General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, has reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating poverty in Uganda through direct socioeconomic empowerment programs.
Speaking at campaign rallies held at Leju Stadium in Leju Town Council, Terego District, and at Geya School playgrounds in Yumbe District, Museveni emphasized the government’s sustained efforts to support citizens through various development initiatives.
Reflecting on the root causes of poverty, Museveni expressed frustration at having to persuade people to embrace prosperity. urging Ugandans to fully utilize government programs aimed at improving their livelihoods.
He outlined the evolution of government empowerment schemes dating back to the mid-1990s, citing initiatives such as Entandikwa, NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation, Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Program, the Women Empowerment Scheme, the GROW Fund, and the most recent Parish Development Model (PDM). Museveni noted that one of the founding goals of the NRM has always been to ensure that every Ugandan is actively engaged in income-generating activities.
He assured the public that these initiatives will continue to be expanded to reach more communities across the country.
Terego District: Museveni Targets Reform in Public Schools
In Terego, residents overwhelmingly supported Museveni’s proposal to take strong action against public school administrators who continue to charge unauthorized fees, despite the government’s policy of providing free education in all public primary and secondary schools.
Museveni criticized the persistent violation of this policy, noting that his administration has consistently allocated capitation grants to support universal access to education.
He pledged to take decisive action against defiant school administrators in his next term, warning that their actions undermine efforts to provide free and quality education for all.
He further stated that free education is attainable, citing the success of Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs across the country as evidence that government-supported education initiatives can work effectively.
To improve access, Museveni announced plans to build six additional primary schools in Terego District, supplementing the existing 73 schools across the district’s 36 parishes. He also committed to constructing one more secondary school, adding to the current seven schools in the district’s eight sub-counties, to ensure equitable access to education.
Yumbe District: Addressing Faith and Infrastructure
In Yumbe, Museveni addressed concerns raised by the Muslim community regarding the 6% annual interest rate on Parish Development Model funds. He clarified that the interest does not constitute ribah (usury), assuring the public that it aligns with Islamic financial principles.
On infrastructure, the NRM presidential candidate reported significant progress on the Koboko–Yumbe–Moyo road project, which has now surpassed 20% completion. He emphasized that the road is a vital part of the government’s long-term development strategy, dating back to the 1960s, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration.
Museveni pledged continued government investment in road infrastructure to unlock further development opportunities in Yumbe and the surrounding areas, reinforcing the vital role of transport in stimulating economic growth.
Scaling Up Agriculture in Yumbe
Still in Yumbe, Museveni promised to scale up the free distribution of seedlings to households across the district in his next term, as part of efforts to promote commercial agriculture. The seedlings will include coffee, cocoa, and various fruit-bearing trees with commercial potential.
He also pledged to establish another demonstration farm in Yumbe on a piece of land donated to him by the local community, with the aim of promoting modern farming practices and showcasing agricultural innovations.
Prime Minister, Local Leaders Rally Behind Museveni
Prime Minister Robina Nabanja, who joined the NRM presidential campaign in Yumbe, highlighted the district’s competitive advantages and urged residents to vote for General Museveni for another term in office, citing his proven track record and development agenda.
Majid Aniku, the NRM district chairperson for Yumbe, also outlined the party’s achievements in the district. These include: 49% piped water coverage, Over UGX 60.3 billion disbursed to more than 19,000 households under the Parish Development Model, Support for a growing population, now estimated at 1.17 million among other.
Aniku called for additional government attention and resources in the next term to build on these achievements and accelerate development in Yumbe.
