Museveni Recommits to Free Education and Environmental Conservation

Kapchorwa — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the NRM Presidential flag bearer, has underscored the critical importance of free education in all government schools, describing it as a cornerstone of Uganda’s future prosperity.

“Those who oppose free education are creating a time bomb, preserving ignorance, and destroying the future of our children,” the President said. “In just six months, we’ve seen what our youth are producing in the Presidential Skilling Hubs.”

President Museveni made these remarks while addressing a campaign rally in Kapchorwa District, accompanied by Mrs Natasha Karugire Museveni, the First Daughter. He emphasised that education is a national responsibility, not merely a parental one.

“When a child says, ‘My parents died, but I want to go to school,’ who should help? Uganda is one big family. If a parent dies, the family of Uganda—through its government—must care for those children. That is what the NRM stands for,” he said, urging leaders to “stop the wastage of human resources,” describing children as the nation’s “greatest wealth.”

Environmental Stewardship and Community Boundaries

The President also addressed the longstanding boundary issue between Mount Elgon National Park and surrounding communities, reaffirming the government’s commitment to resolving the matter peacefully and scientifically.

“Our mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and wetlands are not political issues—they are matters of science and survival,” he said. “Just as the human body relies on its organs working in harmony, our environment must remain intact to sustain us.”

He assured residents that survey teams would return to verify and finalise boundary demarcations to end the dispute conclusively.

Promoting Local Talent and Tourism

Highlighting the link between natural resources and enterprise, the President commended Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei for expanding his community service into tourism. “Mountains are not only for agriculture—they can also support tourism and other enterprises,” he noted.

Disaster Response and Support

President Museveni pledged government support to families affected by landslides, announcing that each household will receive two acres of land, Shs10 million in financial support, and compensation for lost crops and property.

He added that a comprehensive discussion on long-term resettlement would follow after the elections.

Strengthening NRM Structures

During the rally, President Museveni handed over NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairpersons, councillors, and other party candidates in Kapchorwa District, officially endorsing them ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, thanked the President for maintaining peace and promoting development in the Sebei region. “The Parish Development Model has brought wealth and opportunities to our people,” she said.

Testimony from the Skilling Hub

Ms Peace Chelangat, a beneficiary of the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Kapchorwa, shared her success story. Once a primary seven dropout, she now owns a thriving salon employing three people.

“After six months of training, I sold my phone to buy accessories and started my own business,” she said. “The Skilling Hub completely changed my life. Thank you, Your Excellency, for the Shs50 million support to our SACCOs—we are growing and transforming our communities.”

The event drew thousands of supporters, including NRM Central Executive Committee members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, reaffirming Kapchorwa’s strong support for the NRM’s vision of education for all, sustainable development, and community empowerment.