Soroti — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni received a warm reception in Soroti City, where he addressed thousands of residents and leaders from both Soroti City and Soroti District during his campaign rally.
Reflecting on Uganda’s turbulent past, the NRM Presidential flag bearer recalled the battles that led to lasting peace in the Teso sub-region.
“I remember when I was here fighting — they ambushed me in Acholi, but it was in Teso where I defeated the rebels. In Anyara, we killed their commander Tabuley. That’s how peace came to Soroti and Uganda as a whole,” President Museveni said.
He emphasised that peace was achieved not merely through arms but through NRM’s vision of unity. “Our strength lies in rejecting sectarianism — we don’t believe in politics of tribe or religion. We love Uganda.”
Infrastructure and Development
President Museveni highlighted NRM’s second pillar of transformation — development — anchored in expanding economic and social infrastructure.
“In Soroti, we have repaired major roads, including Tororo–Soroti, Katine–Otuboi, Soroti–Amuria–Ochapi, Serere–Soroti, and Katakwi–Toromo–Bisna. All Sub-County headquarters in Soroti District and Soroti City now have electricity,” he said.
On water access, the President noted significant improvements: “Out of 359 rural villages in Soroti District, 263 now have safe water, representing 73% coverage, while Soroti City has 83,615 people connected to piped water. We are drilling nine new boreholes, rehabilitating 11, and constructing new piped systems in Tubur and Kamuda towns. Every household must access clean water.”
Education and Health
The President underscored the importance of education as a foundation for national prosperity. “Soroti District has 69 government primary schools across 54 parishes, while Soroti City has 29 across 25 parishes. Some parishes still lack schools — we must close that gap. In secondary education, Soroti District has five government schools and 17 private ones, while Soroti City has five government and 52 private schools,” he explained.
He announced that three new Seed Secondary Schools are under construction, alongside rehabilitation works at Teso College Aloet, Soroti Secondary School, and St. Francis School for the Blind.
On health, the President outlined major ongoing upgrades: “In Soroti District, out of 12 sub-counties, one has a Health Centre IV, five have HCIIIs, and six still lack higher-level facilities. We are upgrading Tirinya HCIV to a general hospital, Kamuda HCIII to HCIV, and expanding several HCIIIs.”
He added that Soroti City is adequately served by Soroti Regional Referral Hospital (RRH), one HCIV, and five HCIIIs. “Soroti RRH now has a functional ICU, three radiologists, an oxygen plant, and imaging services. We are committed to further expanding immunisation, staffing, and equipment.”
Wealth Creation and Jobs
The NRM candidate reiterated his message on personal prosperity: “Government brings development, but wealth must be created by you in your homes. Our manifesto guides you — plant coffee, fruits, or food crops; rear poultry, pigs, or fish depending on your land. Use NAADS, PDM, and Emyooga to join the money economy.”
On restocking, the President reaffirmed the government’s plan for Teso, Lango, and Acholi: “We spent Shs159 billion on restocking but saw limited impact. I therefore proposed giving each household five cows. The idea was discussed with your leaders and accepted. It is expensive, but we shall do it.”
He also cautioned against the misconception that government alone creates jobs: “Uganda has only 480,000 government jobs — how can they serve 50 million people? Jobs come from wealth creation in commercial agriculture, industries, ICT, and services.”
President Museveni stressed the need for local leaders to monitor government programs closely, ensuring accountability. He further called for regional market integration to boost trade and encouraged youth to embrace government-funded skilling programs that provide practical skills for manufacturing and innovation.
Local Leaders Pledge Support
Rt. Hon. Anita Among, NRM’s Second National Vice Chairperson, thanked President Museveni for elevating Soroti to city status and for the infrastructure progress under his leadership.
Mr Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, expressed the region’s gratitude for peace and prosperity, saying business is thriving and Soroti is “ready for the next phase of development, including a modern golf club.”
Soroti City NRM Chairperson Mr Enomu John praised the establishment of youth skilling hubs, while Soroti District NRM Chairperson Hon. Herbert Edmund Ariko hailed the creation of Soroti University and reaffirmed the district’s loyalty to the NRM. “Soroti is fully back in the NRM family. We are united behind you, Mr. President, for a resounding victory in 2026,” he declared.
