secondary schools with an enrollment of 10,507 with the construction of 3 seed secondary schools underway. In the health sector, Bududa has one hospital, one HCIV and ten HCIIIs. The government plans to upgrade Nabweya HCII to HCIII and construct new HCIIIs in several town councils and sub-counties to improve service delivery. Water access stands at an impressive 99 percent coverage across villages, with several piped water systems completed in Bududa Town Council, Bududa Hospital and other communities. Additional systems are planned for Nangako Town Council and Shokholo. The district is also benefiting from irrigation schemes such as the Namaistu Irrigation Project, with expansions underway to boost agricultural productivity. Bududa is fully connected to the national electricity grid. The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-11-08

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RALLIES NAMISINDWA TO VOTE FOR NRM, HIGHLIGHTS PARTY’S FOUR PILLARS IN UGANDA’S TRANSFORMATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today took his 2026 re-election message to the mountainous district of Namisindwa, rallying thousands of supporters to continue trusting the National Resistance Movement (NRM). In his speech, the President outlined what he called the NRM’s four major contributions to Uganda: peace, development, wealth for homesteads, and jobs from wealth creation, and added a fifth one; free education, as a cornerstone of his government’s legacy. “You find politicians telling you that jobs come from the government. When you hear that the government has more jobs than the economy, then you know that it is a backward country. Jobs come from wealth creation in sectors such as commercial agriculture, manufacturing, and services like hotels and salons,” President Museveni told the cheering crowd. The President’s message, delivered under intermittent drizzles, described the NRM as the party that moved Uganda from chaos to progress. On peace, the NRM Presidential candidate recalled the struggle that brought their party to power in 1986, stressing that peace and unity remain the bedrock of all progress Uganda has achieved. “It was not easy to bring peace to Uganda, but because we believe in unity and not sectarianism, we have built strong institutions like the army, police, prisons, and intelligence services that can guard the peace,” he said. The President contrasted Uganda’s current stability with the turmoil of the past, recalling a time when “Ugandans were refugees in other countries.” Today, he noted, Uganda hosts refugees from across the region, a testament, he said, to its peace and stability. “You remember in the past, people from here smuggled goods from Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi. Now there are so many goods in Uganda that the buyers are the ones who are few,” President Museveni said. For the President, this peace is not merely the absence of war but the foundation upon which other pillars- development, wealth creation, and jobs stand. From peace, President Museveni transitioned to development, the NRM’s second pillar. He cited the expansion of infrastructure and social services across Namisindwa as evidence of the government’s commitment to transformation. “The tarmac road has reached Lwakhakha from Mbale. The challenge now is to move it from Magale to Namisindwa Central. Also, the Bubulo-Budadiri road is already funded, but it does not pass here, so we shall work on both,” he said. In education, the President reiterated the government’s policy of having one government primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county. Namisindwa, he noted, currently has 95 government primary schools and eight government secondary schools, complemented by 17 private secondary schools. However, 91 out of the district’s 163 parishes still lack a government primary school, while 21 of its 29 sub-counties have no government secondary school. The President announced that three new seed secondary schools are under construction, which will reduce the number of sub-counties without government secondary schools to 18. In health, President Museveni acknowledged existing gaps, revealing that out of Namisindwa’s 29 sub-counties, 19 lack any health facility. Plans are underway to upgrade several Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs, including Bukhaweka, Mukoto, Bukiabi, and Buwuma, as well as constructing new health centers in 14 sub-counties. “Namisindwa still has no hospital or HCIV, but we are addressing this,” he said. On water and sanitation, President Museveni noted that only 52% of Namisindwa’s villages have access to safe water, with projects ongoing to expand the piped water system and construct boreholes. “We completed the Namisindwa Town Council piped water supply serving 12,238 people. We are now expanding coverage,” he said. He also mentioned the Lirima Medium Scale Irrigation Scheme and Bunamulungi Irrigation Demonstration Site, planned to enhance agricultural productivity through irrigation. On electricity, President Museveni said, it has reached Namisindwa through the national grid, though more distribution is needed. “The district is now connected; it’s only a question of spreading it out,” he assured. Wealth for Homesteads: President Museveni’s third and most emphatic theme was wealth creation, a long-running message in his speeches across the country. He cautioned residents not to confuse development with personal wealth. “You must be clear that wealth is different from development. You may have development, but if you