Kaliro — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has faulted leaders in Busoga Sub-Region for what he called an “illogical and indefensible” distribution of government primary and secondary schools, warning that unequal allocation is undermining universal access to education.
Campaigning in Kaliro District on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, the NRM presidential candidate said he was disturbed by evidence showing that some parishes have multiple government schools while others have none, despite a long-standing national policy requiring one government primary school per parish and one government secondary school per sub-county.
Museveni, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, revealed that he had scrutinised data from both Kaliro and Bugweri and found a persistent pattern of poor school distribution across Busoga.
49 Parishes in Kaliro Have No Government Primary School
According to figures presented to the President, Kaliro District has 89 government primary schools and 132 private ones. However, the district’s 87 parishes are not benefiting equally: only 38 parishes have a government primary school and 49 parishes—more than half—have none.
“This violates our own policy,” Museveni said. “The NRM chairperson and the District Education Officer must be strict. Do not allow construction of additional government schools in parishes that already have them, while others have none.”
Bugweri Shows Similar Gaps
In Bugweri District, Museveni learned that 11 of the 37 parishes also lack a government primary school. “This must be sorted out,” the President said. “Some parishes even have two government schools, while others have zero. This is unacceptable.”
He hinted that future allocation of education infrastructure would depend on strict compliance with the policy.
Secondary Education: Progress but Gaps Remain
Museveni said Kaliro currently has 9 government secondary schools (offering USE and UPOLET) and 26 private secondary schools. But out of 15 sub-counties, only 8 have government secondary schools.
He announced that the government is building four Seed Secondary Schools, which will reduce the number of underserved sub-counties from seven to three.
Crackdown on Illegal School Fees
The President criticised head teachers who continue to charge students under UPE and USE, sending many away from school. “Some children are still sent home for fees, and many drop out,” he said. “In the next kisanja, we must all agree: all children should study free in government schools.”
Skilling Hubs as Alternative Pathways
Museveni highlighted the Presidential Skilling Hubs, including the Jinja centre, offering free training in carpentry, tailoring, welding, automotive mechanics, construction, weaving, baking, plumbing, and electrical installation.
He said trainees are already producing competitive products such as shoes, furniture, clothing, and soap.
NRM’s Achievements and Busoga Projects
The President recapped the NRM’s seven contributions in the 2026–2031 manifesto—including peace, unity, infrastructure, and economic transformation.
On roads, he announced plans to construct the Kamuli–Kagulu–Lyingo–Ilundu–Kaliro (90km) road and tarmac the Kamuli–Kaliro–Namwiwa–Buyuge–Pallisa route.
On electricity, Museveni said 10 of 15 sub-counties in Kaliro are connected and promised extensions to Namwiwa, Bulumba Town Council, Buyinda, Kisinda, and Nawaikoke.
On health, he noted that Kaliro has: 1 HCIV, 9 HCIIIs, and 5 sub-counties without any health facility.
He announced upgrades and new construction of HCIIIs in Bulumba Town Council, Nansololo, Namwiwa, and Nawaikoke, plus plans for a district hospital.
‘Development is Ours, Wealth is Yours’
Museveni reiterated the difference between public infrastructure (“development”) and household prosperity (“wealth”), urging families to adopt the Four-Acre Model.
He cited success stories such as: Basangwa in Kamuli, who earns about Shs 20 million daily from poultry; George Matongo of Ngoma, who earns Shs 21 million monthly from milk; and his own Barlege Model Farm in Lira, where one fishpond yields Shs 100 million a year.
He commended Basoga farmers for increased cassava production, noting its value for food security and industrial starch.
Industrial Parks Creating Jobs
Museveni pointed to Sino–Mbale Industrial Park with 75 factories and Namanve with 273 factories, saying industrialisation remains the strongest path to mass job creation.
“If someone says NRM has done nothing while these factories exist, they simply don’t know what they’re talking about,” he said.
Calls for NRM Unity and Clean Primaries
On reported irregularities in NRM primaries in Kaliro, Museveni said he has assigned 1st National Vice Chairperson Al-Hajj Moses Kigongo to investigate.
“If someone counted voters and declared another candidate, we shall act—even if the person is already an MP,” he said. He urged members to submit factual evidence.
First Lady Janet Museveni praised residents for braving the heat to attend the rally, calling it proof of their commitment to unity and peace. “When voting day comes, vote for the President and for the NRM,” she urged.
NRM leaders, including: Al-Hajj Moses Kigongo, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, Mr Gagawala Wambuzi, the Kaliro NRM Chairperson, all called for unity, discipline, and continued support for government programs.
Thousands attended the rally, including ministers, MPs, senior NRM officials, and former Vice President Dr Specioza Wandira Kazibwe.