Campaigning in Apac, NRM's Museveni preaches unity and household wealth

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday (October 3) addressed a rally at Apac Boma Grounds, where he traced the history of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), outlined the progress made under his government, and called on Ugandans to embrace household wealth creation as the next phase of national transformation.

He said the party’s contribution over the years has been grounded on nine guiding points, but he emphasised three central pillars at the Apac rally: peace, development, and wealth.

On peace, Museveni said the NRM built politics of unity, patriotism, and inclusivity, a move away from the divisive sectarian politics of the past.

He said it is why the party that he leads is firmly rooted across the country and why Uganda today has a strong national army recruited from all regions.

The President said the second pillar, development, rests on both economic infrastructure — such as roads, electricity, water, and communications — and social infrastructure, including schools and health centres.

He pointed to the expansion of roads, electrification of previously remote areas, and the growth of secondary schools and health facilities in Lango as evidence of NRM’s commitment to equal development.

He pledged that his government will continue to upgrade health centres and extend services to areas still underserved.

Museveni also said that Uganda’s oil, expected to begin flowing soon, will provide additional resources to accelerate infrastructure investment across the country.

He highlighted wealth creation at the household level as the third pillar, stressing that while roads and schools are important, they are shared by all, yet poverty remains personal.

“At night you don’t sleep on the road, you sleep in your house, and poverty will be waiting for you there,” he reiterated.

The President urged citizens to embrace initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which sends 100 million shillings annually to each parish.

He cited success stories like Apio from Lira, who transformed a one-million-shilling loan into a thriving farming venture, and Rose Akoi from Kole, who invested in livestock and expanded her income.

Museveni, who is seeking re-election, said such examples show that the PDM can lift households out of poverty if funds are used wisely.

He also announced new proposals in the NRM manifesto, including additional funds for parish leaders, a dedicated fund for unemployed university graduates, and support to religious and cultural leaders through SACCOs.

“Life is not a game where some are players and others are spectators. Everyone must be a wealth creator."

The President Museveni concluded by appealing to the people of Apac to vote for the NRM and all its flagbearers.

“Vote for the old man with a hat,” he said, assuring them that the next phase of NRM leadership will focus on sustaining peace, deepening development, and ensuring that every household participates in wealth creation.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo echoed the call for wealth creation, urging residents to fully utilise government programmes such as PDM and Emyooga.

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, hailed the President for transforming Apac and pledged her support for a skilling hub in the district to empower the youth.

Denis Hamson Obua, the Government Chief Whip, affirmed that the people of Apac have endorsed Museveni as the NRM candidate in the forthcoming election, citing his track record of peace, unity, and development.