By Jumah Kakomo/ Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has officially launched his campaign trail in the Acholi sub-region with a series of pledges aimed at revitalizing the region’s economy and addressing long-standing grievances.
Speaking to thousands of supporters at Pabo Primary School playgrounds in Amuru District, President Museveni unveiled a special cattle compensation initiative targeting war-affected households in Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions. Each affected household is to receive five cows, a move Museveni says is in response to requests from regional leaders who cited the devastating effects of past insurgencies and cattle raids.
“The people of Acholi suffered greatly during the LRA and Lakwena insurgencies, as well as from Karamojong cattle raids. It is only fair that they receive special consideration,” Museveni said.
The NRM candidate emphasized that this compensation program would be implemented during his next term and would contribute to wealth creation in the region.
General Museveni also pledged to revive the Atiak Sugar Factory to reach its full production capacity as part of the broader NRM strategy to scale up industrialization in northern Uganda.
He noted that the government has already laid the foundation for this transformation through investments in electricity, roads, peace, and security. He urged residents to protect these gains by re-electing the NRM government.
On the health front, the President announced a plan to recruit over 1,400 health inspectors to monitor drug usage and combat theft in public hospitals. He noted that while drug supply and health infrastructure have improved, accountability remains a key challenge.
“We will involve religious leaders in monitoring drug utilization at Health Centre IIIs. Drug theft must stop,” he added.
Museveni also warned school administrators who continue to charge illegal fees in public schools, directing them to fully implement the Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE/USE) programs as originally designed by the NRM government.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Museveni listed upcoming major road works across Amuru and the greater Acholi sub-region. He cautioned against scattered development projects, advocating instead for a prioritized and strategic approach to maximize impact.
“The NRM started with peace and security. Then came roads, electricity, and other services. This chronological prioritization is what we must maintain,” Museveni emphasized.
As he wrapped up his address, General Museveni rallied the people of Amuru to continue supporting the NRM for sustained development and transformation in the region.
