Museveni Honors Arrow Boys, Pledges New Development Projects for Teso

AMURIA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid glowing tribute to the Arrow Boys of Teso, honoring their courage and sacrifice in defending their communities against insurgent forces during the turbulent early 2000s.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Amuria District, the President—accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni—hailed the group’s valor as a pivotal force in restoring peace and stability across the sub-region.

“You people of Amuria and Teso are witnesses to what happened here,” President Museveni said. “There is a place called Apopong where the UPDF destroyed Kony’s army. That was the turning point of the war against Kony. In Anyara, Kalaki, we killed one of the notorious rebels called Tabuley. I want to thank the Arrow Boys who joined me in bringing peace here.”

The Arrow Boys, a local self-defense militia composed of ex-soldiers and civilians armed with rudimentary weapons such as bows and arrows, played a crucial role in pushing back the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Supported by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), their grassroots defense efforts helped rescue abducted children and reclaim villages terrorized by rebels.

President Museveni described the group as true patriots, emphasizing that peace remains the cornerstone of Uganda’s transformation.

“Without peace, no development can take place. That’s why we always emphasize peace first. It is the reason you can now talk of roads, schools, hospitals, and electricity,” he noted.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

The President praised the NRM government’s extensive infrastructure investments across Teso, highlighting key tarmacked roads such as Soroti–Katine–Otuboi–Lira and Soroti–Katakwi–Usuku–Karamoja, which have improved transport and trade.

He also announced several new projects, including the Katine–Ochero, Soroti–Amuria–Achanipi–Otuke, and Kumi–Ngora–Serere–Bugondo roads, which will further enhance connectivity and spur local economic growth.

“When I tell people in Kampala about those roads, they don’t know them. But I know them because I used them when I was fighting Kony,” he said, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

Electricity and Water Access

President Museveni reported that electricity has reached most parts of Amuria, with ongoing efforts to expand distribution to remaining areas. On water access, he revealed that 401 out of 528 villages in the district now have boreholes, while Amuria Town Council operates a piped water system serving over 7,200 residents.

Education and Health Development

The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to education, noting that Amuria District now boasts 68 government primary schools and eight government secondary schools under the Universal Education program. He pledged to ensure every parish has a primary school and each sub-county a secondary school.

On healthcare, he announced plans to upgrade local health facilities. Amuria currently has one hospital and ten Health Centre IIIs serving 18 sub-counties. The government is upgrading Olwa, Abia, and Amolo Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs and constructing new facilities in Ogongora, Asamuk, Wera, and Orungo. Additionally, Wera Health Centre III will be elevated to a Health Centre IV, and a new theatre is being built at Orungo.

“We are working to ensure that every Ugandan has access to quality health services within a reasonable distance,” Museveni said. “We shall continue upgrading facilities, building staff houses, and using ICT to track medicines and reduce absenteeism among health workers.”

Wealth Creation and Economic Empowerment

Turning to the economy, the President urged citizens to utilize the peace dividends to engage in productive activities. He noted that while 32% of Ugandans were previously outside the money economy, the figure has since dropped to 33%, showing gradual progress.

“I now appeal to the remaining 33% to join the journey of modern wealth creation,” he said.

He cited model farmer Joseph Ijala of Serere as an example of successful commercial agriculture, emphasizing that wealth creation must revolve around four key sectors—commercial agriculture, industry, services, and ICT. “When we talk of roads, schools, hospitals, and security, it is the wealth creators who make these possible through the taxes they generate,” he added. 

NRM Endorsements and Party Unity

During the event, President Museveni officially handed over NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairpersons, councillors, and other party flag bearers in Amuria District, formally endorsing them for the upcoming elections.

In her remarks, Maama Janet Museveni commended the people of Teso for their unwavering support and loyalty to the NRM, calling for continued unity and focus on development.

“We are proud of you—you look beautiful in yellow. We are one big NRM family,” she said. “On voting day, ensure that every family member and neighbor turns up to vote for the NRM so that we can continue building a strong and united Uganda.”

Appreciation from Local Leaders

The NRM Chairperson for Amuria District, Mr. Simon Peter Okello, thanked the President for restoring peace in Teso and implementing numerous development projects, including improved road infrastructure, administrative units, and the establishment of a value addition park in Amuria.

The event attracted NRM Central Executive Committee members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters who thronged Amuria grounds to celebrate the President’s visit.