As the afternoon sun glistened over the green expanse of Arua City Golf Course, chants of “Tova Ku Main” swept through the crowd. Elderly men leaned on walking sticks, mothers hoisted babies on their backs, and youth in yellow shirts waved miniature flags as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni arrived hand-in-hand with First Lady Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni. The scene was a vivid reminder of how far this once war-torn corner of Uganda has come—and the message from the President was unmistakable: unity under the NRM remains the foundation for continued peace and development.
President Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer in the 2026 general elections, was in Arua to rally support for the ruling party under the campaign theme, “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.” His address was both reflective and forward-looking—drawing from the region’s troubled past while promising a future anchored in education, health, and household income.
“In 1961, when I was at Ntare School, many boys from West Nile came to Mbarara because there was no single A’ level school in their home region,” Museveni recalled. “Today, Arua City alone has nine government secondary schools. That is real progress.”
The President praised the strides made in expanding educational opportunities, pointing out that Arua District and Arua City together now boast 120 government primary schools and 16 government secondary schools. Yet, he admitted, challenges persist.
“Many of our children dropped out because of school charges. That’s why we started the Presidential Skilling Hubs,” he said. “I want the next NRM government to abolish all school charges in government schools and add 50,000 more teachers. Every child should study for free, near home.”
Museveni also unveiled plans to upgrade Orivu Health Centre III to Health Centre IV in Ayivu Division East and elevate Lazebu Health Centre II to Health Centre III in Arivu Sub-County. The move, he said, aligns with the NRM’s vision of taking services closer to the people.
Turning to the economy, the President stressed that household income is central to national growth. “When you don’t earn, you’re not only hurting your family but also your country,” he said. “Factories have already created 1.2 million jobs, but we need a broader market—Uganda, East Africa, and Africa—so that when I produce milk in Mbarara, the people of Arua can buy it.”
During the event, President Museveni welcomed 300 new NRM members introduced by Lawrence Dangote, the party’s flag bearer for Arua City Mayor, and handed over party flags to parliamentary candidates.
First Lady Janet Museveni took to the podium with a message of patriotism and steadfast loyalty. “Thank you for being strong nationalists who love your homeland and for never forgetting where we have come from,” she said, urging voters to “make sure no one stays home on voting day.”
She reminded the crowd that their vote represents “peace, family, and Uganda’s future,” adding, “Let us be deliberate about building a strong, respected Uganda. By God’s grace, this country will grow from strength to strength.”
Local leaders used the occasion to express gratitude for the NRM government’s achievements. Ms. Joyce Amaguru, Arua City NRM Chairperson, praised Museveni for elevating Arua to city status and investing in education, health, and infrastructure.
“Your Excellency, we are grateful for the peace, for the schools, for tarmacked roads, and for connecting our region to the national grid,” Amaguru said. “We even have a heart and lung institute coming up at Muni University. This is progress we can see.”
She cited that Arua City’s 70 government primary schools now serve over 110,000 pupils, while nine secondary schools host more than 4,600 students—all under government education programs.
NRM District Chairman Arion Bonifance added a personal reflection: “I was born in Congo because of insecurity here. Today, I stand before you as a proud Ugandan, thanks to the peace you restored.”
The event, attended by senior NRM officials, legislators, and thousands of residents, ended on a note of hope and solidarity. As the sun set behind the rolling hills of West Nile, the message from both the President and First Lady resonated through the cheering crowd: the story of Arua’s transformation is not over—it is a journey the NRM promises to continue.
