By Jumah Kakomo/ Kabuye Ronald
The electorate in Terego District have unanimously backed the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in his strong declaration to “declare war” on public school administrators who continue to levy illegal charges on learners despite the government’s policy of free education.
This public endorsement followed General Museveni’s address during a presidential campaign rally held at Leju Stadium in Leju Town Council, Terego District. He expressed frustration over the continued defiance of his administration’s policy on free primary and secondary education in government schools even after the allocation of capitation grants to cover the cost of education.
The NRM Presidential candidate promised a strict crackdown on school administrators who undermine the universal free education policy in his next term, warning that such defiance would no longer be tolerated. He cited the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs across the country as proof that universal free education is achievable in Uganda.
As part of his commitment to improving education infrastructure in Terego, General Museveni announced plans to construct six additional primary schools to supplement the existing 73 schools across the district’s 36 parishes. He also pledged one more secondary school, adding to the current seven in the district’s eight sub-counties, in order to ensure equitable access to education.
In addition to his education-focused pledges, Museveni addressed other development issues. He issued strict guidelines for the use of funds allocated to graduates of the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs in Terego and beyond. He also reaffirmed the NRM’s mission to eliminate poverty and illiteracy, positioning Uganda for a transformative leap into middle-income status.
During the rally, Museveni also declared war on corruption within the Parish Development Model (PDM), promising to audit the implementation of the program in Terego. He warned that no official including banks that deduct charges on PDM fund withdrawals would be spared if found complicit in mismanagement or theft of funds.
The President instructed his Senior Assistant, Barbara Barungi, to document all complaints regarding PDM fund mismanagement in the district.
Also present at the rally was the NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, Dennis Hamson Obua, who urged voters to preserve the high standards of leadership established by the NRM government. He highlighted the NRM’s role in restoring peace and enabling the return of Terego residents who once fled conflict under past regimes.
The NRM District Chairperson for Terego and Minister of State for Urban Development, Obiga Kania, called for special affirmative action for Terego and the broader West Nile sub-region. He praised the transformation the district has undergone under the NRM government in areas such as development, poverty alleviation, education, and health — while emphasizing the need for continued support.