don’t have guidance, poverty will remain in your families. That’s why we started sending you money, to get you out of poverty,” he said. He retraced the government’s journey from Entandikwa, NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Emyooga, to the latest Parish Development Model (PDM). Each program, he said, was designed to help households transition into the money economy. In Namisindwa, President Museveni revealed that the PDM had made remarkable progress. The district’s 163 parishes have cumulatively received Shs. 50.1 billion, of which 97.28% has been disbursed to 51,113 households, covering 80.3% of all households. President Museveni cited success stories to illustrate his point. He mentioned Mudebo of Sironko, who started with two acres and now produces 60 litres of milk daily and earns Shs. 90 million annually from coffee. Another was Nyanaka Richard of Fort Portal, whose one-acre “Kaana Farm” combines dairy, poultry, and manure production. He earns Shs. 108 million per year from eggs and milk, and employs several people. “Use the money we send you to get out of poverty. We shall continue sending that money. We can even increase it, like the extra 15 million shillings for the leaders,” he urged, adding that the government is to establish a special fund for religious leaders and cultural leaders, and a fund for university graduates without jobs. Wealth Produces Jobs: President Museveni’s fourth pillar focused on job creation. He challenged what he called a “false narrative” by opposition politicians that jobs come from government employment. “There are only 480,000 jobs in government, yet we have a population of 50 million. How can we all work for the government?” he asked. “In developed countries, very few people work for the government. Most are in the private sector.” To demonstrate his point, President Museveni highlighted the example of Hon. Fred Byamukama, the Minister of State for Transport, who turned his four-acre farm into a multi-enterprise model, earning Shs. 700 million per year from poultry alone and employing 26 Ugandans. “The wealth of Byamukama has produced jobs. That’s what many people don’t know,” President Museveni said. He noted that job creation under the NRM stems from four main sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing and industrialization, services, and ICT. Pointing to the booming Mbale Industrial City, he said: “The town is full of factories - that’s where jobs are coming from.” Free Education: President Museveni again revisited one of his longest-running campaigns: free education for all, saying that school administrators continue to impose charges that keep poor children out of government schools. “Since 1986, I have been insisting on free education, and that’s why I introduced it in 1996. But some people bring school charges, and pupils drop out. I want to show you that free education is possible,” he said. To illustrate, President Museveni listened to the testimony of Ms. Joy Munyalo, a 38-year-old graduate of the Bugisu Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub in Mbale. Munyalo, a single mother who had dropped out in Senior Four, trained in hairdressing under the State House skilling program. “I was the best student,” she said, thanking President Museveni for giving hope to young women. “With Shs. 200,000 from the State House Comptroller, I started a small salon. Today, I employ nine single mothers who also dropped out of school.” President Museveni said Munyalo’s story demonstrates the transformative power of skilling and free education. “These children were hopeless, but now they are employers,” he said, calling upon the NRM leaders to discuss the issue of charges in government schools in the coming government, and reaffirmed his support for fully free education. “Therefore, I want you, NRM people, in the coming government, you discuss the issue of charges in government schools. I support free education. Do you support it?” he asked, as the crowd responded, “Yes!” The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, also NRM’s second national vice chairperson, thanked Museveni for promoting cross-border trade at the Lwakhakha border with Kenya. “We can now trade easily, without hassle. Even a blind person can see what you have done for Uganda,” she said. Mr. Calvin Echodu, NRM vice chairperson for Eastern Region, welcomed the President back to what he termed as a familiar territory of his historical struggle. He raised two key priorities for the sub-region: the one-stop border point at Lwakhakha and completion of road infrastructure to improve trade connectivity. The NRM Chairperson for Namisindwa, Mr. Aramazan Wabuko thanked the President for his visionary leadership but called for additional interventions, including youth empowerment programs, improved health facilities, and a reduction of the SAGE beneficiary age from 80 to 75 years. Namisindwa, one of Uganda’s youngest districts, has been a reliable NRM stronghold. In the 2021 presidential elections, the district recorded 60.4% voter turnout. President Museveni polled 40,563 votes (73.3%), while NUP’s candidate managed 12,780 (23.1%). According to the 2024 census, the district’s population stands at 257,346, with 116,258 registered voters across 302 polling stations, up from 254 in 2021. President Museveni will on Monday, November 10, 2025, conclude his campaign tour of the Bugisu sub-region with a grand rally in Mbale City. Afterward, he will begin his campaign rallies in the Sebei sub-region, covering the districts of Kapchorwa, Kween and Bukwo.

