Museveni Affirms NRM’s Continued Commitment to Karamoja’s Progress, Seeks Renewed Mandate
Nabilatuk District, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni, addressed a rally in Nabilatuk today, reaffirming the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) dedication to the socio-economic advancement of the Karamoja sub-region and the nation as a whole. The President urged residents to demonstrate their continued support for the NRM in upcoming elections, citing the party’s proven track record in peacebuilding and wealth creation as key differentiators.
Museveni emphasized that the NRM possesses a uniquely effective strategy for fostering economic growth, a strategy he claims no other political contender has successfully challenged. He highlighted the restoration of lasting peace in Karamoja – a region historically plagued by insecurity – as a cornerstone achievement of the NRM government. “You all are witnesses to how the NRM has been able to create peace in Karamoja and in the rest of Uganda,” he stated, acknowledging the transformative impact of stability on the region’s development.
From Conflict to Construction: NRM’s Dual Focus on Infrastructure and Social Welfare
Beyond peace, President Museveni outlined the NRM’s two-pronged approach to national development: bolstering economic infrastructure and strengthening social services. He pointed to tangible improvements in Nabilatuk District as evidence of this commitment, citing the construction of a tarmacked road, enhanced water facilities, improved schools, and upgraded health centres. However, he also acknowledged existing challenges, specifically noting that access to safe water in Nabilatuk lags behind that of neighboring Nakapiripirit District.
“Out of 96 rural villages, 44 have access to safe water – that is 46%. In Nakapiripirit, it is 82%. You should find out why,” the President directed, signaling a commitment to addressing this disparity. Current efforts include one operational piped water system, with designs completed for three additional systems. Major water reservoirs, such as Longorikipii and Arengetekat (each with a 20,000 cubic meter capacity), have been constructed, alongside smaller reservoirs at Aputiputi, Najonai-Kalakal, Nakikokolyae/Kamosing, Namata-Alomaa, Nangorit, and Sakale/Nakoko (each with a 10,000 cubic meter capacity). A 20 million-litre valley tank at Napayan is complete, and a solar-powered irrigation system is under development to boost agricultural productivity.
Investing in Human Capital: Education and Healthcare Priorities
President Museveni reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to universal education through the Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs. He expressed concern over reports of schools charging unauthorized fees, hindering access to education for some children. “Under UPE, we are supposed to have free education, but some people keep charging fees, which makes children drop out of school. I don’t like this. The NRM wants mass education for everybody,” he asserted, appealing for full enforcement of free education policies. The government is also investing in skills development through innovation hubs, such as the one in Napak District.
Nabilatuk District currently boasts 17 primary schools and three secondary schools, including the newly completed Lolachat Seed Secondary School. The government’s long-term plan aims to establish one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county. Recognizing the unique security challenges in Karamoja, President Museveni indicated a willingness to explore the implementation of boarding sections in schools to ensure student safety.
On the healthcare front, the President highlighted significant progress in immunization rates, attributing the region’s population growth – from 190,000 in the 1980s to 1.3 million today – to improved health outcomes. Plans are underway to upgrade Lolachat Health Centre II to a Health Centre III, and construction is progressing on new health facilities in Natarie, Nayonai Angikalio, Lorengedwat, and Nabilatuk.
Empowering Communities: Wealth Creation and Sustainable Livelihoods
President Museveni stressed the importance of individual wealth creation alongside broader national development. “You must add wealth creation alongside development because you can have development and still remain poor. Development benefits everyone, but wealth creation is for an individual,” he explained. He encouraged residents to pursue opportunities in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, information and communication technology (ICT), and service industries like transport and hospitality, sectors he identified as key drivers of job creation. He noted that factories currently employ 1.3 million Ugandans, surpassing government employment figures of 480,000.
Addressing concerns raised by residents regarding grazing rights in protected areas, President Museveni assured them that the issue would be addressed through dialogue with community elders and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), seeking a balance between conservation and traditional livelihoods. He also underscored the economic value of tourism to the sub-region.
First Lady Janet Museveni echoed her husband’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirming the NRM’s commitment to the people of Karamoja. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding the peace achieved under the NRM’s leadership, recalling the challenges faced in encouraging food production and reducing reliance on external aid in the past. She celebrated the region’s progress towards self-sufficiency, envisioning a future where the NRM will facilitate a transition from traditional housing to modern homes.
What role can community-led initiatives play in sustaining the progress made in Karamoja? And how can the government best support local entrepreneurs in diversifying their income streams?
Frequently Asked Questions About NRM’s Development Initiatives in Karamoja
What is the NRM’s primary strategy for wealth creation in Karamoja?
The NRM’s wealth creation strategy focuses on empowering individuals to engage in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, and service industries, complementing broader national development initiatives.
How is the NRM addressing the disparity in access to safe water between Nabilatuk and Nakapiripirit districts?
The government is investigating the reasons for the difference and is actively expanding water infrastructure in Nabilatuk, including the construction of new piped water systems and reservoirs.
What steps is the NRM taking to ensure free education is accessible to all Ugandan children?
The NRM is committed to enforcing free education policies under UPE and USE, addressing issues of unauthorized school fees, and investing in skills development through innovation hubs.
What is the NRM’s plan for addressing security concerns in Karamoja’s schools?
The government is considering implementing boarding sections in schools in Karamoja to enhance student safety, with a review planned after 10 years to assess the model’s effectiveness.
How has the NRM contributed to population growth in Karamoja?
The NRM’s investments in healthcare, particularly immunization programs, have significantly contributed to the region’s population growth, increasing from 190,000 in the 1980s to 1.3 million today.
Disclaimer: This article provides information based on publicly available statements and reports. It is not intended to provide political endorsements or financial/medical/legal advice.
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