The midday sun shimmered over Kitgum Municipality as a sea of yellow filled the grounds, drums beat, flags waved, and chants of “NRM oyee!” rose with each passing minute. When President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni finally arrived, the crowd erupted into cheers, their voices echoing across the northern skyline.
It was more than a campaign rally. It was a homecoming of sorts, a reminder of how far Northern Uganda has come from the years of war to the days of peace and progress.
Taking to the podium, President Museveni urged the people of Kitgum to protect and build upon the four pillars that have shaped Uganda’s transformation; peace, development, wealth creation and free education.
“The NRM has brought peace. It is not easy to create peace in a pre-industrial country. In underdeveloped countries, people are often confused about which question is right, politics of tribe or politics of interest,” he said.
He reminded the crowd that the NRM’s rejection of sectarian politics was the foundation of the country’s stability. “The first thing that helped us achieve peace was that we did not accept the politics of sectarianism, religion, or tribe. The NRM made it clear that we don’t care about your tribe or religion; what we care about is whether you know what to do. That is how we built a strong army,” he said.
Development Through Prioritization
The President outlined the NRM government’s strategic approach to development, highlighting key infrastructure projects across Northern Uganda. Roads such as Olwiyo to Anaka to Kitgum, the Lira to Lamwo, South Sudan border electricity line and the Tororo, Lira, Gulu to Pakwach railway were cited as evidence of steady progress.
“People try to do everything at once, but that is not how we work,” Museveni cautioned. “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.”
He said, 572 out of 686 villages in Kitgum District have access to safe water, representing 83 percent coverage and ongoing projects will connect the remaining communities.
Education as a Tool for Transformation
Turning to education, Museveni expressed concern that 30 parishes still lack government schools despite Kitgum’s strong record of 99 government primary schools and 9 secondary schools. “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.
He also spoke passionately about his personal intervention in skilling programs through State House. “Because I faced opposition in implementing free education, I used my power through the State House to build skilling hubs. Those children who had lost hope are now producing things like hospital beds, shoes, and other products that were being imported from China,” he revealed.
Wealth Creation and Restocking Efforts
On wealth creation, Museveni drew a clear distinction between development and personal wealth. “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.
He announced that the government’s restocking program will resume to support livelihoods in the north. “We had started restocking but faced some legal issues. We had paid Shs.159 billion. I proposed giving five cows per homestead in all regions, and that idea was adopted. The Acholi leaders also asked that war claimants be compensated because the war lasted longer here and we shall look into that,” he said.
Local Leaders Laud Progress, Call for More Support
Okello Oryem, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, commended the President for restoring peace and pledged Kitgum’s continued support for NRM. He requested the creation of Chua East District and action against elephants straying into communities.
Beatrice Anywar, Minister of State for Environment, thanked the President for empowering households through wealth creation programs, while Lillian Aber, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees, appealed for the upgrade of Kitgum Hospital into a regional referral facility.
The NRM District Chairperson, Ongom Lapyem, praised Museveni for transforming education in the district. “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,” he said. Lapyem also hailed the Parish Development Model (PDM) for lifting many families from poverty.
A District Transformed
Under the NRM government, Kitgum has seen visible transformation:
- Population: 239,655 (2024 Census)
- PDM Funds: Shs.25.49 billion disbursed to 25,339 households
- Emyooga: 54 SACCOs with 22,398 members, receiving Shs.2.02 billion
- Education: 99 primary schools, 9 secondary schools; three new seed schools planned
- Health: 12 of 22 sub-counties with HCIII or higher facilities; upgrades ongoing
- Water: 83% of villages with access to safe water; new irrigation schemes under construction
As the rally drew to a close, the President urged residents to keep faith with the NRM. “Let us consolidate peace, development, wealth creation, and education. That is how we shall move forward together,” he said to thunderous applause.
The crowd’s chants rose once again, echoing through Kitgum, a region that has walked from conflict to calm, from survival to growth and now stands ready to shape its own future.
