Gulu — Thousands of enthusiastic supporters flooded Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City to welcome President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer, as he addressed residents of Gulu and the wider Acholi sub-region.
The event, pulsating with song, dance, and yellow banners, marked a powerful reaffirmation of the NRM’s enduring presence in northern Uganda. Opening his address with a warm greeting, President Museveni reflected on Uganda’s transformative journey from conflict to stability.
“Uganda was at war for a long time, but now NRM has been able to achieve peace — supported by you,” he declared. “It was not accidental that we achieved this peace; it came from the unity of our politics and the building of strong national institutions like the army.”
Peace and Development
The President emphasised that peace remains the bedrock of progress, enabling Uganda’s sustained investments in infrastructure, social services, and production. “As NRM, we have worked on development — the economic infrastructure such as roads: from Kampala to Gulu, Karuma to West Nile, Olwiyo to Kitgum, and Gulu to Nimule,” he said. “We are also going to work on roads connecting Awere-Corner Kilak to Patongo.”
He underscored ongoing investments in electricity, water systems, telecommunication, railways, schools, and hospitals, describing them as vital arteries for both economic and social advancement.
Modern Wealth Creation and Poverty Eradication
President Museveni reiterated his long-standing message that modernisation of production is key to household prosperity. “Our people work a lot but in traditional ways and get little because they use outdated methods. We must get out of poverty by utilising small land effectively and understanding the difference between development and wealth,” he explained.
He pledged to sustain and expand government programs such as NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), and Entandikwa, emphasising that these initiatives remain central to lifting Ugandans out of poverty.
Agricultural Transformation and Restocking
The President announced plans to prioritise fish farming, irrigation, and livestock restocking, particularly in regions affected by conflict and cattle rustling.
“We will emphasise fish farming along swamp edges where water can also be used for irrigation,” he said. “For Teso, Lango, and Acholi, who lost cattle due to war, we have agreed on restocking — each household will receive five cows as compensation.”
Jobs and Regional Integration
Museveni also tackled misconceptions about employment, reminding citizens that job creation stems from wealth generation. “When people talk about jobs, they forget that jobs come from wealth. Government jobs are only about 480,000, but factory jobs now employ 1.3 million people,” he noted.
He stressed that regional integration is vital for sustaining industries and markets. “Uganda produces over 5 million tonnes of maize annually, but consumes only one million. Without the East African market, the maize industry would collapse. The same applies to milk, bananas, beer, and cement. That is why NRM insists on regional integration,” he said.
Local Leaders Praise NRM’s Achievements
Gulu City NRM Chairperson, Ms Gifter Aber, commended the President for his commitment to empowering women and investing in education, health, and trade. “We appreciate Your Excellency for giving women opportunities, for free education, and for strengthening party structures from the village to district levels,” she said.
She highlighted Gulu University and the Gulu Cancer Institute as transformative institutions expanding access to education and healthcare. The Presidential Skilling Hub, she noted, continues to equip youth with employable skills, while modern markets and improved health facilities have transformed livelihoods.
Impact of Government Programs
Ms Aber presented data showing tangible progress under the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programs: Gulu District has received UGX 14.4 billion disbursed to 14,143 households; Gulu City has received UGX 9.8 billion, benefiting 9,792 households and together, 54 Emyooga SACCOs support 41,576 members, with UGX 2.1 billion in government funding.
Education and health infrastructure have also expanded dramatically. Gulu District now has 47 government primary schools and 5 secondary schools, while Gulu City has 41 primary and 7 secondary schools, all offering Universal Secondary Education.
Gulu Regional Referral Hospital now boasts an ICU, CT scan, X-ray and ultrasound services, two oxygen plants, and fully equipped ambulances.
Access to clean water has risen to 87% of villages, supported by new solar-powered irrigation schemes that promote climate-resilient agriculture.
“Protecting the Gains”
Under the theme “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status,” President Museveni urged the people of Acholi to consolidate peace and prosperity through continued support for the NRM. “If we don’t act now, when will we? If it’s not you, then who will do it?” he challenged.
The rally was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of supporters, demonstrating renewed confidence in the NRM’s agenda of peace, development, and inclusive growth.
