When the sun broke through the morning mist over Padibe Boys Primary School, thousands of residents filled the compound, waving yellow flags and singing songs of hope. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had arrived, not just to campaign, but to reassure Lamwo District that government support would continue to flow their way.
Speaking at the rally in Padibe Town Council, President Museveni began on a somber note, condoling families affected by a recent road accident in Kiryandongo.
“I want to condole with the people who got into an accident in Kiryandongo. I am very sorry about that,” he said, adding that bereaved families would receive five million shillings each, while the injured would get one million shillings. “But please, drive carefully,” he urged.
As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer, President Museveni used his address to underscore the government’s record in restoring peace and expanding infrastructure across Northern Uganda. He said peace remains the foundation of all progress and one of NRM’s greatest legacies.
“You people of Lamwo are witnesses to what peace means. This is the first time in 500 years that Uganda has enjoyed peace,” he said. “The NRM ended wars between tribes, kings, and cattle rustlers.”
The President reminded the crowd that the NRM’s achievements and future plans are clearly outlined in its seven-point manifesto. He said the government continues to invest heavily in education, health, electricity, water, and wealth creation to transform communities.
Regarding education, he revealed that Lamwo now boasts 74 government primary schools and seven government secondary schools, progress he described as remarkable for a border district.
“When I came here and found seven government secondary schools in Lamwo, I was very happy. Our plan is to have a primary school in every parish and a secondary school in every sub-county. Those that don’t have yet will be covered,” he said.
For healthcare, Museveni noted that the district’s growing population, exceeding 200,000, reflects improving health standards. “Children are no longer dying from preventable diseases, which shows that our health programs are effective,” he said.
He also highlighted advances in infrastructure, pointing to increased access to electricity, clean water, and better roads. “When we came into government, electricity was stopping in Lira. We have since extended it through Kilak all the way to Lamwo. There are 530 villages in Lamwo and 432 of them now have water, that is 82 percent coverage. The remaining 92 villages will also be worked on,” he said.
Turning to economic empowerment, the President urged residents to make full use of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), NAADS, Emyooga, and Entandikwa. “Use the chance of PDM to get out of poverty. Each parish will continue to receive 100 million shillings every year. We are also adding 15 million shillings for leaders,” he said.
Museveni emphasized that national development must follow a step-by-step approach, with infrastructure and stability taking precedence. “We, the bush fighters, believe in prioritization. Some people want salary increases before roads and electricity are done, but we cannot scatter our resources. Roads, electricity, and peace are the foundation of all progress,” he said.
He added that Uganda’s oil production, set to begin next year, will further strengthen the economy. “Our oil, discovered under NRM leadership, will boost our capacity to finance more projects,” he said.
During the same rally, Lamwo District NRM Chairman, Odoki Pollycap, thanked the President for his leadership and presented local requests, including the creation of Palabek District, a skilling hub, and the upgrade of Padibe Health Centre IV into a district hospital. “We thank you, Your Excellency, for your able leadership which has brought development and stability to our region,” he said.
In response, President Museveni promised to follow up on the proposals and urged residents to maintain their support for the NRM. “You have seen what we have done. Let us continue working together, Lamwo will never be the same again,” he concluded.