By Jumah Kakomo/ Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has dismissed opposition claims discrediting the NRM government’s performance on job creation and industrialization. Speaking during a campaign rally at Opit Primary School playgrounds in Omoro District, Museveni highlighted his administration’s accomplishments and outlined plans for continued development in the Acholi sub-region.
Museveni cited the establishment of several industrial parks, including Namanve and Mbale Industrial Parks, as part of the government’s broader effort to create jobs for Ugandans. He emphasized that the Mbale Industrial Park was established on land reclaimed from the Bugisu Cooperative Union after government intervention to clear its debt to an American creditor. This, he noted, saved the Union from collapse.
“These industrial parks are employing hundreds of thousands of Ugandans. This is in line with our job creation goals. We plan to expand such projects to Acholi as well,” Museveni said.
He advised residents of Omoro not to be distracted by the region’s visible infrastructure development but to also focus on wealth creation at the household level. He praised the people of Omoro for embracing government-led wealth creation initiatives and pledged to expand these programs in his next term.
Museveni called on the electorate to monitor how socio-economic empowerment funds are being utilized in their communities to ensure effectiveness and impact. He emphasized that proper use of these funds would accelerate poverty reduction.
Highlighting the benefits of free universal education, Museveni showcased the success of graduates from Zonal Presidential Skilling Hubs who are now producing high-quality local products such as furniture, bakery items, and textiles — goods that were previously imported. He stressed the importance of investing in primary and secondary education, announcing plans to recruit 50,000 new primary school teachers and build more school facilities.
“We must defend and implement free universal education in all government schools,” he said.
On infrastructure, Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to road and railway development in the Acholi sub-region. He cited completed roads like Karuma–Pakwach, Karuma–Gulu–Nimule, and Gulu–Kitgum, and promised the completion of others including Gulu–Kona Kilak and Kitgum–Parabek roads. He also mentioned plans to restore the railway line in the region.
As Uganda nears the commercial exploitation of its oil resources, Museveni reminded the electorate about the importance of prioritizing planning and investment of oil proceeds, to ensure sustainable development.
Museveni concluded by reaffirming the NRM government’s commitment to inclusive development, pledging continued investment in education, industry, infrastructure, and economic empowerment for all Ugandans.
