Katakwi — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, addressed a massive campaign rally at Katakwi Booma Grounds in Katakwi Town Council, Katakwi District.
The President thanked the people of Katakwi for being steadfast witnesses to the peace and stability ushered in by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
“The people of Katakwi are the best witnesses of peace because I camped here when everyone had fled to IDP camps,” President Museveni said. “I remember visiting Ngariam, where people were massacred by the Karamojong, and Achowa camp. Today, all that is history. The NRM defeated the rebels and cattle rustlers, and we removed 41,000 guns from Karamoja. That is why people are back in their villages.”
The President emphasised that the NRM’s greatest contribution to Uganda’s transformation has been the restoration of peace, which has provided the foundation for subsequent developments in social and economic infrastructure.
Infrastructure and Water Development
President Museveni highlighted key infrastructure achievements in the Teso sub-region, including the construction of the Soroti–Moroto and Soroti–Lira roads, and revealed plans for new projects such as the Katine–Ochero and Soroti–Amuria–Obalanga–Achanipi–Otuke roads.
“I’m glad that the Katakwi–Toroma road now has a ferry. We are going to be strict with the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Local Government to ensure that the Shs 1.3 billion sent annually for marram road maintenance is properly utilised,” he said.
On water access, the President noted that Katakwi District has 550 villages, of which 342 have boreholes, representing 52% coverage. He pledged that in the next term, every village would have at least one borehole to guarantee clean water for all residents.
He cited several existing piped water systems in Abwenget, Kapujan, Usuk–Koritok, Toroma, Magoro, and Katakwi Town Council, with expansion plans already underway for Usuk–Koritok, Toroma, and Magoro. Ongoing water and irrigation projects include irrigation systems in Ongongoja and Usuk sub-counties and flood-mitigation valley tanks in Aleles, Magoro, and Okuronyo.
Education and Health Services
On education, President Museveni said Katakwi has 78 government primary schools and 10 government secondary schools, despite having 109 parishes and 20 sub-counties.
“We shall ensure that every parish has a government primary school and that the remaining 11 sub-counties without secondary schools get them,” he pledged.
Turning to health, the President noted that Katakwi currently has one hospital, one Health Centre IV, and 10 Health Centre IIIs. He announced ongoing efforts to upgrade and expand healthcare infrastructure across the district.
“Ten sub-counties still lack Health Centre IIIs, but we have already started upgrades at Aakum, Omodoi, Opeta, Okocho, Akurao, and Ongongoja, and we are constructing new facilities in Amusia, Getom, Okore, and Angodingod,” he said.
He further revealed that theatres are under construction at Toroma HCIV, Akurao HCII, and Katakwi General Hospital, alongside the installation of a solar-motorised borehole at Koritok HCIII. Recent upgrades have also been completed at Palam, Koritok, and Akoboi health centres.
Wealth Creation and Youth Empowerment
President Museveni reminded citizens to distinguish between development and wealth creation, explaining that while the NRM government provides infrastructure, individual households must take responsibility for generating income.
“NRM brings development—roads, schools, electricity—but wealth must be created by you in your homes. Development is ours; wealth is yours,” he said.
He added that government restocking programs had been delayed by legal challenges but would now resume, with each household set to receive five cows to support livelihoods.
On youth empowerment, the President highlighted the success of government skilling hubs, which offer free six-month training courses to equip young people with practical skills.
“These youth are now producing hospital beds, shoes, and other items that were being imported from China and Italy. This is the practical way to fight poverty,” he said.
First Lady’s Message
In her remarks, Maama Janet Museveni thanked God for the opportunity to meet the people of Katakwi and commended them for their unity and loyalty to the NRM.
“We thank God for the strength and unity of the NRM family,” she said. “Let us rededicate ourselves to serving our country in the spirit of peace and patriotism.”
She praised President Museveni for his exemplary leadership, describing him as a source of inspiration for the youth through his selfless service and steadfast commitment to Uganda’s progress.
Maama Janet urged NRM supporters to embrace inclusivity and extend friendship to those who have not yet joined the Movement.
“Those outside the NRM are not enemies; they are fellow Ugandans who may not yet understand what the Movement has done for this country,” she said. “Let us bring them closer and continue building the peace and unity that define Uganda today.”
She concluded by urging all citizens to vote for President Museveni and all NRM candidates to consolidate the peace and progress Uganda enjoys.
Leaders Praise the President
The Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo, who also serves as Woman MP for Katakwi District, thanked President Museveni for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for Teso. She cited the establishment of Soroti University and the successful wealth creation programs that have transformed lives in the region.
The Second National Vice Chairperson (NRM), Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, assured the President of total support from Teso, commending him for ending cattle rustling and appointing many leaders from the sub-region, including the Vice President.
Hon. Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, described Katakwi as a “special district” that has always stood firmly with the NRM, thanking the President for establishing skilling centres that have empowered youth.
Mr Okiror John Robert Claire, NRM District Chairperson for Katakwi, pledged overwhelming support for President Museveni and the NRM, saying the people of Katakwi are reaping the dividends of peace, stability, and prosperity. “We appreciate the PDM and Emyooga programs, which have greatly transformed livelihoods across the district,” he said.