Lamwo — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM National Chairman and party presidential flagbearer, on Wednesday held campaign rallies in Lamwo District and Gulu City, assuring residents of continued government investment in infrastructure, education, and wealth creation programs to consolidate peace and lift households out of poverty in Northern Uganda.
Addressing his first rally of the day at Padibe Boys Primary School in Lamwo Town Council, President Museveni began by expressing condolences to families affected by the tragic road accident that occurred earlier in the day in Kiryandongo District.
“First of all, I want to condole with the people who got into an accident in Kiryandongo. I am very sorry about that. I have already directed the State House Comptroller to give each family that lost a person five million shillings, and one million shillings to those who were injured. But please, drive carefully,” the President said.
He emphasised that peace remains the foundation of all progress, describing it as one of the National Resistance Movement’s greatest achievements.
“You people of Lamwo are witnesses to what peace means. This is the first time in 500 years that Uganda has enjoyed peace. The NRM ended wars between tribes, kings, and cattle rustlers. When you are looking for the party that can lead the country, it is the NRM,” he said.
President Museveni highlighted the government’s continued investment in both economic and social infrastructure, noting that Lamwo has made remarkable progress under NRM leadership.
He revealed that the district now has 74 government primary schools and seven government secondary schools, with plans to ensure every parish has a primary school and every sub-county a secondary school.
On health, the President said Lamwo’s population — now exceeding 200,000 — reflects the effectiveness of government health interventions. “Children are no longer dying from preventable diseases, which shows that our health programs are effective,” he noted.
He added that the government has expanded access to electricity, clean water, and roads, pointing out that 432 of the district’s 530 villages (82%) now have access to safe water.
“When we came into government, electricity was stopping in Lira. We have since extended it through Kilak all the way to Lamwo. The remaining villages will also be worked on,” he assured residents.
On wealth creation, President Museveni urged citizens to take full advantage of government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), NAADS, Emyooga, and Entandikwa to uplift their households.
“Use the chance of PDM to get out of poverty. Each parish will continue to receive 100 million shillings every year. We are also adding 15 million shillings for leaders, and there will be special funds for religious and cultural leaders, unemployed graduates, and even Boda Boda riders,” he announced.
He reiterated the NRM’s “step-by-step” approach to development, prioritising infrastructure, peace, and electricity before other expenditures.
“We, the bush fighters, believe in prioritisation. Some people want salary increases before roads and electricity are done, but we cannot scatter our resources. Roads, electricity, and peace are the foundation of all progress,” the President said.
He further noted that Uganda’s oil discovery, achieved under NRM leadership, will significantly boost the country’s economic capacity once production begins next year.
During the rally, Lamwo District NRM Chairman Mr Odoki Pollycap commended the President for his visionary leadership and for ushering in lasting peace in Northern Uganda. He also presented several district requests, including the creation of Palabek District, the establishment of a skilling hub, and the upgrade of Padibe Health Centre IV to district hospital status.
President Museveni pledged to follow up on the requests and urged residents to remain steadfast in their support for the NRM. “You have seen what we have done. Let us continue working together — Lamwo will never be the same again,” he concluded.
Later in the day, the President proceeded to Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City, where he was welcomed by a mammoth crowd of NRM supporters who gathered to hear him deliver his manifesto message under the theme #ProtectingTheGains. Senior party leaders, ministers, and flagbearers joined the President at the rally, marking his second major address of the day in Northern Uganda.
