President Museveni, Hon. Adoa Lauded for Empowering Women and Promoting Development in Serere

SERERE — The people of Serere District have praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his continued efforts in empowering women, promoting education for the girl child, and steering community development through peace and government programs.

During a campaign rally held on Monday, the Minister of State for Fisheries and Woman Member of Parliament for Serere District, Hon. Hellen Adoa, commended President Museveni for transforming the lives of women and the youth through various empowerment initiatives under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government. Adoa: “Peace Made It Possible for Women to Prosper”

Reflecting on her childhood, Adoa recalled the difficult years of insurgency that destabilized the Teso sub-region before the NRM restored peace. She credited Museveni’s leadership for creating the stability that allowed communities to rebuild and thrive.

“When I was a child, we suffered under insurgency. But after President Yoweri Museveni took power, he stabilized this country. Today, Serere is peaceful, and we are determined to protect that peace,” she said.

She narrated her own success story as an example of the opportunities peace has brought, revealing that she founded five schools at the age of 23, something she said would have been impossible without a stable environment.

“At 23, I was able to establish five schools because of the peace President Museveni brought. That is how a young woman can build her dreams in a stable nation,” she added.

Empowering Women Through PDM and Livelihood Programs

Hon. Adoa further applauded the Parish Development Model (PDM) for transforming lives in Serere, especially among women. She explained that through PDM funding, women have started businesses, engaged in livestock rearing, and supported their children’s education.

“The women of Serere and Uganda were once neglected, but today they can access PDM funds and grow economically. We are ready to protect the gains of PDM so that everyone can benefit,” she stated.

She noted that women’s increased financial independence has greatly improved household incomes, helping families achieve stability and dignity.

Youth Empowerment and Fisheries Support

Hon. Adoa also highlighted youth-focused programs such as the Presidential Skilling Initiative and the Youth Livelihood Program, which have transformed the lives of young people in Serere.

“I identified over 6,000 youth who had been neglected. Through the First Lady’s office, we secured UGX 300 million to support them, and they are now starting projects that will transform their lives,” she said.

Additionally, she revealed that the fisheries sector in the Teso region has received UGX 1 billion in government funding to support local fishermen, improve livelihoods, and boost the sector’s productivity.

“It is only this government that remembers the fishermen. The lake may still face challenges, but there is improvement. The fish are growing bigger, and fishing communities are hopeful again,” Adoa remarked.

Kumi–Tapar–Serere Road to Be Upgraded

The Minister expressed gratitude for the government’s approval of the long-awaited Kumi–Tapar–Serere Road project, which she said will soon be tarmacked.

“For the first time, our road has received funding. Serere is going to see a tarmac road, and we cannot wait to witness this development,” she said, noting that better infrastructure will enhance connectivity and boost trade.

Museveni: “We Are Building the Foundation for Prosperity”

In his address, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasized the importance of wealth creation, free education, and infrastructure development as the backbone of Uganda’s transformation.

“We are building the infrastructure needed to open up Uganda. Roads, water, and electricity are all part of our economic transformation,” Museveni said.

Expanding Access to Clean Water

He noted that 277 villages in Serere now have access to water supply systems, with 235 villages enjoying clean water — representing 85% coverage. The President assured residents that the government is working to extend this coverage further, citing ongoing projects such as the Serere Town Council and Ochapa Town Water Supply systems.

“Water is a basic need for both humans and animals. We are working to ensure that everyone in Serere has access to clean water. We’ve already constructed small-scale irrigation systems to support local farmers,” Museveni stated.

Education as the Cornerstone of Development

Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to free and accessible education, explaining that his administration took over and expanded primary schools in the 1980s and 1990s to ensure equality in access.

“The foundation of every successful nation is the education of its children. We made education free, and we will continue to build schools and health centers across the country,” the President said.

He noted that 10 of Serere’s 15 sub-counties now have government secondary schools, with plans to establish more to achieve the goal of one secondary school per sub-county and one primary school per parish.

Wealth Creation and Self-Reliance

The President encouraged residents to embrace government programs that promote economic empowerment, such as PDM, irrigation projects, and small-scale enterprises.

“We have created avenues for wealth creation, from irrigation to small businesses. Now, it’s up to you to make the most of these opportunities,” Museveni urged.

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to free primary and secondary education, describing it as the cornerstone for Uganda’s future prosperity.

“Education is the key to creating a prosperous Uganda. It’s the future of our children, and we will continue to support it,” he said.

NRM Secretary General Todwong: “The Party Remains Close to the People”

NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong also addressed the rally, thanking the people of Teso for their unwavering support and strong turnout.

“The campaign has been very smooth, and we are grateful for the massive turnout wherever we go. This shows the strong connection between the party and the people, who understand and believe in our message,” Todwong said.

He acknowledged the challenges the government faces but stressed that the NRM is committed to improving service delivery and deepening grassroots engagement.

“We know we are not angels. There may be errors in local or central government, but to govern is a process. We continue to learn, improve, and consolidate the gains we have made,” Todwong noted.

He explained that the NRM had refined its campaign strategy to better reach the grassroots, strengthening its bond with the people through more effective local structures.

“We learned from the past and are now using our local structures effectively. That is why you see this enthusiasm everywhere we go,” Todwong added.

The rally in Serere underscored the NRM’s ongoing message of peace, development, and empowerment, with both national and local leaders reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that every Ugandan—especially women and youth—benefits from the nation’s progress under President Museveni’s leadership.