Museveni Campaigns in Lango, Pledges Continued Support for Wealth Creation and Regional Advancement
Kole District, Uganda – January 9, 2026 – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, addressed a large rally in Kole District, Lango Sub-region, reaffirming his government’s commitment to wealth creation, cattle compensation, enduring resource management, and continued infrastructure development. The rally marked the start of his campaign in the region, a key area for garnering support in the upcoming elections.
Addressing Past Commitments and Economic Empowerment
President Museveni addressed supporters at Aculbanya Secondary School playground, assuring them of the government’s dedication to improving livelihoods. He specifically addressed the long-awaited cattle compensation for communities in Lango, Acholi, and Teso sub-regions, acknowledging past delays and outlining a new approach through the Parish development Model (PDM). He explained that a recent cabinet decision shifted from direct cattle provision to providing funds directly to beneficiaries, with Shs15.98 billion already disbursed to 16,176 households in Kole District alone,representing 86.08% of the allocated Shs18.56 billion [Source: Original Article].This shift aims to empower communities to make informed decisions about their livestock needs and contribute to a more sustainable and market-driven approach.
The President emphasized the importance of moving beyond mere survival to building wealth, a beliefs he traced back to his early political activism in the 1960s.He reiterated the NRM’s four-acre model, advocating for diversified farming practices including coffee cultivation, fruit growing, dairy farming, and poultry or fish farming, tailored to the specific needs of families with limited landholdings.This model, he argued, is crucial for transitioning from subsistence farming to a more commercially viable agricultural sector.
Infrastructure Development and Regional Integration
A notable portion of the rally focused on infrastructure improvements in the region. Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second national Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, highlighted the transformative impact of road construction, specifically mentioning the Tororo–Mbale–Soroti–Kole–Kamdini route and the Atyak–Gulu road, which connects northern Uganda to South Sudan [Source: Original Article].The Atyak-Gulu road is particularly vital for regional trade and is being supported by funding allocated under the AFCON budget.
Rt. Hon. Among also advocated for upgrading the Aboke Health Center IV to a district hospital and the establishment of a technical school in the area, addressing critical needs for improved healthcare access and skills development. she noted the challenges faced by farmers due to prolonged dry seasons and called for increased investment in irrigation to ensure year-round agricultural productivity.
Sustainable Resource Management and community Empowerment
president Museveni underscored the importance of sustainable use of natural resources, particularly the wetlands abundant in the Lango region. He cautioned against their destruction, advocating for responsible practices like fish farming on wetland peripheries combined with irrigation to maximize yields and generate income. He shared his own experiences to demonstrate the potential of proper water management techniques.
The President also highlighted the government’s long-standing commitment to supporting vulnerable populations through programs like Entandikwa,initiated in 1997,designed to provide seed capital and access to financial resources for those without conventional banking options. He pointed to the growth in livestock and crop production as evidence of the positive impact of these initiatives on the Ugandan economy.
Addressing Security and Political Stability
Both President Museveni and Rt. Hon. Among emphasized the crucial role of peace and security in fostering development. Rt. Hon. Among recalled the past insecurity in northern Uganda and contrasted it with the current stability, attributing this transformation to the NRM’s leadership. Hon. Hamson Obua,the NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda,echoed this sentiment,stating that a vote for President Museveni is a vote for continued peace,which he described as the “centre of gravity” of Uganda’s development [Source: Original Article].
Local Priorities and Community Feedback
Mr. Boniface Okot, an aspirant Member of Parliament for Kole South, presented a memorandum outlining local priorities, including increased investment in fisheries and addressing gaps in education infrastructure. He reported that Kole District has 61 government and 35 private primary schools, and 7 government and 54 private secondary schools, but noted that 21 parishes lack a government primary school and five lack a government secondary school. The construction of two new seed secondary schools is underway to address this disparity.
Okot also highlighted the progress in access to safe water, with 80% of villages now covered, and the planned extension of electricity access to additional sub-counties.
Looking Ahead
President Museveni concluded his address by urging the people of Kole and the wider Lango Sub-region to continue supporting the NRM, emphasizing the importance of preserving the gains made and building a brighter future for Uganda. The rally underscored the NRM’s commitment to economic empowerment, infrastructure development, and sustainable resource management, key themes that are likely to dominate the upcoming election campaign.
Key Takeaways:
- The government is shifting towards providing financial support rather than livestock directly for cattle compensation programs.
- infrastructure development, particularly road construction, is a priority for the region.
- Sustainable resource management,especially of wetlands,is crucial for long-term economic growth.
- Peace and security are considered foundational for continued development.
