From Insurgency to Infrastructure: The NRM’s Transformation of Teso

President Museveni underscored the NRM’s pivotal role in restoring peace to the Teso region, recalling the turbulent years of the late 1980s and early 1990s. He specifically referenced his military command near the Nyero Rocks, where decisive battles were fought against Alice Lakwena’s Holy Spirit Movement. “You people of Ngora and Kumi are witnesses to what was happening here,” he stated, highlighting the stark contrast between the region’s past insecurity and its current stability. This peace, he argued, is the bedrock upon which all other development initiatives are built.

Beyond security, the President detailed significant investments in infrastructure. The Kumi–Ngora–Serere–Kagwara road, now secured for construction, represents a key component of this effort, connecting the region to broader economic networks. He noted the expansion of tarmac roads reaching Kumi, Soroti, Lango, and even Karamoja, signifying increased accessibility and trade opportunities. Ngora District is now fully connected to the national electricity grid, with power reaching nearly all sub-counties, and 90% of villages now have access to safe water.

These infrastructural improvements are complemented by targeted programs designed to empower citizens economically. The NRM has consistently prioritized poverty alleviation through initiatives like Entandikwa, NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Emyooga, the Women Fund, the Youth Fund, and, most recently, the Parish Development Model (PDM). President Museveni emphasized that these programs are not merely handouts, but rather tools to equip Ugandans with the means to create sustainable income and build prosperity.

Did You Know? The Parish Development Model (PDM) has already disbursed 99.93% of its allocated funds in Ngora District, reaching 22,395 households – covering 69.3% of the district’s population.

Expanding Economic Opportunities and Addressing Historical Grievances

President Museveni announced plans to further bolster the PDM, adding an additional 15 million shillings per parish. He also pledged the creation of dedicated funds for fishermen, religious leaders, cultural institutions, and university graduates facing unemployment. This commitment to inclusive growth reflects the NRM’s broader strategy of ensuring that all segments of society benefit from Uganda’s economic progress.

Acknowledging historical injustices, the President addressed the long-standing issue of cattle loss during past insurgencies in Teso, Lango, and Acholi. A new, uniform compensation strategy has been finalized, offering each affected household five cows as a flat rate. This move aims to provide fair and efficient redress for past losses and contribute to the rebuilding of livelihoods. What impact will this compensation have on the region’s agricultural output?

The President also highlighted the success of Joseph Ijala, a farmer from Serere District, who has transformed his poultry and dairy farm into a thriving business, earning over 2 billion shillings annually. This success story serves as an inspiring example of the potential for economic empowerment through commercial agriculture. The NRM is actively promoting commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT as key sectors for wealth creation.

Further investments are planned in education and healthcare. Construction of a Seed Secondary School in Ngora is underway, and rehabilitation projects are planned for Ngora High School and Ngora School for the Deaf. In the health sector, upgrades to existing health centers and the construction of new facilities are planned to improve access to healthcare services across all sub-counties.

The NRM’s commitment to universal education remains steadfast, with the President condemning the practice of charging fees in government-aided schools. He reiterated the importance of ensuring that every parish has a government primary school and every sub-county has a secondary school.

The rally was welcomed by Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, Speaker of Parliament, who praised the President’s commitment to infrastructure development, particularly the allocation of 1 billion shillings for road rehabilitation in Ngora. Mr. Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, commended the district’s leadership for establishing the first NRM office in Teso, demonstrating the party’s strong grassroots support. The President’s visit underscores the NRM’s continued focus on the Teso sub-region.

What role will the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) play in unlocking the economic potential of Ngora and the surrounding areas?

Frequently Asked Questions about the NRM’s Programs in Ngora