Nwoya — Northern Uganda is a testament to the success of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s policies, where peace and stability are now a firm reality, as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reaffirmed to thousands of supporters at Anaka Primary School playground.
The rally was held under the theme “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”
Recalling his first visit to Anaka during the height of the insurgency, President Museveni said many families were then living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
“When I came here the first time, I asked people, ‘Why are you here? Why don’t you cross the Nile and go to the other side?’ Even then, some feared that Museveni was bringing Kony. But I told them Kony was just one person; most Ugandans wanted peace,” he said.
He narrated how, years later, he found the thriving town of Bweyale, where former IDPs had resettled and prospered. “They had gone, settled, and enjoyed peace until their areas were safe again. That is how the NRM has been able to bring and sustain peace in Uganda.”
The President emphasised that peace is the foundation of all development. “After peace, we focus on development, which has two pillars: economic infrastructure and social infrastructure,” he said.
Development Gains in Nwoya
President Museveni highlighted major progress in Nwoya District, including the construction of tarmac roads connecting towns, rehabilitation of the railway line to Gulu and Pakwach, expansion of electricity networks, and improved access to telecommunications.
On the social front, he noted the growth of schools and health facilities, both public and private. “In 1991, Nwoya had a small population, and many children died from preventable diseases. The NRM said no more children should die unnecessarily. That is our second great achievement — peace and development,” he said.
Despite these gains, President Museveni cautioned that poverty remains a personal challenge. “Do not be distracted by roads, electricity, and other public infrastructure — those are collective assets. Poverty is personal, and wealth is personal too,” he said.
He urged residents to take advantage of government programs aimed at household wealth creation. “Since the 1960s, we in the NRM have been advocating for wealth for all. We have supported you through Entandikwa, NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation, and more recently, Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM). These programs are for ordinary Ugandans ready to work and improve their lives,” he emphasised.
Education and Health Priorities
The President reiterated the importance of free education in government schools, warning against those opposing the policy.
“Those who oppose free education are conserving ignorance and endangering our children’s future. In just six months, the Presidential Skilling Hubs have shown what young people can achieve when given an opportunity,” he said.
He added that education is a collective responsibility. “If a parent dies, the family of Uganda — through its government — must ensure that the child continues with education. These children are our greatest wealth.”
On health, President Museveni pledged to upgrade Health Centre III facilities and further improve service delivery across the district.
Concluding his address, he urged the people of Nwoya to combine collective development with personal enterprise. “Peace has been restored, development is ongoing, but wealth is personal. Use the opportunities the government provides to transform your lives,” he said.
Leaders Commend NRM’s Achievements
Hon. Hamson Denis Obua, NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, praised the President for his transformative leadership. “The people of Nwoya and Acholi come not only to listen to you as the NRM flag bearer but also to thank you for delivering them from difficult times. You restored peace and championed development — you are the architect of this region’s progress,” he said.
Ms Mego Adokorach, NRM District Chairperson for Nwoya, noted that programs like the PDM, Emyooga, and the skilling hubs have empowered women and youth. “Your Excellency, we invite you to visit our farmers and beneficiaries so you can witness the remarkable impact of your programs firsthand,” she said.
NRM’s Impact in Nwoya
According to the Nwoya District fact sheet: Parish Development Model (PDM): 13,343 households have received Shs13.34 billion out of 53,086 households in the district. Emyooga: 13,405 members across 32 SACCOs have benefited, with Shs1.38 billion disbursed.
Education: The district has 44 government and 12 private primary schools, six government secondary schools offering Universal Secondary Education, and three new seed schools under construction. Health: One general hospital and seven Health Centre IIIs are operational, with ongoing upgrades and new facilities under development. Water & Sanitation: 81% of villages now have access to clean water, including piped systems in Purongo, Nwoya, and Anaka towns.
Agriculture & Infrastructure: Irrigation schemes like Lutuk, Tangi, Lapem, and Got Okwara are boosting production. Major roads — Gulu-Atiak, Olwiyo-Gulu, and Acholibur-Musingo — have been completed, improving district connectivity.
The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of supporters from across the region.
