KITGUM — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to embrace the four pillars of peace, development, wealth creation, and free education as the foundation for transforming their communities and securing Uganda’s future.
Addressing a mammoth crowd at a campaign rally in Kitgum Municipality, President Museveni emphasised that the NRM government has brought peace and unity by rejecting divisive politics based on tribe and religion.
“The NRM has brought peace. It is not easy to create peace in a pre-industrial country,” the President said. “The first thing that helped us achieve peace was that we did not accept the politics of sectarianism, religion, or tribe. The NRM made it clear that we don’t care about your tribe or religion; what we care about is whether you know what to do. That is how we built a strong army.”
Peace and Development as Pillars of Transformation
The President reiterated that peace was the foundation of Uganda’s recovery and that development had followed steadily through massive investment in infrastructure and social services.
He cited the tarmacked Olwiyo–Anaka–Kitgum road, the electricity extension from Lira to Lamwo up to the South Sudan border, and the Tororo–Lira–Gulu–Pakwach railway as evidence of the NRM’s long-term investment in Northern Uganda.
President Museveni also commended the region’s improved water coverage, noting that 572 out of 686 villages in Kitgum now have access to safe water — an impressive 83% coverage.
“The problem is that people try to do everything at once. That is not how the NRA works,” he cautioned. “If you cannot do all things at the same time, ask yourself what comes first. For me, I recommend defense so that you are safe, then roads, electricity, and education. The rest can come after.”
He added that ongoing road works, such as the Gulu–Awere–Kochokilak–Patongo–Abim road and the planned upgrade of Health Centre IIs to IIIs in Kitgum and Lamw,o are part of NRM’s prioritisation strategy.
Education and Skilling for a Modern Economy
On education, President Museveni expressed concern that 30 parishes in Kitgum still lack government schools, despite the district having 99 government primary schools and 9 government secondary schools.
“We have 72 parishes and 88 government schools, meaning schools are more than parishes, yet 30 parishes have no government schools. Who allows this? In the next government plan, we shall build more schools,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to free and quality education, noting that when he faced resistance within the system, he personally established Presidential Skilling Hubs through the State House to empower the youth with hands-on skills.
“Because I faced opposition in implementing free education, I used my power through the State House to build skilling hubs where no one could resist my idea,” he said. “Those children who had lost hope are now producing things like hospital beds, shoes, and other products that were once imported from China.”
Wealth Creation and Restocking Programme
Turning to wealth creation, President Museveni urged citizens not to confuse development with personal wealth, explaining that while the government provides public infrastructure, individuals must take responsibility for using it productively.
“Don’t mix development with wealth. Development is good, but wealth and poverty are mine alone. This message of wealth creation is for everyone,” he emphasised.
He announced that the government will resume the national restocking program to boost household incomes across Northern Uganda. “We had started restocking but faced some legal issues. We had paid Shs.159 billion, then held meetings with leaders and elders. I proposed giving five cows per homestead in all regions, and that idea was adopted,” he explained.
“The Acholi leaders agreed but asked that war claimants be compensated because the war lasted longer here. We shall look into that.”
The President said the program will empower families to rebuild their herds and livelihoods, complementing other initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Local Leaders Laud NRM’s Achievements
Hon. Okello Oryem, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, thanked the President for restoring peace and development in the region and appealed for action on elephants invading communities and the creation of Chua East District, a pledge the President made earlier.
Hon. Beatrice Anywar, Minister of State for Environment, hailed the President for empowering citizens through wealth creation programs and reaffirmed Kitgum’s unwavering support for the NRM government.
Hon. Lillian Aber, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness and Kitgum Woman MP, appealed to the President to upgrade Kitgum Hospital to a regional referral hospital, noting that it serves both Kitgum and Lamwo districts.
NRM District Chairperson Mr Ongom Lapyem thanked the President for transforming education, recalling that in 1986, Kitgum had only two secondary schools, yet today every sub-county has at least one.
“Before talking about other NRM gains, I must thank the President personally for sponsoring my education. I am one of the NRM’s own success stories,” Mr Lapyem said.
He also applauded the success of the Parish Development Model, which has lifted thousands of households from poverty, and requested action on wild animals straying from Kidepo National Park.
Consolidating Progress
President Museveni concluded by urging the people of Kitgum to safeguard peace and consolidate the gains of the NRM by voting for continuity.
“The NRM is the party that brought peace, built infrastructure, and created opportunities for all. Let us continue the journey of peace, development, wealth creation, and free education,” he said.