Museveni Recalls Defeat of LRA in Teso, Urges Continued Support for NRM

Soroti City — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has revisited the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) wartime exploits in the Teso sub-region, recalling how government forces used air power for the first time to crush a rebel group led by the late Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Vincent Otti nearly two decades ago.

Addressing thousands of enthusiastic supporters during his campaign rally in Soroti City on Monday, President Museveni narrated how the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) deployed gunships in Amuria District to deliver a decisive blow to Otti’s group — an operation he described as a “turning point” in ending insurgency in Teso and restoring lasting peace in Uganda.

“It was here in Teso that we finally defeated the rebels. In Amuria, at a place called Apopong, we used gunships for the first time and they crushed Vincent Otti’s group,” Museveni said. “Before that, we were chasing the rebels on foot — what we called Aibang — fighting without sauce. The gunships became our sauce.”

The President said the operation in Amuria not only broke the backbone of rebel activities in the region but also cemented the NRM government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ lives and property. He emphasized that the victory in Teso was not merely a military success, but also a triumph of the NRM’s ideological foundation of patriotism, unity, and pan-Africanism.

“Our contribution is not just the weapons, but the thinking that guides our politics and defence — rejecting sectarianism of tribe or religion and embracing patriotism,” he noted. Seven Key Contributions of the NRM While drumming up support for the NRM ahead of the upcoming general elections, Museveni outlined what he termed the party’s “seven key contributions” to Uganda’s transformation. These include:

Peace and security;

Infrastructure development;

Wealth creation;

Service delivery;

Market expansion;

Free education; and

National unity and ideological clarity. He said that through these pillars, Uganda has transitioned from instability to a nation of steady progress.

Infrastructure and Development in Teso

The President highlighted significant government achievements in Teso, citing major road projects such as the upgraded Soroti–Katine–Dokolo road, Soroti–Moroto highway, and improved linkages to Kumi District. He also mentioned the expansion of electricity and safe water coverage in several parts of the region.

“The NRM has brought visible progress. You can now move from Soroti to Katine, Dokolo, or Moroto on tarmac. Electricity and water are reaching more people than ever before,” Museveni remarked.

Promoting the Four-Acre Model

Turning to agriculture, the President reiterated his call for farmers to adopt the “four-acre model,” which encourages households to use small landholdings productively by combining enterprises such as coffee, bananas, dairy, fruits, and poultry.

He cited examples of successful farmers in Teso who, through this approach, have created employment and improved their livelihoods.

“When you manage your land well and combine enterprises wisely, you can become an employer and a millionaire. That is the way forward for household wealth creation,” he said.

Renewed Push for Free Education

Museveni also renewed his stance on ensuring free education in government schools, arguing that any form of school fees undermines the opportunities of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“The private schools can charge, but government schools must remain free for the poor,” he emphasized, calling for stricter enforcement of the Universal Primary and Secondary Education policies.

Unity Within the NRM

In a significant show of party unity, the Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, announced the reconciliation between the NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, Calvin Echodu, and his predecessor, Capt. Mike Mukula.

Among said the two leaders had agreed to work together in advancing the party’s cause in the eastern region ahead of the elections.

“I am happy to announce that Hon. Calvin Echodu and Capt. Mike Mukula have reconciled. They are ready to work together to deliver success for the mighty NRM Party,” she told the cheering crowd.

Museveni’s Call to Action

Museveni concluded his address with a passionate appeal to the people of Teso to continue supporting the NRM, reminding them that the peace they enjoy today was built on the sacrifices and vision of the Movement.

“It was from here that we restored peace to Uganda. Support the NRM to continue building the country,” he urged.

The Soroti rally drew massive crowds, reflecting the region’s historical ties with the NRM and its appreciation of the government’s peace and development record.