By Jumah Kakomo/ Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has urged the people of Amudat District to dismiss claims that their land is arid and infertile, encouraging them instead to fully embrace agriculture as a pathway to wealth creation.
Speaking during his presidential campaign rally at Kalas Girls Primary School playgrounds in Amudat District, Gen. Museveni said the area possesses fertile soils and great agricultural potential, citing several successful farmers within the Karamoja sub-region.
To support this effort, the NRM flag bearer announced plans to establish a joint support fund for farmers through cooperatives and associations. The fund will help transport agricultural produce and livestock to better markets, reducing exploitation by middlemen.
Museveni also reaffirmed the ban on Turkana herders from Kenya grazing animals in Amudat or any part of Uganda until compensation is made for Ugandan geologists who were recently killed while conducting surveys in Karamoja. He said the culprits must make amends either personally or through the Kenyan government and revealed plans to return to Amudat with President William Ruto to perform reconciliation ceremonies with local elders and affected families.
Highlighting the NRM government’s security achievements, Gen. Museveni said the party has built enough capacity to protect all Ugandans from cross-border threats. He described Amudat as a “miraculous district”, citing its transformation from a historically insecure area to one enjoying peace and development.
Museveni attributed the district’s progress to the creation of clear electoral and administrative boundaries under the 1995 Constitution, which he said ended years of neglect and discrimination by previous regimes.
The NRM candidate unveiled plans to roll out a cost-effective household water distribution system to complement existing boreholes and dams. Ongoing water-for-production projects include; Solar-powered irrigation at Katotin, Construction of 12 valley tanks and 2 wind-powered water abstraction systems, Kosike Valley Dam (2.7 billion liters capacity), Kaechom Valley Dam (1.8 billion liters capacity) and Upcoming Lowoyakur Dam (1.4 billion liters capacity)
He further listed several health infrastructure upgrades, including the elevation of Karita Health Centre IV to Amudat District General Hospital, and the upgrading of multiple HCII facilities to HCIII across sub-counties such as Abilyep, Achorichor, Amudat Town Council, Cheptapoyo, and Lokales.
Museveni also pledged to increase the distribution of primary and secondary schools across all remaining parishes and sub-counties, emphasizing universal and free education. He directed the Ministry of Works and Transport to ensure all road maintenance projects include proper drainage and routine servicing plans.
The NRM candidate urged districts to benchmark the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub model to promote free universal education and eliminate illegal school charges.
First Lady Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni assured voters of continued development in Karamoja and appealed for renewed support for the NRM government.
Meanwhile, NRM National Vice Chairperson (Female) Anita Among reminded residents of the peace restored by the NRM and urged them not to “gamble” with stability in the upcoming elections, insisting only President Museveni has a clear national vision for development.
Amudat District NRM Chairperson John Baptist Sichot presented a progress report highlighting the impact of UGX 44 billion under the Parish Development Model (PDM), benefiting over 12,000 households, along with UGX 820 million disbursed to 18 SACCOs under youth, women, and other empowerment programs.
