By Jumah Kakomo/ Kabuye Ronald
National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has cast doubt on the capacity of rival presidential contenders to maintain Uganda’s hard-earned peace and stability, as he intensified his campaign trail in Lamwo District.
Speaking at a campaign rally held at Padibe Boys Primary School playgrounds in Padibe Town Council, Museveni emphasized that his deep involvement in Uganda’s stabilization spans over six decades. He argued that only the NRM understands the complex political dynamics of Uganda especially in regions like Lamwo, which were once ravaged by insurgencies and rebel activity.
Museveni specifically questioned the leadership credentials of opposition candidates such as the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and Alliance for National Transformation’s (ANT) Mugisha Muntu, urging the electorate to continue placing their trust in the NRM for continued peace and progress.
General Museveni commended the notable progress Lamwo District has achieved under the NRM government, citing the establishment of 74 government primary schools and several secondary schools. He pledged further investment in education, reaffirming the party’s commitment to free universal education.
He assured residents that the government would prioritize the improvement of existing schools, expand access to education, and lower administrative costs by implementing day schooling models in public institutions. He cited the success of graduates from the Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub as a testament to the impact of government-led educational programs.
In his address, Museveni pointed to advancements in infrastructure, including improved health facilities and expanded access to clean and safe water across the district. He also promised the launch of several road construction projects, stating that with the completion of major national highways, the government could now turn its focus to district-level connectivity.
Museveni promoted government economic initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he described as a “golden opportunity against poverty.” So far, UGX 26.4 billion has been disbursed to 26,677 beneficiaries in Lamwo District through the PDM and related empowerment programs.
Acknowledging the historical impact of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency in Lamwo, Museveni reiterated his government’s commitment to addressing long-standing grievances, including cattle restocking. He urged residents to embrace household-level wealth creation as the government continues investing in social and economic infrastructure.
During the rally, Lamwo’s Palabek County MP Hillary Onek announced the defection of over 150 NUP supporters to the NRM, vowing to maintain NRM dominance in the district and the wider Acholi sub-region.
Additionally, Lamwo District NRM Chairperson Policap Odoch called on the President to consider the creation of a new district Parabek from the existing Lamwo District to enhance administrative efficiency and service delivery.
