At Nyadri Urban Secondary School Grounds in Maracha, the sound of cheers filled the air as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni told thousands of supporters that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) doesn’t chase cheap popularity—it delivers results that last.
The President, also the NRM’s Presidential Flagbearer, said the recent connection of West Nile to the national electricity grid was proof of the party’s long-term commitment to transforming lives, not winning applause.
“For us in NRM, we don’t just do things to please people even when things are wrong—it’s very dangerous. That’s cheap popularity,” he said. “We told people that power would come to West Nile, and now it has. The next task is to distribute it to the sub-counties and households.”
Powering Industrial Growth
Museveni highlighted the 132KV line from Karuma to Arua as one of Northern Uganda’s biggest energy investments, saying it will drive industrialization and agro-processing across the sub-region. “Now that strong electricity has arrived, the next task is to distribute it so that everyone benefits,” he said.
He explained that the project was part of NRM’s deliberate plan to modernize Uganda through infrastructure that supports value addition and manufacturing.
Education and Skills for All
Turning to education, Museveni outlined plans to ensure every parish in Maracha has a government primary school and every sub-county a secondary school. “Maracha has 91 parishes, but not all have schools. That’s our next target,” he said.
He recalled how the government’s introduction of Universal Primary and Secondary Education was designed to open doors for all children regardless of background. “When we introduced free education, some school authorities brought back charges. I said to myself, let me demonstrate that free education is possible,” he said.
Through the State House, the President initiated Presidential Skilling Hubs across the country to promote free, practical vocational training. “I wanted to show by example that when there’s proper management, education can truly be free and meaningful,” he said.
Roads, Peace, and Prosperity
Concerning infrastructure, Museveni said the NRM government has worked tirelessly to improve road networks despite financial constraints. “We struggled to tarmac Karuma to Koboko even when we didn’t have enough money. We are now going to work on Atiak–Adjumani to Mwoyo and the roads from Panyimur to Rhino Camp to Wanyara,” he said.
The President said the NRM’s achievements stem from its consistent principles—patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. “For the first time in 500 years, Uganda is at peace. From Karamoja to West Nile, all parts of Uganda are stable. This peace was not bought with words—it was built through sacrifice and clear ideology,” he said.
He praised West Nile for its strategic location and business potential, calling it a vital commercial corridor for trade with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “West Nilers are making money because they are in the corner that connects Uganda to two big markets. That is why I tell people to love Uganda, because we all need one another,” he said.
Driving Economic Transformation
The President urged Ugandans to continue supporting NRM’s development agenda, especially through the Parish Development Model (PDM), which is empowering households to join the money economy.
“In Maracha alone, we have sent Shs.27.9 billion under the PDM, reaching more than 30,000 households. The next step is to ensure every family has a source of income,” he said.
He cautioned against divisive leaders who seek attention through populist politics. “Politics is like medicine—you must diagnose the problem correctly. Uganda’s problem was never tribes or religions; it was lack of income and development. We must focus on wealth creation,” he said.
Museveni concluded by thanking the people of West Nile for their unwavering support and pledged continued government investment in infrastructure, education, and agriculture. “We began with peace, then roads and electricity. The next phase is household prosperity. Together, we shall build a stronger Uganda,” he said.
First Lady Commends West Nile’s Progress
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, thanked the people of Maracha and the entire West Nile region for their loyalty and strong turnout. “You have shown the whole country that West Nile stands with the NRM. The connection to the national grid, the Parish Development Model, and the new schools being built are proof that this government works for all Ugandans,” she said.
She reaffirmed government’s commitment to enforcing free education. “No child should be sent away from school because of fees. Education is a right, and the government is determined to enforce that,” she added.
Maama Janet also said the massive turnout and progress in development were signs of trust in NRM’s leadership. “When you look at the roads, electricity, PDM funds, and schools in West Nile, you can see real work, not politics of words. That’s why the people here have pledged 99% of their votes to the NRM,” she said.
West Nile’s Transformation Recognized
NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, Denis Hamson Obua, praised the President for turning West Nile from a war-torn area into one of Uganda’s fastest-growing regions. “This region was once associated with insecurity and displacement, but today it stands tall—peaceful, productive, and connected. That is the NRM difference,” he said.
Gabriel Ofekua, the NRM Chairman for Maracha, expressed gratitude for the government’s projects in the district. “The people of Maracha will never forget the benefits of your leadership. They have seen development, peace, and the gains of the Parish Development Model,” he said.
He commended government efforts to empower youth through the presidential skilling hubs. “In Maracha, we are very cognizant of our youth. We want to train them, and we thank you, Mr. President, for the zonal skilling hubs you have established,” he added.
According to district data, Maracha has received Shs.27.95 billion under the PDM, with 98.6% disbursed to 30,695 households. The district also hosts 62 government primary schools, seven government secondary schools, and several ongoing infrastructure projects, including boreholes and solar-powered irrigation systems.
The rally, attended by NRM Central Executive Committee members, MPs, religious and cultural leaders, ended with songs of praise and chants of support as the President waved to the crowd, promising that West Nile’s best days were yet to come.
