Bukedea — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has wrapped up his campaign trail in the Teso Sub-region with a massive rally at Emokori A Cell, Emokori Ward, Bukedea Town Council in Bukedea District, where he thanked residents for their steadfast support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and for standing firmly behind the Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among.
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, President Museveni praised the people of Bukedea for re-electing Among, describing it as a sign of trust in tried and tested leadership.
“I want to thank you, the people of Bukedea, for supporting Anita Among and showing how shallow and bogus NUP is. The lady who was put to contest against her was even her relative, but they didn’t know. I congratulate Anita Among,” he said.
The President reminded the gathering that the NRM’s first major contribution to Uganda was restoring peace and stability, recalling his time as a freedom fighter in the region.
“Because of the correct ideology, we were able to end all these wars. That is how Uganda has become an island of peace, hosting millions of refugees from our brother countries,” Museveni said.
He emphasised that the second contribution of the NRM is development, citing progress in roads, electricity, and communication infrastructure across the country.
“Once we complete all these roads, Teso will be fully connected to Karamoja. Electricity is already here — almost every sub-county in Bukedea now has power. The remaining areas will be connected in the coming government,” he assured.
Water and Irrigation Projects
On access to clean water, President Museveni said the government plans to ensure that every parish in Bukedea has safe water.
“The big plan we have is the Lake Kyoga Gravity Flow Scheme, which will cover Ngora, Kumi, Katakwi, Bukedea, and Kapelebyong. Teso is easy to deal with because it’s flat — the water will be pumped by gravity,” he explained.
He noted that 80 percent of rural Bukedea already has access to safe water, with major piped systems completed in Bukedea and Kachumbala towns, serving over 28,000 people.
New piped systems are also being developed in Aloet and Amus, while the Bukedea Gravity Flow Scheme, set to serve both Bukedea and Kween districts, is under construction.
Museveni also highlighted ongoing water-for-production initiatives such as the Acomai Irrigation Scheme and valley dams in Komuge and Malera sub-counties to boost agricultural output.
Education and Health Commitments
On education, the President reaffirmed the government’s goal of having a primary school in every parish and a secondary school in every sub-county.
“Bukedea now has 98 government primary schools and nine government secondary schools. However, 96 parishes still lack a government primary school, and 10 sub-counties don’t have a secondary school. We are addressing this through the construction of new Seed Secondary Schools,” he said.
He noted that two new Seed Secondary Schools are already under construction, and Bukedea Secondary School will soon be rehabilitated under the government’s traditional schools program.
On health, President Museveni announced plans to expand coverage by upgrading Aminit Health Centre II to a Health Centre III and constructing new facilities in Komuge, Aligoi, Kwarikwar, and Koena sub-counties.
“We shall continue with immunisation, ensure drugs are tracked using ICT, and build houses for health workers. We are committed to improving health service delivery across the country,” he said.
Transport, Wealth Creation, and Jobs
Turning to infrastructure, Museveni mentioned the ongoing rehabilitation of the Tororo–Gulu–Pakwach railway line, which will connect Teso to northern Uganda and enhance regional trade.
The President also urged residents to embrace household wealth creation, stressing that while infrastructure is important, prosperity begins at home.
“Development is good, but wealth creation is what transforms a family. You don’t need tarmac roads to succeed. We have examples of people who listened to my message and are thriving even in remote areas,” he said.
He reiterated government support through programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, and announced a livestock restocking program for Teso, Acholi, and Lango, where each household will receive five cows as compensation for animals lost during past conflicts.
On job creation, Museveni emphasised the link between wealth creation and employment. “Jobs come from wealth — in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, and services. When we create wealth, we create jobs,” he said.
Call for Free Education
In his closing remarks, President Museveni made a passionate appeal for the abolition of school fees in all government institutions.
“I started free education in 1996, but some head teachers continue to charge fees. That’s why I started skilling hubs where children train for six months for free. These youth are now producing what we used to import from China,” he said. “I urge all NRM leaders to ensure that government schools remain free so that no child drops out because of school fees.”
Regional Leaders Praise Museveni
Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo thanked the President for dedicating time to the Teso Sub-region and reaffirmed the region’s unwavering support for the NRM. “Your Excellency, Teso stands firmly with you and the NRM. We are grateful for your continued commitment to peace and development,” she said.
Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among hailed the President for restoring peace in Teso and pledged overwhelming support in the upcoming elections. “Because of your leadership, Teso is peaceful again. We shall give you a block vote, Mr President,” Among declared.
Mr Epilo Isaac, the NRM Chairperson for Bukedea District, also expressed gratitude for the development projects implemented under the President’s leadership. “Your Excellency, Bukedea pledges 99.99 percent support for you in the coming election,” he said amid loud cheers from the crowd.
