Museveni: Government to Clear Compensation, Boost Education and Restocking in Acholi

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to resolving long-standing challenges affecting the people of the Acholi sub-region, particularly in areas of compensation, education, restocking, and human-wildlife conflict.

Addressing a campaign rally in Anaka Town Council, Nwoya District, the President said the NRM government remains steadfast in supporting communities that endured the brunt of past insurgencies and infrastructural developments such as the Karuma Hydropower Project.

Compensation for Affected Families

Museveni revealed that the government has already paid UGX 11 billion out of UGX 59 billion earmarked for compensating residents displaced by the Karuma Dam project. He assured the people that the balance of UGX 48 billion would soon be cleared, instructing the Prime Minister to follow up and expedite the process.

“Government has already paid 11 billion shillings to the affected residents, and 48 billion remains pending. I will direct the Prime Minister to ensure that everyone who was displaced is fully compensated,” the President said.

He emphasized that compensation is not a favor but a right for citizens whose properties and livelihoods were affected by government projects.

Curbing Human-Wildlife Conflict

The President also addressed the persistent problem of crop destruction by elephants, which continues to trouble farmers in parts of Nwoya and neighboring districts bordering Murchison Falls National Park. He acknowledged reports that elephants were breaching electric fences and damaging crops but assured residents that government would act decisively.

“I will instruct the Prime Minister to follow up on the compensation for all people whose crops were destroyed by elephants,” he said, noting that full implementation of the fencing project was underway to protect farming communities.

Free Education and Skilling Programs

On education, President Museveni reiterated his firm stance against charging fees in government schools, insisting that free education is a right for every Ugandan child. He condemned head teachers and local officials who continue to demand money from parents, describing such acts as sabotage against national progress.

“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 conserving ignorance,” Museveni stated.

He interacted with several youth who had dropped out of school but later benefitted from Presidential Skilling Hubs, acquiring practical skills in tailoring, carpentry, and shoemaking. The President commended the program’s success, saying it was empowering young people to produce goods that were previously imported from China and Italy.

“Our youth are now making high-quality shoes, garments, and furniture. This shows that the skilling initiative is bearing fruit,” he added.

Restocking and Post-Conflict Recovery

Turning to the issue of restocking livestock in post-conflict areas, Museveni said the government’s plan had faced setbacks due to legal disputes and administrative delays but was now back on track.

“We had challenges when some people went to court over the restocking program, turning it into a legal issue. But now, we have agreed that every homestead will receive a basic restocking package,” he said.

He noted that leaders from Teso, Lango, and Acholi had all endorsed a fair and uniform approach to ensure transparency. However, the President emphasized that the Acholi sub-region required special consideration, having suffered the longest and most devastating effects of the LRA insurgency.

“Acholi suffered longer and bore the brunt of the insurgency. We are studying how to provide an additional support mechanism alongside the general restocking program,” he said, adding that he had instructed the Prime Minister to develop a special variation for Acholi to ensure fairness.

Infrastructure and Social Services

Museveni further announced government plans to establish a technical institute in the area to boost vocational training and job creation among youth. He also pledged to upgrade Koch Goma Health Centre III to a Health Centre IV, a move that will improve access to advanced medical care in the region.

Patriotism and Party Development 

In a show of appreciation, the President thanked Adogoraj Meri Laquara Mabel for donating land to host the NRM office in the area, praising her patriotism and contribution to national development.

“These are the issues I wanted to share with you today—education, restocking, and compensation. We are going to handle them one by one,” Museveni concluded, to the applause of the crowd.

President Museveni’s visit to Nwoya marks yet another reaffirmation of the NRM government’s pledge to consolidate peace and development in Northern Uganda. His assurances on compensation, restocking, and education reforms resonated strongly with the residents of Acholi, who have long awaited tangible government action to restore livelihoods after years of conflict and displacement.