President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential candidate in the 2026 general elections, resumed his nationwide campaigns on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, with a grand entry into the West Nile Sub-region, where he addressed thousands of enthusiastic supporters in Pakwach District.
The President urged the people of West Nile to vote for the NRM, which he said has ensured peace, unity, and stability across Uganda, transforming the region from a once-volatile area into a centre of growth and opportunity.
“When the NRM came to power, many of you were in exile in Congo and South Sudan. Some of you were even born there. But when we took charge, we reconciled and brought peace. You returned home — you are living witnesses to the strength of the NRM,” President Museveni said to loud cheers.
He contrasted Uganda’s enduring stability with the conflicts in neighbouring South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, noting that Uganda has become a safe haven for refugees fleeing regional unrest. “You know what is happening across the borders. Uganda now hosts thousands of refugees — and you are the best witnesses to the peace and security we have built,” he added.
Reflecting on his long political journey, President Museveni reminded supporters that the NRM’s ideology was born out of the need to end divisive politics rooted in tribalism and religion. “When you support the NRM, you must understand why. We started this journey in the 1960s, when politics was dominated by DP, UPC, and Kabaka Yekka — parties divided along sectarian lines. We opposed that and built a movement founded on national unity,” he said.
The President said this ideology gave rise to the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) in 1971 and later the NRM, which has consistently stood for justice, peace, and unity. “Since then, we have always supported what is right and opposed what is wrong,” he affirmed.
President Museveni outlined key NRM achievements, categorising them into two pillars: economic infrastructure and social infrastructure. He cited major projects such as the Karuma–Pakwach–Nebbi–Arua–Koboko road, electricity expansion, and telecommunication connectivity as part of the foundation for economic transformation in the region.
In terms of social development, he highlighted progress in education and health. Pakwach District now has 64 government primary schools and eight government secondary schools, although 20 parishes still lack primary schools. “We shall ensure that every parish has a government primary school and every sub-county has a secondary school,” he pledged.
He compared this to the early 1960s, when West Nile had no secondary school at all. “When I joined Ntare School in 1961, there was not a single secondary school in West Nile, Acholi, Lango, or Teso. Today, every district has schools — that is progress,” he noted.
On healthcare, the President acknowledged that only one of the ten sub-counties in Pakwach has a Health Centre IV. He promised to consider upgrading health facilities and constructing a district hospital within available national resources, cautioning against “unrealistic demands.”
“I was in Oyam earlier today, and they wanted to divide it into two districts. I asked what about the roads, and they said forget about them. We must be serious with our demands,” he said, urging citizens to prioritise wisely as the government expands infrastructure.
Turning to the oil sector, President Museveni announced that Uganda’s first petroleum production is expected to start next year. “God is always with the NRM. The British were here for over 60 years and never found oil — but we did. And next year, we shall start pumping,” he said. He assured Ugandans that oil revenues will be used prudently to fund major infrastructure, science, and health projects, not luxuries.
On wealth creation, the President urged households to embrace government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) to fight poverty. “The government sends Shs 100 million per parish annually for income-generating projects. Use it well,” he said.
He cited success stories from beneficiaries like Gilbert Kermundo, who expanded his farm, and Apio Vicky from Lira, who used her PDM funds to start maize farming and later bought livestock. “First focus on homestead income; the rest will follow,” the President advised.
He announced plans for new targeted funds to support specific groups such as religious and cultural leaders, unemployed graduates, and fishermen. “In wealth creation, we don’t want spectators — everyone must be a player,” he said.
Addressing issues in the fisheries sector, President Museveni demonstrated the profitability of fish farming, sharing examples from his fishponds in Lango. “A pond of 20 by 50 meters can generate Shs 100 million. Government will help build such ponds so that people can leave the wetlands,” he said.
He clarified that the deployment of soldiers on lakes was meant to protect breeding grounds and end illegal fishing. “The soldiers had nothing to do with the lake, but we had to stop the destruction of fish stocks. I will meet cultural and religious leaders to agree on how fishing should be done,” he assured. He also announced plans for a Fisheries Development Fund to modernise the sector and reduce community tensions.
On the Jonam land question, the President revealed plans to establish a commission of inquiry to resolve historical disputes between the Jonam and Acholi communities. “I will appoint a judicial-type commission to study the history and help us find lasting solutions,” he said.
Earlier, Pakwach District Chairperson Robert Omito welcomed the President, noting that it was his first visit to the district since 2015. “Your Excellency, though you’ve not been here physically, you have sent us many things — PDM funds and development projects,” Omito said, adding that Shs 14 billion had been injected into 48 SACCOs under PDM.
Omito also called for reforms in the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), urging it to act as a backup force rather than remain permanently on the waters.
NRM Deputy Electoral Commission Chairperson Jacan Omach thanked the President for his leadership and pledged overwhelming support in 2026. “We shall give you over 85 percent of the votes in West Nile,” he said.
NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong reminded supporters that Pakwach gave the President 61 percent of the vote in 2021, expressing confidence that the figure would rise significantly in 2026.
President Museveni later handed over flags to NRM flag bearers for the 2026 elections and welcomed new converts from opposition parties. He urged all candidates to uphold party discipline and unity.
The rally was attended by ministers from West Nile, Members of Parliament, NRM Central Executive Committee members, local leaders, as well as cultural and religious figures.