2025-11-08

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SWEARS IN NEW PRINCIPAL JUDGE, DPP, IGG AND DEPUTIES, CALLS FOR PEOPLE-CENTERED JUSTICE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today presided over the swearing-in of Uganda’s new Principal Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, at Mbale State Lodge. Lady Justice Abodo previously served as the Director of Public Prosecutions, a role she held until August this year when she was appointed by the President to her new position. Also sworn in were Hon. Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze as Inspector General of Government, her deputies Ms. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe and Ms. Patricia Achan, as well as Mr. Lino Anguzu as Director of Public Prosecutions. President Museveni congratulated the appointees, praising their youth, integrity, and professional background. “I congratulate you on ascending to these high offices. I am glad you are young people. I know some of you individually and I have been following your record. You seem not to be corrupt,” he said. The President then delivered a detailed reflection on Uganda’s long struggle to align state institutions with the ideals that guided the liberation struggle. “We have been having a discrepancy between the bush people and the structure of the state,” he said. “We destroyed the old army and created a new one. We created a patriotic army that was not corrupt. But we still had a problem with existing structures. The civil service was colonial, corrupt and non-patriotic. The judiciary, the police, even Parliament suffered the same issues until we started getting new people who were more likely to be in line with our idealist ideas.” President Museveni said the arrival of a new generation of leaders offered hope for reform. “Therefore, the coming up of these young people, some of whom I know, is good. For example, Abodo has been in the DPP’s office and she has done some good work. Let me see what she does now that she is Principal Judge,” he said. The President spoke at length about justice, accountability and the historical expectations of Ugandan communities. “The colonial structure was a deformity. It was not harmonized with the population. Our people have their own views on justice which are very clear and closer to the law of Moses: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. The tribes can forgive, but you must apologize and compensate,” he said. He added that some practices in the justice system provoke anger among citizens. “When you have people who promote impunity, when a thief disturbing the village gets bail, the villagers cannot understand. You are in conflict with the population straight away,” he said. “Why don’t you keep this person in jail and try him quickly, instead of provoking the villagers and disregarding their rights?” President Museveni therefore noted that Uganda now needs harmony between the justice system and the values of its people. “That stand-off must end. To have peace in the country, you need full accountability for crimes; otherwise, you will get all sorts of problems,” he strongly warned. He concluded by saying: “I congratulate you and wish you good luck.” The Deputy Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija also congratulated Lady Justice Abodo and other appointees. “She promoted plea bargaining with passion, both as a judge and as DPP. I have no doubt she will deliver,” he said. He advised her to strengthen court inspections, maintain quarterly reviews of magistrate courts and support special courts for gender-based violence. “I also congratulate the IGG and her deputies,” he said. The ceremony was attended by the Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka and the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet, Ms. Lucy Nakyobe and other government officials.

