PRESIDENT MUSEVENI AND MAAMA JANET RALLY KARAMOJA FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT IN KOTIDO “Peace is the foundation of development,” says President Museveni as he campaigns ahead of 2026 elections

Kotido District

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, earlier this afternoon made a spirited call for continued peace and development in the Karamoja sub-region during a massive campaign rally held at Lomugura Primary School Playground in Kotido District. The visit formed part of the President’s ongoing nationwide campaign trail ahead of the 2026 General Elections, under the banner of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Addressing thousands of enthusiastic supporters, President Museveni reflected on Karamoja’s transformation journey, particularly the region’s transition from violence to peace and stability. He recounted earlier engagements with Karamoja leaders who once argued for the retention of guns due to insecurity, reminding them that uncontrolled armament was a source of destruction rather than protection.

“I told them that keeping guns in every household is like having fire in the bed. Fire is useful at the Ekemo (fireplace) for cooking, but when it spreads to the bed, it burns the house. Similarly, guns must be kept in the armoury of the armed forces, not in homes,” Museveni emphasized.

The President credited the successful disarmament program spearheaded by the NRM government for restoring lasting peace in the region, describing it as a cornerstone for Karamoja’s ongoing socio-economic progress.

“I told them, give me the guns, and I will defend you against the Turkana and others. Now you can see the results — Ekisil (peace) has returned. Because of that peace, we have extended electricity, built dams like Sinat Valley (with a 4.4 billion-litre capacity) and Kaoyagorok, and paved over 180 kilometres of roads,” he said to loud applause.

President Museveni noted that the infrastructure and agricultural investments being realized in Karamoja are a direct result of peace and stability. He reaffirmed the NRM’s long-held principle that peace is the foundation of development, stating that the government’s focus remains on consolidating security and promoting productivity among citizens.

“When people put down the guns and pick up work, prosperity follows. That is the NRM way — peace, development, and transformation for all,” Museveni said.

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, commended the people of Kotido for their resilience and commitment to embracing government programmes. She urged parents to prioritize education and skill development for their children, describing education as the true equalizer that can lift families out of poverty.

“Education is the greatest inheritance you can give your children. Let us ensure that every boy and girl in Karamoja goes to school and remains there until they complete. That is how we shall build a strong and self-reliant region,” Maama Janet advised.

The rally also attracted a cross-section of local leaders, NRM party mobilizers, cultural leaders, and youth representatives who pledged continued support for the President’s leadership and the NRM’s vision of transforming Karamoja into a productive and peaceful region.

President Museveni concluded his address with gratitude to the people of Kotido for their unwavering support and assured them of the government’s continued investment in roads, irrigation, and livestock development to boost household incomes and climate resilience.

“Arakara noi, Kotido!” (Thank you, Kotido!), he exclaimed, waving to a jubilant crowd chanting pro-NRM slogans.

As the 2026 elections draw closer, the President’s message in Karamoja echoed a consistent theme across his campaign trail — that of sustaining peace, deepening development, and ensuring that every Ugandan enjoys the fruits of stability achieved under the NRM government.