President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has lauded the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for its pivotal role in bringing peace and stability to the Karamoja sub-region. He made the remarks during a campaign rally in Kaabong District, where thousands of supporters turned out to welcome him.
“I thank God for the work of the NRM in Uganda. Seeing this huge crowd fills me with joy. Even in Karenga and Abim, where I was yesterday, the turnouts were impressive. In 1980, Karamoja had a population of 190,000, but today Kaabong alone has 260,000 people. This is because children no longer die from diseases like polio and measles, thanks to NRM’s strong immunization programs,” President Museveni stated. He highlighted that establishing peace in Karamoja was one of NRM’s most significant achievements, acknowledging the challenges involved.
The President reflected on the disarmament efforts in the region, noting that some Karamojong were misled into thinking guns from neighboring communities were essential for security. “My work is not to disarm Africa, but to disarm the Karamojong,” he remarked.
On development, Museveni highlighted infrastructure milestones, including the extension of electricity from Moroto to Kaabong and the ongoing tarmacking of roads connecting Soroti, Moroto, and Lokitanyala at the Kenyan border. He also mentioned major water projects such as Longoromit Dam, with a capacity of 1.4 billion litres, and Usake Valley Dam, holding 2.8 billion litres, aimed at improving access to water.
Museveni emphasized tourism’s economic potential, announcing plans for an international airport at Kidepo National Park. “National parks are not just for animals; they attract tourists who spend money here. When they visit, they will buy milk from Karamoja, so I challenge you to produce more milk for sale,” he said.
On education, he noted that Kaabong has 32 primary schools and two secondary schools, with plans to establish one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county. He reaffirmed his commitment to free education and highlighted a government investment of Shs 50 million in SACCOs for graduates from skilling hubs, alongside plans to recruit 50,000 teachers in the next government.
In healthcare, Museveni announced that Kaabong has one hospital and seven Health Centre IIIs, with plans to upgrade several Health Centre IIs—including Usake, Loleria, Lodiko, Lobongia, Lotim, Morulem, Timu, Lokerui, and Kamacharikol—to improve medical services.
He further stressed the difference between government-led development and personal wealth, urging residents to utilize programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) effectively. Additional funding was announced for local leaders, unemployed graduates, religious and cultural leaders, and youth, with an emphasis on responsible use and repayment after two years.
NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja, Hon. Dr. John Baptist Lokii, expressed gratitude to Museveni for transforming the sub-region, recognizing the disarmament efforts and establishment of universities, hospitals, and factories. Similarly, Kaabong District NRM Chairperson Hon. Lokwang Hillary praised support for local SACCOs, the fencing of Kidepo National Park, and requested the upgrade of Kaabong Hospital to a referral facility serving neighboring districts.
