Elections 2026: Museveni's rally is a thanksgiving in Nebbi, says Nyamutoro

NEBBI - The state minister for Mineral development, Phiona Nyamutoro, has revealed that Nebbi voters are eager to receive President Yoweri Museveni, whose campaign rally will be turned into a thanksgiving.

On Friday, the minister held a meeting with sub-county NRM chairpersons and other local leaders to finalise preparations for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate visit to the region, Yoweri Museveni, on Saturday.

"The communities in this district are firmly behind President Museveni. We expect large crowds, high enthusiasm, and overwhelming support, which our people will demonstrate at the ballot. For us in Nebbi, tomorrow is not just a rally, it’s a celebration of President Museveni’s legacy,” Nyamutoro said in an interview after the meeting at GAF hotel.

Nyamutoro noted that President Museveni’s visit to Nebbi is largely a thanksgiving gesture to appreciate the district for its consistent support of the NRM.

“In Nebbi, Museveni is not really coming to campaign. He’s coming to wave to his people and thank them for the overwhelming support they have already shown him,” Nyamutoro said, adding that under the NRM government, Nebbi has registered great success and development.

“For over the last 20 years, Nebbi has not had any representation at the ministerial level, but today we are proud to have a ministerial appointment and several others within government. We are also grateful that last year, the President commissioned the Nebbi substation, officially connecting West Nile to the national electricity grid,” she said.

Nyamutoro noted that some infrastructure developments, such as the upgrade of the Nebbi–Goli Road (16km), which have long been a challenge for locals, and the planned industrial park at Omvoro Village in Nyaravur Sub-County, have been prioritised for development in the next financial year.

Phiona Nyamutoro addressing NRM campaign task force. (Credit: Simon Peter Tumwine)

“The light has been seen at the end of the tunnel. With the upcoming industrial park, agro-processing facilities, and other projects, Nebbi will soon become a hub of empowerment in the West Nile region,” she noted.

Nyamutoro, however, noted that more investment in health and education, pushing for the upgrading of Nebbi General Hospital to a regional referral facility and for increased funding to public schools are some of the key issues that residents need to be addressed.

The minister also revealed that there are new mineral discoveries that have been made in Nebbi, which the government plans to explore for the benefit of the local population.

Isaac Otimgiw, the Member of Parliament for Padyere County, noted that Nebbi District is ready to set a new record in mobilisation compared to other sub-regions.

“We have been closely observing mobilisation efforts elsewhere, especially in Lango, which has set a high bar. But tomorrow, Nebbi will raise that bar even higher,” he declared.

“Mobilisation has been done through all available structures: the Parish Development Model (PDM), youth groups, women’s leagues, and NRM grassroots structures. People are mobilising themselves; many have even committed to attending without any facilitation,” Otimgiw said.