By Jumah Kakomo/ Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has launched his campaign trail in the Teso Sub-region with his first rally held in Kapelebyong District.
During the rally, President Museveni assured the electorate of sustained peace as a foundation for development and wealth creation. He also announced plans for the construction of a tarmac road linking Kapelebyong to Soroti and Amuria, among other key infrastructural projects aimed at transforming the sub-region.
President Museveni noted that the end of rebel activity, cattle rustling, and the closure of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Teso paved the way for peace and transformation, which have greatly benefited Kapelebyong District.
He reaffirmed the NRM government’s commitment to continued progress and appealed to the people of Kapelebyong to renew the party’s mandate in the forthcoming general elections to consolidate the gains made under his leadership.
The NRM flag bearer also urged local leaders and residents to embrace proper planning and prioritization in service delivery, emphasizing the need to align district development plans with the government’s priorities in key sectors such as health and education.
In a firm stance against corruption, President Museveni vowed to hold accountable all officials implicated in the mismanagement of the UGX 1.3 billion annual road maintenance funds, following reports of shoddy works and negligence by district authorities. He promised that culprits will be brought to book once the ongoing investigation report is finalized.
As part of his wealth creation agenda, the NRM Presidential Candidate pledged to roll out a cattle restocking program for households in Kapelebyong and the wider Teso Sub-region, similar to initiatives implemented in Acholi and Lango. He said this would support families that lost livestock during past insurgencies and cattle raids.
President Museveni also called on the electorate to amplify the NRM message on socio-economic empowerment, encouraging active participation in government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Program, Women Empowerment Initiative, and the Four-Acre Model for sustainable household income.
On education, President Museveni reaffirmed the NRM government’s commitment to implementing free universal education in all government schools. He criticized those who impose illegal charges on learners, citing the success of the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs, where youth trained free of charge have since found meaningful employment.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, who accompanied the President, also reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring free universal education. She urged the people of Kapelebyong to vote for President Museveni and the NRM to continue steering Uganda toward peace, prosperity, and inclusive development.
