President Museveni Concludes Teso Campaigns with a Call for Peace, Unity, and Development

BUKEDEA, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has concluded his campaign trail across the Teso Subregion with a powerful message centered on peace, stability, and continued development under the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Speaking to thousands of jubilant supporters in Bukedea District, the President reflected on Uganda’s transformative journey from the dark days of conflict to the peace and prosperity that now define the nation. Drawing from his own experiences during the liberation struggle, Museveni recalled camping at Nyero Rock in Kumi District while fighting insurgents and expressed pride in the progress made since then.

“Yesterday, I was in Kumi, and I remembered when I used to camp at Nyero Rock to fight the rebels. I’m glad to hear that my people have built a primary school there,” Museveni said, drawing cheers from the crowd.

The site that once hosted fighters in a time of war now hosts learners — a symbol of the peace and stability ushered in by the NRM government.

Peace as the Foundation of Progress

President Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s current stability is a direct result of years of deliberate effort by his leadership to secure the nation. He reminded the people of Teso of the dark period of cattle rustling and insurgency, challenges he personally confronted alongside the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and local vigilante groups.

He praised the Arrow Boys and the people of Teso for their resilience and partnership in restoring peace, describing Uganda today as an “island of peace” in a turbulent region surrounded by conflicts in countries such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“Uganda is home to over 1.9 million refugees. This shows that we have built a peaceful country where others seek safety,” Museveni said, adding that the UPDF remains vigilant and ready to neutralize any threats before they destabilize the nation.

Infrastructure: The Road to Prosperity

A central theme of the President’s message was infrastructure development, particularly roads — the arteries of economic growth. Museveni underscored that the NRM government has prioritized road construction as a key driver for trade, connectivity, and regional integration.

He cited major achievements in Teso’s road network, including tarmacked routes connecting Tororo to the South Sudan border and Moroto to Bugisu, with additional projects underway to link Teso to Karamoja and Northern Uganda. 

“There is another road we are making from Soroti to Abim,” Museveni announced. “Once these roads are completed, all of Teso will be linked with Karamoja, with Northern Uganda, and with the rest of the country.”

The President also revealed that three remaining key roads, including the Kumi–Ngora road, will soon be completed. Additionally, the Kumi–Ongino road, which connects to a ferry crossing, and the Katakwi–Toroma road leading to Lake Kyoga, will enhance trade and transport efficiency in the region.

“The road is not the destination — it’s the way to progress,” Museveni said. “And that progress will bring you closer to your dreams.”

Electricity and Water Expansion

The President outlined the government’s continued commitment to expanding electricity and water access across the subregion. He noted that most sub-counties in Teso are now connected to the national grid, and plans are underway to extend power to the remaining areas such as Kocheka and Kowena.

In terms of water, Museveni reported that 80% of Bukedea’s villages now have access to boreholes. He further assured residents of the completion of the Kyoga–Gweri–Teso Water Scheme, a gravity-powered system that will draw water from Lake Kyoga to supply all Teso districts, similar to the model used for Kampala’s water supply.

“Our target is that every village should have clean, piped water,” the President affirmed.

Education and Health Services Strengthened

Turning to social services, President Museveni reaffirmed the NRM’s dedication to improving education and healthcare infrastructure. He revealed that Bukedea District now has 98 government primary schools and nine secondary schools, with the goal of ensuring every sub-county has a government secondary school.

Construction is ongoing at Kabarwa Secondary School and Bukedea Town Secondary School, while plans are in place to build new ones in underserved areas.

On healthcare, Museveni announced the upgrading of Aminit Health Centre and the construction of new facilities in Komuge, Aligoi, and Kowena, ensuring that every community has access to quality health services.

Boosting Agriculture and Regional Integration

As part of his vision for Teso’s economic transformation, Museveni emphasized the importance of agricultural modernization through irrigation. He highlighted the planned Achomai Irrigation Scheme, which will mitigate the effects of flooding and ensure steady water supply for farming during dry seasons.

He also discussed the Belt Road to Karamoja, which will serve as a major trade route linking Teso, Karamoja, and Northern Uganda — fostering both economic growth and regional unity. 

A Legacy of Transformation

In a reflective moment, the President asked the people of Bukedea, “Do you sleep on the tarmac road at night?” The crowd laughed and responded, “No!” Museveni used the moment to drive home a point — that development is not just about infrastructure, but about improving lives.

“The road is not where you sleep — it is what brings development to your doorstep,” he said. “Peace and infrastructure are the foundation; what matters now is using them to create wealth and transform our families.”

As President Museveni concluded his campaign tour of Teso, his message was one of continuity and shared prosperity. He urged residents to safeguard the hard-won peace, make productive use of the infrastructure provided, and remain united under the NRM’s vision of national transformation.

“Uganda’s journey has been long, but we are on the right path,” he said. “The peace we built, the roads we constructed, and the schools we established — these are not the end, but the beginning of a better future for every Ugandan.”