President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, today held a campaign rally at Katakwi Booma Grounds, Katakwi Town Council in Katakwi District.
Addressing thousands of enthusiastic supporters, President Museveni commended the people of Katakwi for being steadfast witnesses to the peace ushered in by the NRM government.
“The people of Katakwi are the best witnesses of peace because I camped here when everyone had fled to IDP camps. I remember visiting Ngariam, where people were massacred by the Karamojong, and Achowa camp. Today, all that is history. The NRM defeated the rebels and cattle rustlers, and we removed 41,000 guns from Karamoja. That is why people are back in their villages,” President Museveni said.
The President explained that the NRM’s first major contribution to Uganda’s transformation was peace—followed by development in both economic and social infrastructure.
“In Teso, we have worked on major roads such as Soroti–Moroto and Soroti–Lira. We also intend to construct the Katine–Ochero road and the Soroti–Amuria–Obalanga–Achanipi–Otuke road. I’m glad that the Katakwi–Toroma road now has a ferry. We are going to be strict with the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Local Government to ensure the Shs 1.3 billion sent annually for marram road maintenance is properly utilized,” he stated.
On water access, President Museveni said Katakwi has 550 villages, of which 342 have boreholes—representing 52% coverage. He pledged that in the next government, every village would get at least one borehole to ensure clean drinking water for all.
He further listed existing piped water systems at Abwenget, Kapujan, Usuk–Koritok, Toroma, Magoro, and Katakwi Town Council, noting that expansion plans are underway for the Usuk–Koritok, Toroma, and Magoro systems. He also highlighted completed and ongoing water projects, including the construction of irrigation systems in Ongongoja and Usuk sub-counties, and flood-mitigation valley tanks in Aleles, Magoro, and Okuronyo.
On education, the President revealed that Katakwi has 78 government primary schools and 10 government secondary schools, yet the district has 109 parishes and 20 sub-counties.
“We shall ensure that every parish has a government primary school and that the remaining 11 sub-counties without secondary schools get them,” he pledged.
In the health sector, the President noted that Katakwi has one hospital, one Health Centre IV, and 10 Health Centre IIIs. Ten sub-counties still lack Health Centre IIIs, but the government has already embarked on upgrades, including Aakum, Omodoi, Opeta, Okocho, Akurao, and Ongongoja, as well as the construction of new health facilities in Amusia, Getom, Okore, and Angodingod sub-counties.
Ongoing works include theatre constructions at Toroma HCIV, Akurao HCII, and Katakwi General Hospital, alongside the installation of a solar-motorized borehole at Koritok HCIII. The President also highlighted recent upgrades at Palam, Koritok, and Akoboi health centres.
On wealth creation, President Museveni cautioned citizens to distinguish between development and wealth.
“NRM brings development—roads, schools, electricity—but wealth must be created by you in your homes. Development is ours; wealth is yours,” he said.
He revealed that government restocking efforts were initially delayed by legal challenges but that, following consultations with local leaders, each household will now receive five cows.
On youth empowerment, the President said he established skilling hubs to provide free six-month skills training for youth who had lost hope.
“These youth are now producing hospital beds, shoes, and other items that were being imported from China and Italy. This is the practical way to fight poverty,” he said.
On her part, Maama Janet thanked God for the opportunity to meet the people of Katakwi and for the unity and strength demonstrated by the NRM family. She urged Ugandans to rededicate themselves to serving their country under the spirit of peace and patriotism.
She praised President Museveni for his exemplary leadership, saying he continues to inspire young people through his unwavering commitment and selfless service to the nation. She encouraged NRM supporters to emulate his example by working together to build and sustain peace across Uganda.
Maama Janet noted that God has used President Museveni and the NRM government to establish a firm foundation of peace and unity that has enabled national stability. She called on all members of the NRM to extend a hand of friendship to Ugandans who have not yet joined the Movement, emphasizing that growth in numbers strengthens both the party and the nation.
The First Lady urged supporters not to view those outside the NRM as enemies but as fellow Ugandans who may not yet understand what the Movement has done for the country. She concluded by encouraging all citizens to vote for President Museveni and all NRM candidates in the upcoming election to continue building on the peace and progress that Uganda enjoys today.
The Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, also the Woman MP for Katakwi District, thanked the President for his visionary leadership and his continued commitment to transforming Katakwi. She praised him for the establishment of Soroti University and the implementation of wealth creation programs that have improved livelihoods in the district.
Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, the Second National Vice Chairperson (NRM), assured the President of 100% support from Teso, citing his appointment of many leaders from the sub-region, including the Vice President. She commended him for ending cattle rustling in Teso.
Hon. Calvin Echodu, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, said Katakwi is a special district that has always stood firmly with the NRM.
He praised the President for establishing skilling centres that have empowered the youth to create wealth.
Mr. Okiror John Robert Claire, the NRM Chairperson for Katakwi District, also assured the President of overwhelming support in the forthcoming elections, saying the people of Katakwi are enjoying peace and prosperity because of his leadership.
He commended the PDM and Emyooga programs for transforming lives across the district.
