When President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni climbed the podium at Zombo Upper Primary School playground, the dust from dancing feet still hung in the air. Thousands had gathered under the blazing Saturday sun, waving yellow flags and singing familiar songs in support of the ruling party, National Resistance Movement (NRM). But beneath the jubilation lay an old plea — “Fix our roads.”
And this time, the President had a firm answer.
“The contract for the construction of the road from Nebbi to Zombo will be signed in April 2026,” he announced to loud applause. “It will then be followed by the road from Zombo to Vura.”
The promise was more than just a campaign statement. For residents of Zombo, the rough terrain and crumbling roads have long symbolized the region’s struggle for connectivity. The President’s pledge brought renewed hope to farmers, traders, and families who have endured years of isolation.
A Pledge to Reconnect Zombo
President Museveni, who is also the NRM Presidential Flag Bearer in the upcoming 2026 general elections, told the crowd that the Zombo–Vura Road is part of a larger national network plan aimed at linking Uganda’s remote corners to markets and social services.
“When NRM came into power, the tarmac road ended at Karuma,” he recalled. “We have since extended it to Gulu, and from there to Koboko. The Nebbi–Zombo–Vura Road is part of this national transformation.”
He dismissed claims that the area had been neglected, explaining that earlier projects focused on main transit corridors before moving to interior roads like those in Zombo.
“The Nebbi–Goli road is only 16 kilometers and from Goli to Vura is 118 kilometers. You cannot say NRM cannot do that because we have already done over 1,000 kilometers elsewhere,” he said.
Peace as the Foundation
Beyond infrastructure, the President used his Zombo rally to revisit a familiar theme — peace and stability. He reminded the crowd that Uganda’s steady development rests on the peace secured under the NRM.
“It is only the NRM that has managed to secure peace from border to border because of our politics of unity and caring for the people,” he said.
Tracing the NRM’s origins, Museveni recalled how, 65 years ago, young nationalists like himself broke away from sectarian political parties. “The old parties were based on religion, tribe, and sectarianism. You cannot build a national army or achieve stability through divisive politics,” he said.
He drew comparisons with Uganda’s neighbors, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, where instability continues to displace thousands. “You know what happens in Congo and South Sudan,” he told the crowd. “Refugees come here because we have peace. That is why NRM must continue.”
Education and Health Take Center Stage
The President also turned his attention to the education sector, pledging that all sub-counties in Zombo District will have at least one government secondary school in the next term.
Zombo currently has 15 sub-counties, with eight government secondary schools serving over 3,800 students. Construction of four Seed Secondary Schools — Atyak, Abanga, Kango, and Alangi — is already underway to close the gap.
“For us in the NRM, education is the key to transformation,” Museveni said.
Regarding healthcare, the President promised to upgrade Paidha Health Centre III to Health Centre IV, and to follow up on plans for a district hospital. “I will take up the issue of your hospital,” he assured the cheering crowd.
Wealth Creation and the Parish Development Model
Turning to the economy, Museveni urged residents to take advantage of the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government initiative aimed at moving households into the money economy.
“Even if we tarmac the roads and you have no wealth in your homes, it will not benefit you. Everyone must participate in wealth creation,” he said.
He explained that Zombo’s 61 parishes have so far received Shs 18.7 billion, with 97.7% disbursed to over 18,600 beneficiary households. “In football, we have players and spectators. In wealth creation, we don’t want spectators — everyone must be a player,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
The President also revealed plans for a special fund to support university graduates who have remained unemployed for at least two years, as well as a fund for religious leaders to strengthen community mobilization.
A Message of Unity and Gratitude
First Lady Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, who accompanied the President, praised the people of Zombo for supporting government programs and reaffirmed the NRM’s commitment to improving education.
“Let us continue to vote for NRM so that we keep the peace and unity that our children and grandchildren deserve,” she said. “The refugees we host are a reminder that our peace should never be taken for granted.”
Zombo’s Political Landscape
Zombo has long been an NRM stronghold. In the 2021 elections, President Museveni secured 76.08% of the district’s votes. According to the 2025 Electoral Commission register, the district now has 149,412 registered voters across 363 polling stations, up from 220 in 2021 — a sign of steady political growth.
Despite its loyalty, local leaders admit that poor road infrastructure has hindered service delivery. For many, Museveni’s new pledge feels like a long-awaited reward for consistent support.
As the sun dipped behind the Zombo hills, chants of “Tova Ku Main” echoed through the crowd — a phrase that has become the heartbeat of the NRM campaign. Museveni smiled, waving his trademark hat to the crowd.
“We started this journey together,” he said. “Let’s finish it together — in peace, unity, and prosperity.”
