President Museveni has praised the people of Nabilatuk for their steadfast support of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and urged them to vote overwhelmingly for the party in the upcoming elections, citing its clear leadership strategies and understanding of societal dynamics.
He emphasised that the NRM has developed a well-defined wealth creation strategy unmatched by any other political contender. President Museveni also highlighted the party’s achievements, including restoring lasting peace in Karamoja and across Uganda. “You all are witnesses to how the NRM has been able to create peace in Karamoja and in the rest of Uganda,” he said.
Speaking at a campaign rally at Lolachat Primary School Playground in Nabilatuk District, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, the President noted that following peace, the NRM’s major contribution to Uganda has been development, which he categorised into economic and social infrastructure.
“Here in Nabilatuk, you have seen progress such as tarmacked roads, improved water facilities, schools, and health centres,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that access to safe water in Nabilatuk still lags behind neighbouring Nakapiripirit District. “Out of 96 rural villages, 44 have access to safe water — that is 46%. In Nakapiripirit, it is 82%. You should find out why,” he said.
He noted that Nabilatuk currently has one piped water system, with three more completed designs. Dams, including Longorikipii and Arengetekat, each hold 20,000 cubic meters, while smaller reservoirs at Aputiputi, Najonai-Kalakal, Nakikokolyae/Kamosing, Namata-Alomaa, Nangorit, and Sakale/Nakoko each hold 10,000 cubic meters. A valley tank at Napayan holds 20 million litres, and a solar-powered irrigation system is underway to boost agriculture.
On education, President Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to free education under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs.
“Some people keep charging fees, which causes children to drop out. I don’t like this. The NRM wants mass education for everybody,” he said, urging full enforcement of free education in all government schools. He also highlighted the establishment of innovation hubs, such as the one in Napak District, to enhance learners’ skills and exposure to technology.
Nabilatuk currently hosts 17 government primary schools and three secondary schools, including the newly completed Lolachat Seed Secondary School. “Our plan is one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county. The NRM line is mass education for everyone,” he said, adding that due to security challenges, Karamoja may require boarding sections, with a review in ten years.
On health, the President praised progress in immunisation, which has contributed to population growth — from 190,000 in the 1980s to 1.3 million today. He announced plans to upgrade Lolachat Health Centre II to Health Centre III and the ongoing construction of Natarie HC II, Nayonai Angikalio HC III, Lorengedwat HC III, and Nabilatuk HC IV.
President Museveni urged residents to view wealth creation as a personal responsibility alongside public development. “You can have development and still remain poor. Development benefits everyone, but wealth creation is for an individual,” he explained, encouraging engagement in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, and services, which collectively create millions of jobs.
Maama Janet Museveni thanked the people of Nabilatuk for their warm welcome and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Karamoja. “When I come to Karamoja, it feels like homecoming. Thank you for receiving us with traditional songs,” she said, urging citizens to safeguard peace and embrace self-reliance through food production.
“I am happy that you are now producing food and even keeping surplus in granaries. The NRM’s work now is to help the Karamojong make a qualitative leap — from grass-thatched houses to modern homes,” she added.
