President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hailed the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for restoring peace and stability in the Karamoja sub-region, describing the successful disarmament campaign as the cornerstone of the region’s transformation.
Addressing thousands of supporters during campaign rallies in Kaabong and Karenga districts, President Museveni—also the NRM presidential flag bearer—said peace has enabled Karamoja to make tremendous strides in education, health, and infrastructure.
“Peace in Karamoja did not come easily,” the President said. “When we first came here, the main challenge was insecurity caused by cattle rustling. What began as a cultural practice for paying bride price had turned into a commercial crime. Stolen cows were being sold cheaply in markets as far as Kampala, and many innocent people were being killed.”
He recalled that some critics doubted Uganda’s ability to restore order in Karamoja without regional cooperation. “Some people said you cannot disarm the Karamojong unless you disarm the Turkana, Toposa, or Pokot. But I told them: my responsibility is Uganda. I will disarm my people and protect their lives,” President Museveni said.
He narrated the human cost of the insecurity: “There was a woman in Nakapiripirit who had been married nine times, and all her husbands had been killed by the gun. What sort of country is that?”
The President said that today, the region has achieved lasting peace and stability, and communities are reaping the dividends of security. “Children are now going to school, health services like immunisation have improved, and people are no longer dying by the gun. The population has grown because people are surviving,” he noted.
From Peace to Prosperity
With peace restored, President Museveni said the government has been able to focus on accelerating socio-economic transformation in Karamoja.
“Electricity has reached Karenga, Kaabong, and Kotido. Years ago, power stopped in Soroti and Lira, and the economy had collapsed. Through prioritisation, we extended power to Moroto and beyond,” he said.
He also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects as key drivers of development: “We have already brought tarmac near you—from Kitgum to Karenga, and from Moroto to Kotido and Kaabong. The next plan is to complete the Kitgum–Namukora–Karenga–Kidepo road and upgrade the Moroto–Kotido–Kaabong road,” he announced.
The President added that a new international airport at Kidepo National Park will boost tourism and create jobs for local communities. “Some people think parks are only for animals. But tourists who visit these parks bring money. When they come, they will drink your milk and buy your products,” he said.
He further revealed that the government had constructed major water sources such as Longoromit Dam (1.4 billion litres) and Usake Valley Dam (2.8 billion litres) to support livestock and agriculture.
Education and Health Gains
On education, the President said Kaabong District now has 32 primary schools and two secondary schools, with plans to have one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county.
He reiterated his long-standing call for free education in all government schools, pledging to recruit 50,000 additional teachers in the next government term. “We want all children to study for free. That’s why I started skilling hubs and contributed Shs 50 million to SACCOs for their graduates. These SACCOs will be expanded to every district,” he said.
In health, President Museveni said Kaabong has one hospital and seven Health Centre IIIs, with plans to upgrade several Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs to improve access to quality care.
Wealth Creation and Economic Empowerment
While the government continues to invest in infrastructure, President Museveni reminded residents that personal prosperity depends on individual effort.
“Development is ours as government—roads, schools, electricity. But wealth is yours as a family. Poverty is personal, and so is wealth. That’s why we urge you to use government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and OWC,” he said.
He announced new funding to support special interest groups: “We shall add Shs 15 million for local leaders and create funds for graduates, religious and cultural leaders, and ghetto youth. Use this money well and return it after two years.”
Karenga and Kaabong: Development in Numbers
Since its creation in 2019, Karenga District has benefited from multiple government initiatives: Shs 11.4 billion disbursed under the PDM, directly supporting 8,856 households (45.8% of all households). 33 SACCOs under the Emyooga program, with over 5,600 members and Shs 1 billion disbursed to boost local entrepreneurship. Expansion of health facilities, schools, and water access, now reaching 60% of villages.
Kaabong, meanwhile, has benefited from the extension of electricity, the construction of new dams, and the fencing of Kidepo National Park to address human-wildlife conflicts.
Local Leaders Praise NRM’s Legacy
Hon. Dr John Baptist Lokii, NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja, commended President Museveni for transforming the sub-region. “Unlike past leaders, you have gone the extra mile to develop Karamoja. We thank you for disarming the warriors and creating peace. Karamoja now has universities, hospitals, and factories. On behalf of the region, we pledge to support you 99.9%,” Dr Lokii said.
Hon. Hillary Lokwang, NRM Chairperson for Kaabong, also appreciated the President’s leadership and requested that Kaabong Hospital be upgraded to a referral hospital.
The rallies in Karenga and Kaabong drew large crowds, including NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters.
