President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today called on Ugandans to
embrace the four pillars of peace, development, wealth creation, and
free education as the foundation for transforming their communities and
the country at large.
The President made the remarks while addressing a mammoth crowd at
his campaign rally in Kitgum Municipality, where he emphasized that the
NRM government has brought peace and unity by rejecting the politics
of tribe and religion.
“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,” President Museveni said.
He noted that the foundation of Uganda’s peace was laid when the NRM
refused to embrace sectarian politics.
“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 added.
President Museveni said that after peace, the second priority for the
NRM government has been development, particularly in building
economic and social infrastructure. He 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.
The President 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 cautioned leaders and citizens against attempting to implement all
development projects at once, advising them to prioritize strategically.
“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,” he
said.
President Museveni further listed ongoing road projects in the region,
including the Gulu–Awere–Kochokilak–Patongo–Abim road, and plans to
upgrade several Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs in sub-counties
across Kitgum and Lamwo districts.
On education, the President expressed concern that some parishes still
lack government schools despite the presence of 88 government
primary schools and 8 government secondary schools in the district.
“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 about his commitment to free education, noting that when
he met resistance in government schools, he personally initiated skilling
hubs through the State House to promote technical and vocational
training.
“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,” he said.
Turning to wealth creation, President Museveni urged residents not to
confuse development with personal wealth, explaining that while the
government can provide infrastructure, individuals must use it to create
their own prosperity.
“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 revealed that the government's restocking program will resume to
reinforce wealth creation efforts in Northern Uganda.
“We had started restocking but faced some legal issues. We had paid
Shs.159 billion, 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,” the President said.
He added that once households receive livestock and engage in
productive enterprises, their livelihoods will significantly improve.
Hon. Okello Oryem, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, thanked the
President for the peace and development in the region and 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.
The Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar
commended the President for the wealth creation programs and affirmed
Kitgum’s unwavering support for the NRM government, saying the
people will not let go of the progress achieved under its leadership.
The Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees,
also Kitgum District Woman MP, Hon. Lillian Aber 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
districts.
The NRM District Chairperson for Kitgum, Mr. Ongom Lapyem, thanked
the President for transforming education in the district, recalling that in
1986, Kitgum had only two secondary schools, yet now every sub-
county has at least one.
He also lauded the President for initiating the Parish Development Model
(PDM), which has lifted many households out of poverty, and raised the
issue of wild animals from Kidepo National Park disturbing communities.
“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,” Mr. Lapyem added.
President Museveni concluded his address by urging the people of
Kitgum to continue supporting the NRM for the consolidation of peace,
development, wealth creation, and education.
KITGUM DISTRICT FACTSHEET
• Population (2024 Census): 239,655
• Total Voters (2025): 119,812
• Constituencies: 4
• Sub-Counties/Town Councils: 22
• Parishes: 83
• Villages: 687
Cattle Compensation: 4,836 claimants have been compensated a total
of Shs.43.6 billion. In Kitgum, 700 claimants have received Shs.5.97
billion.
Parish Development Model (PDM): Kitgum District and Municipality have
cumulatively received Shs.25.49 billion, with over 98% disbursed to
25,339 households (50.8% coverage).
Emyooga Program: 54 SACCOs with 22,398 members have received a
total of Shs.2.02 billion.
Education: 99 government primary schools (70,034 pupils) and 9
government secondary schools (3,608 students). Plans are underway to
construct three new seed schools under UgIFT and USEEP. Thirty
parishes still lack government primary schools.
Health: Out of 22 sub-counties, 12 have a health facility (HCIII, HCIV, or
Hospital). Plans are in place to upgrade several HCIIs to HCIIIs and
construct new ones in Namokora, Omiya Anyima, Mucwini East, and
Tager Division. Kitgum Municipality has a government hospital, while
Namokora HCIV serves Chua East.
Water and Sanitation: 572 of 686 rural villages (83%) have access to
safe water. Piped water systems serve Kitgum, Lagoro, Namokora, and
Mucwini. Dog Dam B Solar Irrigation Scheme is at 50% completion, with
Oget and Luguric Solar Irrigation Schemes
