By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has directed the Minister for the Presidency to work with the Attorney General to fast-track the payment of rehabilitation packages to victims of the Alice Lakwena insurgency in Luuka District.
Speaking during an NRM presidential campaign rally at the Luuka District Headquarters Playground, Gen. Museveni said the NRM government’s restoration of peace and stability has laid the foundation for the district’s ongoing development and Uganda’s broader socioeconomic transformation.
Gen. Museveni pledged to accelerate the tarmacking of the Iganga–Luuka–Kamuli Road, describing it as a key component of continued infrastructural development in Busoga Sub-region and surrounding districts.
The NRM candidate announced plans to upgrade and construct additional health centres in Luuka District, noting that several facilities have already been earmarked for elevation under the NRM 2026–2031 Manifesto.
Gen. Museveni expressed concern over the uneven distribution of government schools in Luuka. He revealed that although the district has 89 government primary schools, they are concentrated in only 38 of the 64 parishes—contrary to government policy, which provides for one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county.
He also warned education officials against imposing illegal charges in government schools, insisting that universal education must be implemented without exploitation. Museveni cited the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs as proof of the transformative potential of free universal education.
The NRM flagbearer promised to lead a national discussion on strengthening universal education after the forthcoming General Elections.
Gen. Museveni emphasized the NRM’s wealth-creation strategy, distinguishing it from general development. He urged Luuka residents to embrace intensive and extensive agriculture, manufacturing, and service-sector opportunities as pathways out of poverty.
He highlighted success stories from Kamuli, Abim, Nakasongola, and other districts where individuals with small landholdings have generated significant income through disciplined enterprise.
The President-in-waiting reaffirmed government commitment to job creation through socioeconomic empowerment programs such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Programme, Women Empowerment Fund, and the GROW project. He noted that these schemes build on earlier initiatives like Entandikwa and Operation Wealth Creation.
Museveni praised Luuka District and the entire Busoga Sub-region for their historical contribution to Uganda’s liberation efforts, urging residents to remain partners in national progress.
The NRM candidate committed to addressing concerns raised by Luuka leaders regarding unfair treatment of sugarcane farmers by sugar factories, the demand for an industrial park, and the proposal for a regional sports stadium in Busoga.
He reminded the electorate to evaluate the NRM using the government’s performance record as they head into the elections.
First Lady Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni assured residents of continued adherence to the education policy of one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county. She highlighted the district’s progress, noting that Luuka now hosts 89 government primary schools and nearly 10 government secondary schools, none of which existed before the NRM government.
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga raised concerns over the treatment of farmers by sugar factories and called for reforms under the GROW project.
Luuka District NRM Chairperson Steven Kisa presented the district’s status report, outlining ongoing challenges and development priorities.
