In Kitgum, Museveni talks peace, wealth creation and free education

KITGUM - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Ugandans to embrace peace, development, wealth creation, and free education as the foundation for transforming their communities and the country at large. 

He was addressing a campaign rally in Kitgum Municipality in Kitgum district on Thursday (October 23).

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate said the foundation of Uganda’s peace was laid when the NRM refused to embrace the politics of sectarianism, religion, or tribe.

"That is how we built a strong army."

President Yoweri Musevei addressing a campaign rally in Kitgum Municipality in Kitgum district on Thursday (October 23).

On building economic and social infrastructure, Museveni pointed to the tarmac road from Olwiyo–Anaka–Kitgum, electricity extension from Lira to Lamwo up to the South Sudan border, and the railway from Tororo–Lira–Gulu–Pakwach as evidence of steady progress in northern Uganda.

He also commended the region’s progress in water access, noting that out of 686 rural villages, 572 now have access to safe water, representing 83% coverage, while efforts continue to connect the remaining villages.

He also spoke about the need to prioritize strategically.

State minister Lillian Aber, who is also Kitgum district Woman MP, appealed to the President to upgrade Kitgum Hospital to a regional referral hospital, noting that it serves a large population from both Kitgum and Lamwo.

“The problem is that people try to do everything at the same time. That is not how the NRA works. If you cannot do all things at the same time, ask yourself what comes first. For me, I recommend defense so that you are safe, then roads, electricity, and education. The rest can come after."

On top of ongoing road projects in the region, including the Gulu–Awere–Kochokilak–Patongo–Abim road, the NRM leader talked about plans to upgrade health centres in sub-counties across Kitgum and Lamwo districts.

On education, the President expressed concern.

“We have 72 parishes and 88 government schools, meaning schools are more than the parishes, yet there are 30 parishes without government schools. Who allows this? In the next government plan, we shall construct more schools," he said.

Museveni also spoke about his commitment to free education.

“Because I faced opposition in implementing free education, I used my power through the State House to build skilling hubs where no one could resist my idea. Those children who had lost hope are now producing things like hospital beds, shoes, and other products that were being imported from China."

At his rally, the President touched on wealth creation.

“Don’t mix development with wealth. Development is good, but wealth and poverty are mine alone. This message of wealth creation is for everyone," he said, revealing that the government's restocking programme will resume to reinforce wealth creation efforts in northern Uganda.

“We had started restocking but faced some legal issues. We had paid 159 billion shillings, then held meetings with leaders and elders. I proposed giving five cows per homestead in all regions, and that idea was adopted.

"The Acholi leaders agreed but also asked that war claimants be compensated because the war lasted longer in Acholi compared to other regions. We shall look into that because it’s true — the war lasted longer here."

Museveni said that once households receive livestock and engage in productive enterprises, their livelihoods will significantly improve.

'I am an NRM success story'

Foreign affairs state minister Henry Okello Oryem requested urgent action to address the problem of elephants straying into communities, as well as the creation of Chua East district, a pledge the President had made earlier. 

Environment state minister Beatrice Anywar affirmed Kitgum’s unwavering support for the NRM government, saying the people will not let go of the progress achieved under its leadership. 

State minister Lillian Aber, who is also Kitgum district Woman MP, appealed to the President to upgrade Kitgum Hospital to a regional referral hospital, noting that it serves a large population from both Kitgum and Lamwo.

The three ministers were also duly nominated by the Electoral Commission to contest in parliamentary elections.

NRM district chairperson for Kitgum, Ongom Lapyem, lauded the President on education and for initiating the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he said has lifted many households out of poverty.

“Before talking about other NRM gains, I must thank the President personally for sponsoring my education. I am one of the NRM’s own success stories,” said Lapyem.