PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HIGHLIGHTS PEACE, REFUGEE HOSTING AND SERVICE DELIVERY DURING NTOROKO CAMPAIGN RALLY

Ntoroko District, Uganda — 5 December 2025

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni continued his campaign trail in the Rwenzori Sub-region on Friday evening with a rally in Ntoroko District, where he underscored Uganda’s long-standing stability and the National Resistance Movement’s continued commitment to improving livelihoods, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting vulnerable communities.

Accompanied by senior NRM leaders, the President told residents that Uganda’s peace is exceptional given its proximity to some of Africa’s most unstable regions. He referenced ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia, noting that Uganda has remained firmly insulated from such turmoil under NRM stewardship.

“We have maintained peace even while bordering conflict areas such as Congo, South Sudan and Somalia,” Museveni emphasized. “Today we are hosting about 700,000 refugees from the DRC. This refugee presence is not a burden but proof of the stability and security the NRM has carefully built over the decades.”

Addressing Flood Victims and Public Service Response

While speaking to the community, the President expressed concern about the 9,000 residents affected by recent floods who remain stranded. He directed his Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to immediately engage the Prime Minister and the Head of Public Service for a detailed update on government interventions.

“I want the responsible offices to brief us urgently on the status of the 9,000 flood victims,” he said. “We must ensure that these Ugandans receive the support they need and are not left behind.”

Museveni noted that effective disaster response is fundamental to ensuring equitable development and reaffirmed the government’s readiness to mobilize additional resources where necessary.

Semuliki Bridge Budget Review

Infrastructure development also featured prominently in his address. The President revealed that government will re-examine the budgetary requirements for the Semuliki Bridge—a strategic route connecting communities and facilitating trade within the region.

“We shall review the budget for the Semuliki Bridge so we determine the required funding,” Museveni stated. “This infrastructure is crucial for movement, commerce, and the overall transformation of Ntoroko and neighboring districts.”

Residents cheered the announcement, noting that the bridge has long been a lifeline for business, health access, and agricultural transportation. 

Directives on PDM Beneficiaries’ Concerns

The President also responded to complaints from locals regarding high costs incurred by beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM). Acknowledging the concerns, he instructed the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi, together with the PDM Secretariat, to meet the affected communities and resolve the problem promptly.

“The PDM is meant to uplift households, not burden them,” Museveni said. “I have directed Minister Magyezi and the Secretariat to engage those affected and find a quick solution.”

The Parish Development Model remains one of government’s flagship interventions for transitioning households from subsistence to the money economy, and Ntoroko is among the districts benefiting from the programme.

Reaffirming NRM’s Vision

President Museveni concluded his rally by calling on the people of Ntoroko to continue supporting the NRM as the party pursues transformation through strategic prioritisation—whether in security, infrastructure, social services, or economic empowerment.

The Ntoroko rally marked another key stop in the President’s wider campaign efforts across the Rwenzori Sub-region, following engagements earlier in Kasese, Bunyangabu, and Bundibugyo districts. His messages have centered on peace, historical progress, and the NRM’s roadmap for Uganda’s transition into a fully modern and self-sustaining economy.