President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has vowed to tackle persistent challenges in the Acholi sub-region, including delayed compensation, gaps in education, livestock restocking, and human-wildlife conflicts. Speaking at a campaign rally in Anaka Town Council, Nwoya District, Museveni assured residents that his government remains committed to supporting communities heavily affected by past conflicts and development projects.
The President highlighted delays in compensation for residents displaced by the Karuma Hydropower Project, noting that UGX 11 billion has been paid while UGX 48 billion is still pending. He pledged to direct the Prime Minister to ensure all affected families receive their payments promptly. Museveni also addressed crop destruction by elephants in Nwoya and neighboring districts, explaining that some elephants continue to breach electric fences despite preventive measures.
“I will instruct the Prime Minister to follow up on compensation for all people whose crops were destroyed by elephants,” he assured residents. On education, Museveni reiterated his commitment to free education in government schools and warned against illegal fee collection by school heads or local leaders, saying such actions deny children from poor families the opportunity for a better future. He added, “Those who block my policy of free education are like the kuzilinga—women who kill their children during birth. You are killing the future of our country by preserving ignorance.”
Museveni also praised the success of Presidential Skilling Hubs, which have empowered young people who dropped out of school to produce quality shoes, garments, and furniture locally. Regarding livestock restocking in post-conflict areas, he noted that legal and administrative delays had slowed the program but confirmed that a new arrangement ensures every homestead will receive a basic restocking package. The Acholi sub-region will receive special attention due to the prolonged impact of the LRA insurgency and displacement.
To further support the region, Museveni announced plans to establish a technical institute in Nwoya and upgrade Koch Goma Health Centre III to Health Centre IV to enhance healthcare services. He also commended Adogoraj Meri Laquara Mabel for donating land for the construction of an NRM office in the district, describing her contribution as patriotic and exemplary. Concluding his address, Museveni emphasized that issues of education, compensation, and livestock restocking would be resolved systematically, step by step.
