NRM Strengthens West Nile Support as Museveni, Janet Lead Massive Rally in Arua City

ARUA CITY, October — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni on Monday addressed thousands of enthusiastic supporters at Arua Golf Course Grounds, urging them to uphold peace, unity, and continued support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to secure Uganda’s future.

The rally, one of the largest in the West Nile sub-region, was filled with jubilation as supporters from across Arua City and neighboring districts gathered to hear from the NRM National Chairperson and the First Lady, who also serves as Minister of Education and Sports.

Museveni: NRM United Uganda Through Peace and Nationalism

In his address, President Museveni said the NRM’s biggest legacy since 1986 has been the restoration of peace and stability — transforming Uganda from a country once torn apart by division and violence into one anchored in unity and progress.

“The NRM opposed politics of sectarianism and marginalization. We built a national party that unites Ugandans regardless of tribe, religion, or gender. That is why we win on the first round,” Museveni said to loud applause.

He explained that Uganda’s transformation has been possible because the NRM rejected divisive politics that once fractured the country along tribal and religious lines. This unity, he said, enabled the creation of strong national institutions such as the army, police, judiciary, and civil service — all based on merit rather than identity.

“The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the police, and other institutions you see today were built on patriotism, discipline, and professionalism,” he said. “That is why Uganda is stable and respected internationally.”

Expanding Education and Skills Development

President Museveni highlighted the NRM government’s achievements in expanding education opportunities, particularly in Arua and the wider West Nile region.

He noted that Arua District and Arua City now boast 120 government primary schools and 16 government secondary schools — seven in the district and nine in the city.

“In 1961, when I was at Ntare School, there was not a single A-Level school in the whole of Northern or Eastern Uganda. Today, Arua alone has several secondary schools. That shows the journey we have walked,” the President said.

He reminded supporters that the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 1996, followed by Universal Secondary Education (USE), was a revolutionary step toward ensuring free and accessible education for all Ugandan children.

“My intention was to provide free education in government schools. Some people misunderstood it, but we have continued to push for it,” Museveni said.

To further empower young Ugandans, he said the government is investing in vocational skilling hubs under State House, which train youth in trades such as carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, and agribusiness.

“I started the skilling hubs under State House to teach young people practical skills. This is serious business — we are preparing our youth for a productive future,” he explained.

Development Through Infrastructure and Social Services

President Museveni underscored that sustainable national development depends on both economic infrastructure and social services, noting that the NRM government has deliberately invested in both.

“Development has two sides — economic infrastructure and social infrastructure. You cannot build the economy without investing in education, health, and security,” he said.

He pointed to the steady expansion of the road network, electrification programs, and health facilities in the West Nile sub-region as evidence of the NRM’s commitment to balanced regional development.

Maama Janet: Safeguard the Peace and Unity We Have Achieved

First Lady Maama Janet Museveni, who also addressed the gathering, thanked the people of Arua and the entire West Nile region for their unwavering support for the NRM and President Museveni.

“I thank you, the people of Arua, for your love and support. The peace, unity, and stability we now enjoy are precious — and we must protect them by standing with the NRM,” she said.

She reminded parents and community leaders to prioritize education, especially for girls, and to use government programs to uplift household incomes.

Protecting the Gains: NRM’s National Vision 

The Arua rally formed part of President Museveni’s ongoing nationwide campaign tour under the theme “Protecting the Gains”, which seeks to consolidate the achievements made during his administration and prepare Ugandans for the next phase of socio-economic transformation.

Across his tour, the President has reiterated that peace, infrastructure, education, and wealth creation are the cornerstones of Uganda’s progress — achievements that must not be reversed by political instability or divisive politics.

“Uganda has walked a long journey. We have built a peaceful country, and we are now building a prosperous one. Let us remain united and continue this journey together,” Museveni concluded, as supporters cheered and waved NRM flags.