NRM counts gains in Apac, Kwania as Museveni marches on

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As the 2026 election campaign gains momentum, President Yoweri Museveni's rally in the Lango sub-region has drawn significant attention, with leaders and residents praising the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for its transformative programmes in Apac and Kwania districts.

From infrastructure and wealth creation to education and peacebuilding, the ruling party's achievements have been showcased here, while also urging continued support to "protect these gains".

Lt Moses Mushabe, the chairperson of the Veterans League and a member of the NRM Central Executive Committee, highlighted the shift in Lango’s political landscape.

“This area used to be a hub of rebels and opposition, but the turnout at this rally shows that NRM is on the right track,” he said.

Mushabe credited programs like Emyooga for empowering communities and urged local leaders to mobilise for NRM.

“As veterans, we are proud of ensuring peace and security. I call upon all veterans to attend rallies and protect these gains."

The Emyooga initiative has been a cornerstone of economic empowerment in Apac. With 49 SACCOs receiving a total of 2.11 billion shillings in seed capital, members have collectively saved 522.56 million shillings, fostering financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.

Similarly, in Kwania, 36 SACCOs with 10,656 members have received a total of 1.16 billion shillings, saving 420.49 million shillings.

'Peace magnet for progress'

Eng. Joseph Sewava, the NRM Youth National Coordinator, emphasised the role of peace in attracting support for the NRM presidential flagbearer.

“Despite some infrastructure challenges, the peace in this region is a magnet for progress,” he said, and called for accountability among leaders to curb corruption. In the same spirit, he urged citizens to monitor government programmes.

“Members of Parliament must protect NRM’s achievements by supporting leaders who align with these gains,” he said.

Bernard Otim, the Maruzi North (Apac district) NRM flagbearer and retired police superintendent, highlighted visible developments. “From the ferry to Lira City, we have one of the best roads. Improved road networks, wealth creation, and healthcare systems are evident."

Otim urged voters to give NRM flagbearers the opportunity to lead in 2026 to sustain this progress.

Betty Engola, Apac’s Woman Member of Parliament, echoed these sentiments, pointing to the Masindi Port-Aduku-Lira-Acholi Road as a major achievement.

“This was our cry, and now we are happy,” she said, also noting the renovation of five health centres this year and the increase in seed schools.

The legislator expressed optimism about enhancing Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to boost wealth creation in the next term.

Game-changer

The PDM has significantly impacted Apac and Kwania. In Apac, with 54 parishes, a total of 10.56 billion shillings has been disbursed to 12,513 households, benefiting 100.09% of the allocated funds.

Apac Municipal Council, with 20 parishes, has disbursed a total of 6.14 billion shillings to 6,141 households. Collectively, the district and municipality have received 16.7 billion shillings, transforming 18,654 households.

In Kwania, with 49 parishes, 15.12 billion shillings has been disbursed to 21,593 households, reaching 100.48% of the allocated funds. With 27,249 of Kwania’s 48,861 households in the subsistence economy, PDM has been instrumental in transitioning families toward the money economy.

Strides in education, infrastructure

Apac boasts 52 government primary schools and four government secondary schools, all offering Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Universal Post Ordinary Level Education and Training (UPOLET). Apac Municipal Council has 11 primary and three secondary schools with similar programmes.

In Kwania, 29 government primary schools serve 106,119 learners, while seven secondary schools enrol 4,031 students under USE and UPOLET.

Infrastructure development has been a flagship achievement. The Apac-Lira-Puranga road (100km) and Rwenkunye-Apac road (91km) have improved connectivity.

The Lira-Kitgum road and the Masindi-Lira-Kitgum connection were also lauded by NRM secretary general Richard Todwong as signs of development.

The construction of Akii-Bua Stadium further underscores the government’s commitment to the region’s growth.

Challenges

Todwong acknowledged challenges in the fishing industry, noting that funds promised by the President will be channelled through SACCOs to improve fishing gear.

Additionally, the NRM manifesto outlines plans to provide clean and safe water to every village in Kwania through solar-powered piped systems.

The government is also advancing land tenure security in Apac by issuing Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs) to mitigate risks of land evictions and grabbing.

Compensation

Since the 2021/2022 financial year, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has disbursed 136.24 billion shillings to 24,580 claimants in the Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions as part of war debt compensation.

In Lango, 10,549 beneficiaries have collectively received 43.02 billion shillings, providing closure to historical grievances and fostering reconciliation.