MUSEVENI TELLS LAMWO RESIDENTS: USE PEACE TO CREATE WEALTH AND TRANSFORM LIVES

Lamwo District-President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the people of Lamwo District to seize the opportunity presented by lasting peace to build wealth and transform their lives.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Padibe Town Council on Thursday, the President said Northern Uganda, once ravaged by war and insurgency, is now enjoying unprecedented peace and stability — the foundation upon which development and prosperity can thrive.

“Peace is now available — the wars are over. This is the first time in 500 years Uganda has enjoyed such stability,” the President said, noting that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has delivered security across regions that once suffered from conflict and cattle rustling.

“Now that peace is in place, let us use it to create wealth,” he added. 

Focus on Wealth Creation and Development

President Museveni, who is also the NRM National Chairman and presidential flagbearer, assured residents that the government will continue supporting them through wealth creation initiatives and infrastructure development.

He highlighted significant progress made in education, health, water, and electricity access — sectors that were once crippled by insecurity and marginalization in Lamwo.

According to the President, Lamwo now boasts 74 government primary schools and seven government secondary schools, and the government remains committed to ensuring that every parish has a primary school and every sub-county a secondary school.

“We want every Ugandan child to access education close to home. That’s why we are building schools at parish and sub-county levels,” Museveni emphasized.

Improved Health and Social Services

On health, Museveni credited the government’s interventions for Lamwo’s growing population — now exceeding 200,000 residents, saying the increase reflects improved healthcare delivery and reduced infant mortality rates.

He also revealed that 82% of Lamwo’s villages now have access to clean water, while electricity has been extended from Lira through Kilak, connecting more communities to the national grid.

“These developments are a result of peace and the NRM’s consistent efforts to serve all parts of Uganda,” he said.

Economic Empowerment through Government Programs

Turning to economic transformation, the President called on residents to fully embrace government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, NAADS, and Entandikwa, which are aimed at empowering households to move from subsistence to commercial production.

“Each parish will receive 100 million shillings annually, plus an extra 15 million for leadership structures,” Museveni said. “We also have tailored funds for religious and cultural leaders, unemployed graduates, and Boda Boda riders. These are opportunities you should not waste.”

He urged the people of Lamwo to engage in value addition, cooperative farming, and market-oriented production to lift themselves out of poverty.

Strategic Development Priorities

The President further reiterated that the NRM’s development model is anchored on strategic prioritization — focusing first on peace, infrastructure, and electricity before addressing wage demands and other recurrent needs.

“Some people ask for salary increases before roads and electricity, but we must first lay the foundation. Roads, electricity, and peace must come first to unlock economic potential,” Museveni stressed.

Condolences to Road Accident Victims

In his address, the President also extended his condolences to the families of the 46 people who died in the Kiryandongo road accident along the Kampala–Gulu Highway earlier this week.

He announced that the government would provide UGX 5 million to each bereaved family and UGX 1 million to those injured, urging Ugandans to observe road safety and avoid reckless driving.

Local Leaders Applaud NRM Achievements

Local NRM leaders in Lamwo praised the President for transforming the region. The Lamwo District NRM Chairman, Mr. Odoki Pollycap, thanked Museveni for restoring peace, improving infrastructure, and implementing pro-people programs that have changed lives.

He presented several district requests to the President, including the elevation of Palabek to district status, the establishment of a skilling hub, and the upgrading of Padibe Health Centre IV into a hospital.

In response, President Museveni pledged to follow up on the requests and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to Lamwo’s continued progress.

“You have seen what we have done. Let’s continue together. Lamwo will never be the same again,” he said to loud applause from the crowd.

A Call for Unity and Continued Support

The President concluded by calling on the people of Lamwo to remain united and steadfast behind the NRM, saying that peace and stability are the foundation for all development gains achieved so far.

“The future is bright. With peace, organization, and hard work, Northern Uganda will prosper like never before,” he said.