Museveni Hails UPDF, Locals for Securing Acholi Region

Agago – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer, has concluded his campaign rallies in the Acholi sub-region, wrapping up the final leg in Agago District before heading to Karamoja, where he began his next trail in Abim District.

Addressing thousands of supporters at the Paul Lokech Memorial Grounds, President Museveni reflected on the NRM’s four decades in leadership, urging citizens to safeguard the country’s peace and use available government programs to build household wealth.

“I am here to ask for your support, to share the achievements of the NRM, and to present the plans we have for this nation,” he said. “My message to you today focuses on three key pillars: peace, development, and wealth creation.” The campaign runs under the theme “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”

Peace and Security Restored

The President revisited the region’s troubled history, marked by insurgency and cattle rustling, crediting the UPDF and community vigilance for restoring stability. “When I was in Baralegi, we discussed cattle rustling. The army had the capacity to end it, but it wasn’t being fully used. Today, because we built a strong army and a strong political movement, peace has returned,” he said.

Museveni added that technology now plays a critical role in maintaining security, with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used to track rustlers and respond rapidly to thefts.

He also noted that even wildlife-related challenges were being addressed through technical measures. “Where electric fences have been installed in areas like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison, elephants no longer invade farms,” he said.

Development and Infrastructure

On development, the President highlighted infrastructure progress, including electricity extension from Lira to West Nile through Kitgum, after development partners withdrew. “We said, no problem, we shall do it ourselves. This is why prioritisation is key,” he said.

He also pointed to improvements in education and health services. Agago now has 112 government primary schools and nine government secondary schools, with plans to construct more Seed Secondary Schools and ensure each parish hosts at least one public primary school.

Health upgrades include the planned elevation of Patongo Health Centre IV to a General Hospital and several HCII upgrades across the district.

Wealth Creation and Prosperity

While celebrating infrastructure gains, Museveni reminded residents that true transformation begins at the household level. “Do not be diverted by roads and electricity—those are collective assets. Poverty is personal, and wealth is personal. Every family must take responsibility for creating wealth,” he said.

He cited government programs such as Entandikwa, NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM) as critical tools for economic empowerment. “These programs are not for the rich; they are for ordinary Ugandans ready to work and improve their livelihoods,” he emphasised.

NRM Impact in Agago

According to district data, 36,075 households—approximately 53% of Agago’s total—have benefited from the PDM, receiving a total of Shs 36 billion. The Emyooga initiative has reached 17,429 members across 54 SACCOs, with a total of Shs 2.05 billion disbursed.

In addition, 1,389 cattle compensation claimants have been paid Shs 5.83 billion, while water access now reaches 71% of villages through piped and solar-powered systems.

Irrigation projects are ongoing, including the Orama Tebung and Odom schemes, with new projects like the Geregere Earth Dam planned to boost agriculture.

Agago NRM Chairperson Walter Oketta Ogwang thanked the President for his visit and leadership, saying: “Thank you, Mzee, for your dedication to serving this nation. Today, you have reached our district, and we are most grateful.”

The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters.