In Otuke, NRM's Museveni pledges oil-backed transformation

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National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flagbearer and the incumbent, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, on Thursday (October 2) traversed more parts of the Lango subregion, holding his third and fourth rallies in Alebtong and Otuke districts.

He told thousands of cheering supporters gathered at Orum Primary School grounds in Otuke that Uganda is on the brink of a historic economic leap, thanks to the imminent oil revenues expected in 2026.

He anchored much of his address on Uganda’s long-anticipated oil sector, projecting it as the financial backbone that will resolve lingering challenges in road networks, electricity, schools, and railways.

“Under my government, oil money will never be used to import whisky and wigs from China or perfumes and such things. That oil money will help us transform infrastructure — roads, railways, electricity, and some of the schools."

The President acknowledged the progress made over the years in extending electricity to rural areas, pointing to the very transmission lines now visible across Lango. “We have done quite a bit on the issue of electricity. This part had no electricity, but I can see the wires now."

However, he conceded that the region’s road network remained a major problem, citing the poor condition of key routes such as Lira–Aloi–Patongo–Abim. “That road must be tarmacked, and we shall tarmac it."

Museveni added: “Some people may say we have delayed, but the delay was because we had many things to deal with. Remember, the money we were spending on the army to fight [LRA leader Joseph] Kony would have been used for this work. Fortunately, NRM is here, and now with petroleum coming, it will be quicker and easier."

He listed completed projects such as Tororo–Mbale–Soroti–Dokolo Road, Rwenkunyu–Apac–Lira Road, and the Kitgum connection, as proof that the government had delivered even without oil. With petroleum in play, Museveni added, roads such as Soroti–Amuria–Obaranga–Otuke would become priorities.

“We are going to stop the indiscipline of starting things and not completing them. Soon you will see machines working on these roads with good murram as we wait for tarmacking."

Wealth creation 

While development is necessary, Museveni insisted it is not enough to eradicate poverty.  He turned his focus to household income, warning against what he described as a “culture of sleeping”.

“Even if you tarmac the road, are you going to sleep on the road at night? You will go back to your home and find the poverty you left in the morning waiting for you.”

The President revisited his long-standing campaign for modernized farming, recalling how, since the 1960s, he had mobilized Ugandans to move from subsistence farming to commercial production. By 1995, he claimed, he had demonstrated that rural poverty could be eradicated, leading to the “Four-Acre Model” proposal in the NRM’s 1996 manifesto.

He exhibited some examples of success stories that were projected on giant video screens at the rally, including the one for Eng. Okello from Amolatar, who had invested in livestock — cows, goats, and sheep — and made a net profit of 480 million shillings.

Another testimony was for Vicky Opio from Lira, who initially received one million shillings through the Parish Development Model (PDM), invested in maize, and later diversified into goats, sheep, and cows. Today, she sells to South Sudanese traders.

Likewise, a one Rose from Oyam used one million shillings in PDM funds to buy piglets and a goat, eventually multiplying them into a thriving herd.

“All they did was to listen to the NRM advice,” said Museveni, calling upon Ugandans to use government programmes like PDM, Emyooga, GROW money for women, among others, to get out of poverty.

The President unveiled plans to add 15 million shillings per parish to specifically support local leaders, noting that the current 100 million shillings revolving fund had barred them from direct borrowing. “So, I appeal to you, please, defend this PDM. Don’t allow thieves to steal your money. We must finish those thieves."

He further promised to introduce a graduate support fund to help university students who fail to secure jobs two years after graduation, citing the burden parents bear under private sponsorship. “In Kampala, we have already started with ghetto youths, boda boda riders, taxi operators, and roadside vendors. After elections, we shall expand further,” he said.

Cattle compensation in north

Addressing a historically sensitive issue, the NRM national chairman touched on cattle compensation in Lango, Teso, and Acholi regions that lost millions of animals to war and insurgencies.

“Recently, I came and consulted you to have a new approach of giving each household five cows each. While some people had some reservations about this idea, the wananchi [citizens] voiced their support, saying that Museveni is right.  I have now got reports from Ateso and Lango; they are all supportive. I am waiting for Acholi, but I have already instructed the government to start planning for it. We may not do it at once, but with time we shall complete the process,” said Museveni.

Peace in Otuke

In a more personal reflection, the President recounted his long history with Otuke. He said he first heard of the district in 1979 through Benson Ogwang, a local son who was then serving as a bodyguard to former President Milton Obote.

“When I came into government in 1986, this area was in endless struggle with rebels and cattle rustling. We disarmed the rustlers, fought Lakwena, fought Kony and Otti, and brought peace here.”

He said Otuke became the headquarters of the NRM war against the Lord’s Resistance Army, and it was from Barlege camp that government operations dismantled rebel threats.
“Today, we celebrate peace. Nobody can disturb it. I am glad to be back in Orum when it is peaceful."

The President’s message was reinforced by top NRM leaders who accompanied him. Among them was the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, who is also the NRM second national vice-chairperson.

“The people of Otuke are very happy that you got them out of the camps. They are not going to join a protest vote because you are going to improve their roads, increase PDM money, and bring more development," she said.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo urged continuity of the peace and development in Uganda and rallied the people to continue supporting President Museveni and the NRM.

Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua, who is also the Ajuri County MP, reminded the gathering of Otuke’s place in Uganda’s history. “This was once the gateway to all insecurities — cattle rustling, LRA insurgency. You [Museveni] camped here and brought peace. Now we have sustainable peace in the whole of Lango."

Otuke County MP Julius Acon Bua, who doubles as NRM district chairperson, promised overwhelming support: “We have peace in Lango. We hope to give you 90% of the votes in 2026.”

NRM secretary general Richard Todwong, several ministers, MPs, and Central Executive Committee (CEC) members were also in attendance, underscoring the importance of the rallies.

Museveni is running his latest campaign under the theme: “Protecting the gains as we make a qualitative leap into a high middle-income status.”

In Otuke, he asked voters not only to re-elect him but also to ensure NRM candidates at all levels win to smoothen the policy implementation process. “With all these ideas and plans, I am here with the leaders of NRM to ask you to vote for NRM, vote for all NRM flagbearers, and you can be sure of whatever we have talked about."

Museveni’s campaign trail in Lango is set to continue, with rallies scheduled in Kwania and Apac districts on Friday.