2025-11-08

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS 498 OFFICER CADETS AT KAWEWETA MILITARY TRAINING SCHOOL

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has this afternoon officiated at the commissioning ceremony of 498 Officer Cadets of Intake 19/25 at the UPDF Basic Military Training School, Kaweweta, Nakaseke District. The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as well as ambassadors and military delegations from fraternal African countries. Out of the 498 newly commissioned officers, 100 were from the Central African Republic, 20 from Mali, 40 from Somalia, 10 from the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces, and 328 from the UPDF. In his address, President Museveni congratulated the officer cadets upon successfully completing their course and joining what he described as “an army of warriors and heroes”. “I congratulate the newly commissioned officer cadets whom I have just presided over at the UPDF Basic Military Training School, Kaweweta. You are joining an army of warriors and heroes — an army based on the principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, discipline, and professionalism,” the President said. He commended the cadets for demonstrating endurance and commitment, citing the 177-kilometre Salim Saleh Walk undertaken during their training, retracing the historical route used by the National Resistance Army in 1985 during the successful operation on Masindi Barracks. “That walk symbolizes commitment, sacrifice, and resilience. You are inheriting the spirit of those who never gave up. Remember, when we were fighting, we never gave up, and that’s the spirit we expect from you,” he said. President Museveni emphasized the four pillars that guide the UPDF — patriotism, Pan-Africanism, discipline, and professionalism — urging the new officers to embody those values throughout their service. “You are being commissioned into an army of warriors that stands for love of country, love of Africa, and service to the people with dignity. Be disciplined and physically ready to defend your country,” he said. The President lauded the collaboration between Uganda and other African countries represented in the training, describing it as proof that Africa has the capacity to manage its own affairs. He recounted a light moment during his interaction with one of the visiting cadets, saying, “I asked a young officer what she liked most about Uganda, and she told me, ‘akatogo.’ That shows the bonds we are building through cooperation.” President Museveni also reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving infrastructure within Luweero Triangle and the surrounding areas. He noted that several roads within the triangle have been tarmacked, and the road from Katugo to Kaweweta is among those earmarked for tarmacking. On water and electricity, the President said he would look into how water can be pumped from Lake Kyoga to serve the surrounding communities, adding that the flat terrain of Nakaseke would make such a project feasible. He also noted that electricity already exists at Kaweweta and pledged to explore how it can be extended to neighboring areas. The President further congratulated the UPDF for their recent successful operations against criminal elements in Kasese. “I want to congratulate the CDF and the army for crushing the bad elements in Kasese. They were defeated by a small group of soldiers — only 12 — who managed to overpower them. That comes from confidence and solid training,” he said. President Museveni concluded by congratulating the newly commissioned officers once again, urging them to carry forward the UPDF’s rich legacy of patriotism, sacrifice, and service to the people of Uganda and Africa. On his part, Gen. Muhoozi congratulated the newly commissioned officer cadets upon completing their training and urged them to uphold discipline, resilience, and professionalism throughout their careers. He praised the UPDF’s growing role in promoting peace and security across the African continent. “Your Excellency, we thank you for continually embracing the spirit of oneness and for your sacrifice to make Africa strong. Among the commissioned officers are soldiers from Somalia, Central African Republic, Tanzania, and Mali. This is testimony to UPDF’s continental contribution,” Gen. Muhoozi said. He also gave an update on the security situation and the ongoing peaceful political campaigns in the country, commending security forces for their vigilance and professionalism. “The campaigns are progressing well, and we thank the security forces for working around the clock to ensure a peaceful electoral process. We also commend the citizens for respecting the Electoral Commission guidelines,” he said. He, however, cautioned candidates against provoking security forces, warning that security will not be compromised in the name of politics. “The security of the country will not be compromised merely because a particular candidate is campaigning. It doesn’t work like that,” he warned. Gen. Muhoozi further briefed the gathering on a recent attempted attack on security installations in Bundibugyo, Kasese, and Fort Portal on November 1, 2025. “Confused elements armed mainly with machetes attempted to attack security posts. They were promptly repulsed by the UPDF and Uganda Police. Two attackers were put out of action,” he said. He thanked the residents of Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Fort Portal for rallying behind security forces during the incident, saying, “As the ancient Romans used to say — those who desire peace must prepare for war.” The Commandant of Kaweweta Training School, Brig. Gen. Otongo John Patrick, congratulated the 498 officer cadets, including 61 females, upon their successful completion of the course. He noted that the course not only trained them in military tactics but also in teamwork, resilience, and professionalism, preparing them for modern warfare. “Today’s event is more than just a commissioning ceremony — it is a demonstration of the quality and professionalism that defines the UPDF. The skills and discipline acquired here will serve these officers well in their service,” Brig. Gen. Otongo said. He thanked the UPDF leadership, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and the external facilitators who contributed to the training, for their continued guidance and support in professionalizing the forces.

2025-11-07