Moroto — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer, has unveiled a major development agenda for the Karamoja sub-region, including plans to construct an international airport in Kidepo, comparable in scale to Entebbe International Airport.
The announcement was made during his campaign rally at Naitakwae Boma Grounds in Moroto District, where the President — accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni — addressed thousands of supporters and local leaders.
“We are going to build an international airport in Kidepo as big as Entebbe,” President Museveni declared. “It will be developed by private investors who will also construct hotels. People from all over the world will come to enjoy our wildlife, just like fans go to a stadium to watch football. This is part of our economic infrastructure that will attract tourism and create jobs.”
The President reflected on Karamoja’s transformation from a region once marked by insecurity to one of peace and growth.
“When I used to come here, I would speak to gatherings of about ten people because the population was small. In 1980, Karamoja had only 190,000 people; today, it’s over 1.5 million. This growth is a result of peace, improved health, and immunisation. Many of these young NRM supporters are alive today because immunisation stopped diseases like measles,” he said.
President Museveni credited the peace and stability in Karamoja to the NRM’s politics of unity, which rejected sectarianism and built a strong, national political movement.
“The NRM brought peace because we chose unity over division. This approach has allowed us to build national institutions and spur development across Uganda,” he emphasised.
Infrastructure and Water Development
The President highlighted key infrastructure milestones, including the extension of electricity from Soroti to Karenga, ongoing upgrades of major road networks, and expanded piped water coverage across villages.
“I was informed that the road between Moroto and Kotido is impassable. Even if it’s murram, it should be maintained properly. I’ve spoken to the Ministry of Works to ensure it’s fixed,” he said.
On water access, President Museveni cited major ongoing and planned projects: desilting of Kobebe Earth Dam (ongoing), Nadipal Valley Tank (20 million litres) completed in December 2023 in Nadunget Sub-county, Nakonyen Valley Dam (1.5 billion litres) in Tapac Sub-county, set for completion in November 2025, Lokisile Dam desilting planned for this financial year, Naberu Dam (1.2 billion litres) to commence construction in November 2025 and 11 valley tanks, two wind-powered water systems, and a solar irrigation system are currently operational.
“Water is critical for production — for households, livestock, and agriculture. We are expanding access across the sub-region,” the President affirmed.
Social Services and Human Capital Development
President Museveni underscored his commitment to strengthening education and health services in the sub-region.
He noted that Moroto District currently has 16 government primary schools and three secondary schools, with plans to establish a primary school in every parish and a secondary school in every sub-county. The district also has one general referral hospital and five Health Centre IIIs, with upgrades and new facilities underway.
On household transformation, the President reiterated his “Four-Acre Model” for wealth creation:
“One acre for coffee, one for fruits, one for food crops, and one for pasture and livestock. Even small plots can support poultry, piggery, or fish farming. This model is not theory — it’s the path from subsistence to prosperity.”
First Lady’s Call for Continued Support
In her remarks, Maama Janet Museveni expressed confidence that Karamoja would continue to support President Museveni and the NRM in the upcoming elections.
“I do not doubt that Karamoja will vote for the Movement and the President. But I want to remind you — no one should stay at home without voting. God bless Karamoja,” she said.
Industrial Growth and Economic Empowerment
Earlier, President Museveni inspected progress at Yaobai International Holding Cement Uganda–SMC Ltd, the largest cement factory in Karamoja. Once fully operational, it will produce 12,000 tonnes of clinker per day across two production lines.
“This factory will greatly boost our construction industry and create employment for our people,” the President assured.
NRM Impact in Moroto
Moroto District — comprising four constituencies, 11 sub-counties and town councils, 45 parishes, and 244 villages — continues to register steady development. The 2024 census puts its population at 103,639.
Under the Parish Development Model (PDM), 10,650 households in 37 rural parishes have received UGX 10.65 billion (91.83% of allocated funds), while 1,049 households in Moroto Municipality’s four parishes have received UGX 1.03 billion.
Through Emyooga SACCOs, 70 groups with 15,551 members have benefited from UGX 2.91 billion in financial support for small enterprises. Education services currently cater to 16,522 pupils across 21 government primary schools and 2,570 students in five secondary schools, while health facilities include one regional referral hospital and five Health Centre IIIs. Access to safe water has improved, with 133 out of 233 rural villages (57%) now covered by piped water systems. The government remains committed to expanding this coverage to the remaining 100 villages.
The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters from across the Karamoja sub-region.